68 Polara restore back on

Yes the top vinyl came from SMS. Seemed very decent quality and looks like the original (at least as much as I can remember)
 
On the way to get exhaust finished.
Of course it rained all night. It was going to happen sometime. You can’t always drive in sunny weather.

Good news I didn’t see any water getting in the trunk or leaking through the windshield.

Last night in my driveway.
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This morning at work.
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Exhaust is done. Rained both ways so trailered it back. I haven’t put on my wipers yet.
When I first started it and drove it off the lift I wasn’t sure if had even started. He had the original bend cards. And a sample of my original where the two sides come together. He talked me into band clamps instead of the original u- bolt style. He said once the u- bolt clamps are on there is little adjustment because it crushes the joint. With the band clamps, if I want to tweak something I can. I don’t think I will have to. He did a great job. He also is the only shop in town that will re- core a radiator.

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On the way home from the exhaust shop I stopped to fill the gas tank. I had spent a lot of time cleaning the tank and re-sealing. Gas started dripping out of the seams. I got it home and siphoned 10 gallons back out. I guess I need a new tank. I guess I should have pressure tested it.
I guess I will have to go tank shopping.
Two steps forward and one back. I guess not as bad as one forward and two back.
 
New tank ordered from Vans, new gasket and ring as well. I do still have my original ring. New vent and fuel line clamps ordered as well. Should have everything by Friday. Plan to re-use the donut for the fill tube as it is brand new. Maybe I can do the tank exchange next weekend. Will be busy next week as the rest of my chrome will be delivered Monday.
 
New tanks arent too pricey thankfully. Supposing that was the original tank, it was probably about time anyways.
Any rattling, vibrations, tinging etc from the exhaust?
 
It was a “good” used tank I bought off e- bay 10 years ago. It was in really good shape. Probably why it was out of a car, because it leaked.
 
New tanks arent too pricey thankfully. Supposing that was the original tank, it was probably about time anyways.
Any rattling, vibrations, tinging etc from the exhaust?

No touching the frame or engine anywhere. He did an excellent job of mocking it up and laying it out before the final welding. He did a great job on clearances with out sacrificing ground clearance where possible. The closest point to the frame or the ground is where it transitions from the engine compartment past the stub frame to the uni-body. He tucked it up as tight as he could making sure there was clearance on the top side. His bend cards said to use 2-1/4" whereas my original pipe through that area was 2-1/2. It may have changed later to the 2-1/4 for better ground clearance. The 2-1/2 is pretty large through that part.
 
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I finally received the rest of my chrome parts.

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Now I have to mask it and paint the argent. Seems a shame to cover th chrome.
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Old fuel tank out new one in. Arrived via UPS at 8 tonight. I think I was the last stop of the day.

Old. I need to crush it so it doesn’t get re-sold. It looks brand new.
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New tank in
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Front grill complete. May need a couple of bumper adjustments. Also need to aim the headlights.
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To work this morning. About 30 degrees. (Was in heated garage). Purrs like a kitten.
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Back on for Mopar’s in to. I owe my wife big time as she is covering Lacrosse with my daughter that weekend.
Need to update my list.
I did get 100 miles on it last week.

Finish bleeding brakes and put wheels back on.
De anodize and detail the rest of aluminum belt line trim. Am just going to clean up an re- paint the black stripe for now. May send it off next fall for re anodizing.
Install remaining belt line trim
Install plastic sheeting and plugs on front doors.
Add chrome tape to door panels
Install door panels.
Arm rests door latches and window rollers.
glove box door and remaining dash plates
Detail taillight and filler panel chrome and install -if I get it back in time. Otherwise Gorilla tape the tail lights back on. ( any one have spare ‘68 Polara bezels they will loan me for a couple of Weeks?)
Install door protectors
Install straightened left front wheel well trim.
Almost forgot the wipers
Final tune
Drive
Drive
Drive
Drive
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I got the outside door candy on. Now I can finish up my door panels which should be about the last of my interior.
I do need a glove box hinge spring as one of mine is broken. Maybe I can find a glove box door hinge at Mopars in The Park.
Wipers on.
Dash bezels installed ( need glove box bumpers)
I think I have all my mechanical stuff done.
Left to do:
Interior- Door panels, scuff plates, glove box bumpers. Should also install my 5volt solid state regulator for the dash panel.
Exterior- adjust rear window trim, clean up and paint stripe on rear beltline molding and install.
Polish sand clear coat on front left wheel molding and install.
Someday I may even be able to detail my tail panel and bezels.
Almost there.
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