Mark has just recently done this on a friend's car.it turned out VERY nice..
I'll turn the keyboard over to him :
Redoing the interior trim isn't that hard, provided the windshield is out
and you're reasonably handy with a razor blade.
The padding can be made from 2 layers of 1/4" (6mm) craft foam from the
craft store. If you'r not familiar with it it is a dense foam rubber used for
all
sorts of things - ask for "Foamies" if you can't find it yourself.
I used 3M 77 spray glue for all the gluing involved.
Cut the foam into strips approx 1" wide for the vertical frames and 1.5"
(IIRC) for the top frame. Use a single edge razor blade for all your cutting it
works better for this than an X-acto. You'll need two layers to make the proper
thickness , and the sheets won't be big enough to cut the required items in
one piece so stagger your joints.
The vertical pads extend from below the dash top and end short of the top
latch. They have square ends. The horizontal padding is in two pieces
extending from the outside top latches to the center. The outer ends are square
and
the inner are angled. Use the center latch as a quide and cut them about 1/2"
short and parallel to the latch edges.
Cover the padding with a good grade of jersey backed black vinyl. Cut very
generous strips to cover the pads.
Cut strips to cover the sides. Spray glue on the back of the vinyl and
smooth it down the center of the pad. Then press it down around the edges of
the
pad and finally around the pinchweld. Trim the vinyl on the windshield side
after wrapping it around the pinchweld. At the corner, cut into the corner of
the
windshiedl frame and lay the vinyl flat on the top frame. Trim it just past
the center of the outer top latch positions. Don't worry about the outer edge
just yet.
A 60" wide strip should cover the top of the frame with room to spare. Spray
glue on the back of the vinyl and press it down in the middle. Working from
the center, smooth the vinyl down over the padding. At this stage don't worry
about wrapping it around the frame, just get it smooth and flat, especially
around the inner edges of the pads. Trim the ends of the vinyl with approx 1/2
over lap with the side vinyl. The seam will be hidden under the top latches.
Now. Put the top latches on. Slice tiny X's in the fabric for the screws.
They'll help hold everything in place as you smooth the vinyl over the pads and
pinchwelds. Again, trim the INside (glass side) of the windshield frame.
The outer edge will be held in place by the combined pinchweld
moulding/door seal. The neatest method is to use one long strip running from
the back of
one door over the windshield and around the other, notching it at the upper
corners of the windshield. The rubber 'bulb' seal tube thingie can be cut off
afterwards where it needs to be.
Starting at the rear firmly seat the moulding all around the door until you
hit the padding you've just done. Now gently tap it into place over the
excess vinyl (told ya not to trim it yet!). Once it is on just tight enough to
stay, NOW trim the vinyl along the edge before finally seating it solidly. The
cut
edge disappears under the moulding and looks neat. Notch the inner corner of
the moulding at the upper corner of the windshield and do the same across the
top. Notch again at the other corner and you're in the home stretch. Finish
seating the moulding, put the windshield in and admire your handywork.
Mark.
not
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Laurie :-)
'70-SPL311
AzROC
Chandler, AZ
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