68 Polara restore back on

[HWYCRZR]

Parking lights cleaned up blasted and detailed. For some reason I found an extra set onb E-bay. I think this was back when I thought that somebody else’s spares would be better than my originals. Or maybe I got them for the lenses which were chipped as well. Any my originals were cadmium plated where the Purchased ones were black painted. Must have came from a different factory. Black would have been easier but as you may know I get into the details. 50 years from now I wan the next person to see the originality.

 

[HWYCRZR]

Seat adjusters blasted, painted an re- lubed. I probably need to get my seats out of the attic and find someone to rebuild the seats and re-make the seat covers. Hopefully I will need them this summer.

One finished and one detailed. And finished and lubed.

 

[HWYCRZR]

Taking inventory of parts to figure out what’s missing for assembly.
Brake and fuel lines from in-line tube.

 

[HWYCRZR]

Parts in the attic.
Rebuilt heater box
Gas tank and package tray

Seats- plan to take for a quote next week
New carpet and trunk mat ( in boxes)

 

[HWYCRZR]

Door panels. Had them re- dyed/ sprayed 10 years ago when I first started this journey. The dye is a little splotchy and a couple of panels are a little wavy. I would really like to have them re- covered, but who would have a heat press to re-emboss the pattern? SMS has the vinyl because the top part is my seat color and the bottom part is my dash color. Also need to foil tape the trim (or something like that). And detail the emblem.

 

[Big_John]

Door panels. Had them re- dyed/ sprayed 10 years ago when I first started this journey. The dye is a little splotchy and a couple of panels are a little wavy. I would really like to have them re- covered, but who would have a heat press to re-emboss the pattern? SMS has the vinyl because the top part is my seat color and the bottom part is my dash color. Also need to foil tape the trim (or something like that). And detail the emblem.
View attachment 173019 View attachment 173020 View attachment 173021

Is it the vinyl or are the boards in bad shape?

The vinyl can be removed and glued to new boards pretty easily.

 

[HWYCRZR]

The boards are a little warped but really not bad at all. It is the wear and tear on the upper part that your sweaty arm rested on and the sun faded that may be the worst part. My drivers door has one tear on the bottom and one of my rear panels need re stretched with heat maybe. Getting the right metallic dye to match the seat vinyl may be difficult.
Back side of front and rear panels.

 

[HWYCRZR]

This rear one could benefit from a be panel maybe.
Or would a steam iron bring the panel back to shape?

 

[Big_John]

You could stretch the vinyl over new boards. I think that could work for you.

Here's how I redid mine. There's a good source for the right board material there.

Door Panel repair

 

[HWYCRZR]

Any words of wisdom for removing the chrome strip to facilitate using the chrome tape? Or is it pretty much melted on to the vinyl? I tried to use a little heat at the corner, but didn’t get much movement. I didn’t force it either though.

 

[Big_John]

Mine just peeled off, but there are other options like using a chrome film over the top of your trim. There's chrome vinyl or there's some stuff model builders use.

 

[HWYCRZR]

Did a little work with a heat gun and iron with a towel. It seemed to take most of the bunching and wrinkles out. Maybe do a little more tomorrow. Haven’t used any glue yet. I wanted to see if it would help straighten the board before I glued. This was the worst panel pictured up a thread or two.

 

[HWYCRZR]

Seats.
Took them to an upholstery shop to get measurements and a rough quote.
I need about 8 yards of each material. So about $1,200 in vinyl plus about $4,000 estimated to make the seat covers and re- build the seats. Could be higher depending on the time. Ouch.

 

[Fratzog]

Seats.
Took them to an upholstery shop to get measurements and a rough quote.
I need about 8 yards of each material. So about $1,200 in vinyl plus about $4,000 estimated to make the seat covers and re- build the seats. Could be higher depending on the time. Ouch.

If that is just for a bench front and rear seat it's too expensive. You need to shop around. My .02.

 

[Polara_500]

Who in the heck quoted that high??

 

[HWYCRZR]

The Upholstery Shop. He used to work for Elite before Deke retired and closed the shop.
As full as his shop was I don’t think he was looking for business. Also the minute they find out that they actually have to make the seat covers instead of just stretching reproductions the price goes through the roof. The original vinyl is expensive enough by itself. I don’t think anyone can sew any more.

 

[HWYCRZR]

I may try Bryan’s Coverup, the only other one in Fargo that I can find for upholstery. There is also a guy in Fergus Falls that does boat seats and is supposed to be really good with automotive seat covers. But I may have wait for Toppers car show because I cannot find him on an internet search.

 

[Polara_500]

Dang it, I wasn't aware Elte had closed up shop, wondered why I couldn't find them with a search last night. Seems to me there were a few likely candidates at the last Toppers' show but I'm far enough out I didn't get details.

 

[HWYCRZR]

I used to live across the street from Deke who owned Elite. One day he decided to retire and closed shop. It has probably been about 6 years ago now. No warning. He still owns the building and it is now his man cave. Plenty of room to store his cars and motorcycle collection. Pretty prime real estate for a man cave.

 

[Polara_500]

No lie - but he was the man while he did it.