The restoration continues

[Guest runswithscissors]

The restoration continues.... Searching for the tonneau Cover and spare tire compartment struts in working condition. Right cornering light lens. I'm midway through the interior project...don't you just love the "mechanic's" that have been there before you! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> You know the kind...If they don't have a bunch of spare parts left at the end of the job they didn't do it right! After repairing all the broken plastic brackets ( shaped new ears from junkyard stock and used 3M plastic and emblem adhesive to glue) super strong bond. I stressed them after repair and feel they are as strong as new. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> Replaced all the missing screws and trim pad fasteners (factory left fasteners off trim pads)I'm starting on the leather. I went with Leatherique and I'll keep you posted on the progress and outcome. I know this was touched on in earlier posts but I'll toss it in again. The outside portion of the door glass weather strip is the exact contour as a Lebaron. I found a 92 Lebaron convert in the junk yard. The strips are apx 4 inches longer and are easily cut to fit. The glass "bumpers" need to be relocated 2 3/16 rivets. Does anyone know of a good place to have plastic rechromed? That won't lose it) My inside door light trim rings look a bit worn. OK it's off to the garage and that leather project. Any help would be appreciated.

[Willhelm Reichert]

That center console has to be BETTER than new if you did it right. I hav4e a link about diy plating but never checked on the plastic. I'll dig it up and you can do it for us.

[Guest runswithscissors]

My kid had my camara so I don't have photos but this was my approch to the console seat switch repair...First off I had to clean up the glue duct tape mess. the screw stands were all split. Now don't laugh yet but I went to my ink pen collection and found some that bodys would fit over the stands. Measured and cut into sections. cut groves to fit over the raised castings.Threaded machine screw stock into what was left of the old stands used good old 3m plastic glue bonding against top of cover,360 around stand and raised casting....lots of area. filled inside of ink pen housing (with machine screw passing through) with resin. installed switches over screws, made 4 metal L shaped brackets that fit over screws facing up that contacted with the lip of underside of console on both sides. this clamped the whole mess to the console body. made 2 brackets that were welded to these brackets on the outside edges. Drilled and threaded a hole in each. screwed on the nuts with locktight. After repeated measuring cut machine screw stock facing down to metal console support on floor.You have room for about 1 inch ajustment on this. I tacked a nut to the bottom of stock to give it a "foot" on the floor plate. dipped the "foot" in liquid plastic. placed a blob of paint on the floor plate and kept fitting the console while threading the screw till it made contact with the paint. After the correct height I doubled nutted the top of the rod so it wouldn't move. Is it pretty ? NO but I figue no one is going to see it but me. It is now securly clamped to the console and supported from the floor. I can't tell you where the price of gas is going but I do know these switches are not going anywhere! Ok my leather project is calling me so its back to the garage

[TwinCamFan]

Um if I send my switches, will you fix mine... <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> Sounds like a good repair to me. You HAVE to able to improvise to keep any 'older' car maintained <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

Alan