| Every fall, when the kids go to kindergarten, you can bet they'll get sick all the time. I usually catch the third virus wave, no exception this year. I've been more or less sick the whole November. Enuf said about that. I've been able to do something, though. |
 After
endless trials and errors, I somehow managed to get the headliner sit
quite
allright around the windshield opening, but believe me it was a
pain.
This step was necessary prior to windshield installation. The glass is
all new, the moldings have been rechromed, the mirror is a repro, but
the
rubber seal around the glass is original. The "pinchweld" seal is new,
as well as the center post seal. The sunvisors are still to be
re-upholstered,
but they were mounted while I pulled and tacked the headliner in place
to assure there won't be any wrinkles when finished.
It gives me kicks to see all that chrome dress-up back in place after 3+ years! |
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Also notice the hardware on the door. Both vent window regulators needed repair, as the pot metal body was cracked, although in different places from side to side. I used Techno-Weld to repair each one. Moreover, one of the door lock mechanisms needed a new return spring for the outside handle. It needed a little tweaking as I couldn't find a similar torsional spring anywhere. They aren't used anymore, so I used a coil spring instead. All 4 window sash channels were rotten, and new ones were made of stainless. It's amazing how much hardware is required to operate the locks and windows. I was able to empty a large carton box of bits and pieces into these doors! The vent window
frames were
rechromed. All side glass is new, laminated as originals, but tinted.
The
rear window, being the only one which is curved, is original, yet
tinted
with a film. Tinted glass serves as a poor man's air conditioning - no
need to cool that much when it doesn't heat up that much! Comtemporary
cars are different - it seems like half of the body surface area is
glass
- you just can't survive without A/C in today's "greenhouses".
|
 Notice
that the fender extension is now welded in place and molded with lead.
It took a lot of time eyeballing the fender extension panels to sit in
line with the front fender. The gaps must be even and the door must not
gall the fender while opening it.
I still swear the day when the sandblasting company made me buy the idea that body panels may be blasted without risk of warping, provided you use low pressure and blast at an angle. Bullshit. I doubt if I will ever get the door skins and fenders straight again. I know there's a lot of accumulated body work undone. I should just get into it, but so far I have been extremely succesfull avoiding it. For instance, I convinced myself that I have to assemble the windows first to prevent sanding dust entering the cabin. Can you imagine? I'm running out of excuses anytime soon! But first I have to tear down the frontend to install airbags, overhaul the leaking steering box, lever shock and water pump, and the list goes on... By the way, the
wiper motor
has now been disassembled, cleaned, and installed back. Now wait a
minute
- I could also complete all wiring before bodywork. And redo all
upholstery.
Man, if I'm lucky, I can spend at least 6 months without even touching
the body. Let's celebrate!
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