Bryan,
Don't quote me on this, but I would suggest you fit the wheel arch covering
without adhesive -- at least use none under the main parts. I don't recall
how it was on my old '59, but in most cars, a lot of these type coverings
are not glued down. They may be glued or otherwise fastened at strategic
points, but if you glue it in whole, you will definitely get crinkles, etc.
The glue causes these materials to stretch unevenly (sort of the same effect
as when you try to use white glue to fasten down a sheet of paper and you
use too much glue -- you get all sorts of wrinkles, etc.).
Most upholstery is usually done with some sort of strategic fastening in
relatively hidden locations and the rest is hand fitted/stretched into
place. This is pretty nearly the only way you can get it to come out with
the bead where it needs to be and looking straight. You will have to do some
in-place hand maneuvering once you get it pretty close to final installation
in order to straighten out any wrinkles and to straighten the bead. This was
the approach I used when I rebuilt and re-upholstered the intricate seats on
my big boat earlier this year. It's also the same approach I used when I
uholstered the seats, etc. on my old '59 TR3 a long time ago.
If all else fails, stop by a local auto upholsterer and ask for some advice.
I've had several items done a local shop that I can now trust. They are very
helpful with questions.
Roy
techman@metrolink.net
'60 TR3a TS63103LO (in restoration)
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