68 Polara restore back on

[HWYCRZR]

Putting the link in for my bench seat console so I can find it again.
‘68 Polara Bench Seat console Christmas break build
Still a couple of tweaks and need to add my hinges and latch.

 

[Ross Wooldridge]

Wow!! That looks wonderful!!

 

[bigmoparjeff]

Your console looks great! Very nice design.

You've really got upholstery all figured out.

Jeff

 

[HWYCRZR]

Your console looks great! Very nice design.

You've really got upholstery all figured out.

Jeff

Thanks, but I still am learning new tricks each time. The key in the end if figuring out your margins of material overlap from the seam. Every piece should be identical for best alignment.
That and heat when stapling. It is amazing how much better it works when the vinyl is above 100 degrees.
And then there are corners. I need to learn the right method on how to tuck the additional material around corners. It is not quite a simple as wrapping paper.

 

[bigmoparjeff]

I'd like to take a formal course in auto upholstery some day. There are a couple schools in my general area that offer one. I know that all the upholstery shops in this area have more work than they can handle, so it might actually make for a decent career path too.

Jeff

 

[HWYCRZR]

Finally found a reasonably priced ashtray with the tang intact. At $23 shipped I didn’t feel bad about taking it apart and salvaging the tang. Now that I have a good pattern, I may have to make another tang and clean up my parts ashtray and pass it on for a reasonable price.

 

[live4theking]

Mighty fine work on the console.

 

[Unix]

Looks really neat, i was thinking of making something very similar, now i have an even better idea how to do it since looking at your work ! Thanks & great job, these beasts really lack this in the interior nowadays with starbucks coffee and smartphones ;)

 

[HWYCRZR]

On a different topic, I ordered a Chilton’s Dodge 1968-77 Repair and Tune-up Guide. Why? Because it was only $10 or $11, and sometimes I want to know a little more about the other years.
I was pleasantly surprised at the information in this book. It is a must have supplement to your FSM and Operators Manual. It shines over the FSM in explaining basic theory of the main items (ignition- points and electronic, carb, engine system). It is a synopsis of about 2 years of automotive school ( based what I learned 35 years ago).
I actually sat down and read it.
It t covers vin and engine codes, Identification by front grill. Basic routine maintenance. Tune up and troubleshooting tips explaining dwell and points settings, and electronic ignition. Suspension parts removal and much more. I think this is going to become my first go to manual to review when I run into some general questions or experience some issues. If I clearly understand the theory, then I can easily diagnose and fix the issue. I will admit that the FSM goes into way more detail on actual the component repair, but the Chilton’s manual is a excellent extra resource.
It is going on my manual stand, and maybe be taken along on cross country road trips.

 

[Ross Wooldridge]

Agreed -Chiltons would not have lasted as long as they did if they were a poor publication.

 

[live4theking]

That's good to know. I like going to auctions and sometimes manuals sell for pennies.

 

[HWYCRZR]

Sent my carburetor to @Dana for a restore. Even though it was running ok, or so I thought, it was time. He said I was running very lean. Any I got it back today and installed it. Way smoother than before. I could never quite get it that smooth.
can’t wait until the roads dry up to take it for a spin.
Before

After

 

[HWYCRZR]

Video of idle.

 

[3175375]

Video of idle.

Very smooth! Good work!

 

[HWYCRZR]

Very smooth! Good work!

Thanks but Not much work on my part. It came out of the box from Woodruff ready to go. I only had to adjust the curb idle.
I need to resist turning any other screws.

 

[3175375]

Thanks but Not much work on my part. It came out of the box from Woodruff ready to go. I only had to adjust the curb idle.
I need to resist turning any other screws.

Ahh, but you chose to have the carb rebuilt and whom...

 

[HWYCRZR]

Keeping this up to date.
Cleaned, scuffed, undercoated, sealed and re-painted the front fender wells. After 4,000 miles the paint was getting a few chips where the tires go round and round.
A decent weekend project and got to use my roller jack on my lift. Used Ful-Thane 2k single stage Burgundy Metallic. Using a Prevail spray system (basically sprays like a rattle can)
Before, during, after.

 

[HWYCRZR]

Took a couple of test drives today. I found a couple of things that needed adjustment. First was the steering wheel which was related to causing the other issue. My fuel gauge was pegged and bouncing all over. Why was the steering wheel not straight? I pulled out the steering column this winter to fix the little hats the support the shift tube in the steering column and decided that some of the pressure on the hats could be related to the original lower steering bearing having a little play. So when I put it back in and started driving my wheel was a little off center. So had to adjust after driving. Also noticed my fuel gauge being screwed up. Turns out I didn’t re attach the ground wire for the Meter Match that calibrates machine fuel gauge. Running it with out the ground attached messed up the calibration. Every thing is good now. Took it to the parts store to dump some oil, and ran some other errands. Restored carb works great.

 

[HWYCRZR]

Oh and I installed my new floor mats. These are the right color.
OC auto carpets(made by ACC)

 

[3175375]

what are you showing us in this picture? I can’t figure it out.