VIN 4728 Running Resto

[Rich_NYS]

Looking good! You better be bringing this to the DMA meet next month.

Yessir, but I'm bringing it on a trailer. Our roads here won't be clear of salt/sand/crap for probably 2 more months.

How did you repair the rear speaker panels? they look great.

Thanks Rob!

Referencing the pics:

-I trimmed the raggedy-ass edge of the vinyl
-Slid strips of vinyl between the existing vinyl and panel
-Used 3M weatherstrip adhesive to secure the new vinyl to the backside of the old vinyl
-Re-dyed the finished repair

[Rich_NYS]

Last night I started the integrated pullstrap mod. It was a bit nerve-wracking to cut into the panel and slice the upholstery, but Dave Swingle wrote a good set of instructions that came with the kit, so that helped calm my nerves a bit -lol.

The reproduced bezels that come in the DMC kit have [IMO] a really crappy finish, and the fender washers are nowhere near the size needed. Between buying more hardware & refinishing the bezels, I'll probably spend $10 at the hardware store and a few more hours to make it work. I unfortunately wasn't able to finish due to missing & sub-standard parts.

The straps look great and I'm totally psyched to get the interior reassemble & see the finished result.

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[Drive Stainless]

I can make those from aluminum or stainless, if you send me one.

[Lwanmtr]

Whats the advantage of later strap placement?

[Rich_NYS]

I can make those from aluminum or stainless, if you send me one.

Thanks Matt, I'm planning to shoot them with black rustoleum for plastic.

[Rich_NYS]

Whats the advantage of later strap placement?

It pulls on the center of the door for a more even (and easier) close, it's not "in the way" on the handle, and probably also takes stress off the handle.

I've had both....I like the later style better.





I finished the pullstraps tonite.

After repainting DMCH's crappy reproduction bezels and buying the missing hardware, I assembled everything and have the bolsters ready for reinstallation.

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[Lwanmtr]

Ahh did not know that. Though not sure I trust myself to be able to cut into the panels to do that mod...hehe.

Looking good.

[Rich_NYS]

Repaired, installed, and tested the vacuum actuator for the center console vents. I used a plastic-welder to repair the break and also reinforce the part.
I normally try to make things look "Dana-good," but this part is out of sight so I was only concerned with fit & function. Plus, I have higher-priority stuff to spend time on.

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Finished the pullstraps and re-assembled the bolsters, I'll re-install them this week:

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Re-attached the passenger A-Pillar and dyed both. All my interior pieces are re-dyed and ready to be re-installed.

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I also re-dyed this part:

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Headliner boards are cleaned and I began coating with fiberglass resin. I also double-checked the fit of the roof boards; I'll be making a one-piece headliner:

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Last night I cleaned the exposed interior, secured loose wiring, removed the rear speaker wire, and started running new wire:

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I only need to install rear speakers and sound deadener, then I can put the interior back together....should be this weekend.

Next I'll be painting the black parts and regraining.

Less than 3 weeks left to have it ready to bring to the DMA event in Jersey. Luckily I'm off the week after next, so I should have plenty of time.

[Lwanmtr]

Did you completely remove the A pillars? When you put them back in, how did you handle the stuff thats supposed to tuck under the windshield?

[Drive Stainless]

Repaired, installed, and tested the vacuum actuator for the center console vents. I used a plastic-welder to repair the break and also reinforce the part.
I normally try to make things look "Dana-good," but this part is out of sight so I was only concerned with fit & function. Plus, I have higher-priority stuff to spend time on.

Rich, did you find that the two roof headliner boards fit together in your car precisely at the molded "seam?" My experience has been that the overall length of the roof, and correspondingly, the length of the roof headliner, is consistent between cars.

Some speculate that the roof headliner was produced as a two-piece design to compensate for dimensional variations in the underbody. Based on my findings, I think that this decision was probably overly-cautious and unnecessary.