After doing some minor interior trim restoration work, have
a few observations. Hope they help someone...
Door waist seals. It is not necessary to take apart the door to
replace these, although one is tempted to do so since that will
allow you to press up on the clips while pressing down on the
seals. The same result can be achieved by making a small tool
out of sheet metal, about 1/2 inch wide and at least 4 inches
long. Bend the last 3/8" around into a sort of flattened "J"
shape, suitable for holding one clip firmly. Use this to
install the clips by dipping them down inside the door and
pulling up. Then use it to hold the clips firmly while pressing
the seals into place. Even if you already have the door
disassembled, this is much easier.
Coverlay dash covers: If I had it to do over again I wouldn't
use one. The Coverlay was apparently cast from a new, never
installed dash top, and since it's rigid, it doesn't compress
properly when you install dash top hardware like tonneau studs
and vent covers. As a result the dash top hardware installation
doesn't really look right.
If there were some kind of filler goop that could be troweled on
to fill cracks before installing new vinyl that would be ideal.
Does anyone know of a suitable product?
Wooden dash preservers: The best of these are merely linseed
oil, sometimes with a little turpentine added. You can get a
gallon of the stuff for a lot less than the specialty-packaged
variety costs for eight ounces. Be sure to use sparingly and wipe
off all excess thoroughly or it will bead up and turn orange.
Don't bother with furniture polishes, they just evaporate when
exposed to weather, sometimes leaving discoloration behind.
Crinkle-finish ash tray lids: The correct product to re-do
this finish is called Krinkle Koat (sp?), and can be obtained
in hardware and even some automotive stores. Comes in a spray
can, costs ~$4.00 for more than you'll ever use.
"Rubber" bumper covers: IMHO one should _not_ use "Bumper
Black"-like products. Many of these are merely glossy black
spraypaint repackaged for use on bumpers. It will not look
authentic. Especially on late Spitfire bumpers which were never
black, but grey. An ordinary consumer trim protectant may not
repair cracking, but at least it will bring out the correct
colour. I find "Clear Guard" from Turtle Wax is very effective.
It has no water, lasts a relatively long time and contains a UV
blocker to help arrest sun damage. Rubber and vinyl just seem to
love this stuff.
Pip pip,
Dan
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