FITTING THE UPHOLSTERED PANEL IN THE TRUNK

There is only one upholstered panel in the trunk and it covers the fuel tank and vent line.

The original panel was not in good condition.  We made a new plywood panel and covered it with black vinyl.  

Tom McCurry

Tommy's Topless Cars

tdmccurry@yahoo.com

843-338-2253

FITTING THE DOOR PANELS

After aligning the doors to their proper position, we can focus our attention on the door panels.

First, we must attach the "lift-the-dot" fasteners for the side curtains and tonneau cover.

Then, the door panels are fastened into place with the stainless steel trim screws.  You will also notice the installation of the upholstered rail on top of the door.

Finally, the receivers for the side curtains are secured to the doors.

All in all, this is not an easy process.  There were several issues with fit and alignment.  We spent 11 man hours fitting this door panel alone.  Hopefully, the panel on the passengers door will be easier to fit.  It helps to be a patient person...

Stay tuned...

Tom McCurry

Tommy's Topless Cars

tdmccurry@yahoo.com

843-338-2253

FITTING THE HOOD FASTENERS

One of the major issues with the bonnet was that a previous owner had replaced the original hood fasteners with aftermarket hood pins.  In doing so, they created a great deal of work for us.

First we had to stitch weld a patch to cover the hole.  Then another patch panel was welded to the underside of the hood to further strengthen the area.

After the bodywork was completed and the hood properly fitted to the body,  we were ready to locate the new fasteners.

 Next we located the fastener receivers on the inner fenders and marked the location on the bottom of the hood.  

We then drilled the hole for the fastener and crimped the eyelet into place.  The bodywork was then completed and the final primer was applied and blocked.

We are almost there...

Tom McCurry

Tommy's Topless Cars

tdmccurry@yahoo.com

843-338-2253

INSULATING THE FLOORS

As you recall from a  previous post, we applied several coats of rubberized undercoating to the floors.

Today we applied the sound/heat insulation to the floor pans.  This product makes the interior temperature much more bearable during the summer months.

Almost ready for the road...

Tom McCurry

Tommy's Topless Cars

tdmccurry@yahoo.com

843-338-2253

MOUNTING THE DOORS

 Before we applied the final paint, the doors were fitted just to make sure that no further alterations would be required.

We purchased new exterior door handles and restored the latch assemblies.

The door checks were also restored and polished.  Also the connecting pins were replaced.

Stay tuned...

Tom McCurry

Tommy's Topless Cars

tdmccurry@yahoo.com

843-338-2253

FITTING THE TRUNK LID

We fitted the trunk lid seal yesterday.  After restoring all the painted parts of the lock, the cross brace and the prop rod, we are ready to assemble the trunk lid.

The prop rod assembly is pictured to the left.

We purchased new hinges for the trunk lid and cleaned and polished the lock...black and chrome.

The lock latched perfectly; without adjustment and the margins between the trunk lid and adjacent body panels are certainly within tolerance.

Stunning...

Tom McCurry

Tommy's Topless Cars

tdmccurry@yahoo.com

843-338-2253

FITTING THE GRILLE, BUMPER AND LIGHTING

Now that we have aligned the front apron and fenders and the badges have been installed, we can fit grille, bumper and head and signal lighting.

Before we applied the final paint, we test fitted the grille and bumper.  

The final assembly was easily accomplished.

Stay tuned...

Tom McCurry

Tommy's Topless Cars

tdmccurry@yahoo.com

843-338-2253