How to flatten the padded C-pillar panels in my 77 NYB

[WissaMan]

I don't know if this is a common occurrence in these cars or if it's just that mine was exposed to excessive moisture at some point. Mine are curled up at the tips pretty badly. I'm wondering if it's actually because the hard rubber-like material around the edge has shrunk.

Do you think if I get the cardboard backing nice and damp and then just clamp it flat that will work? Or maybe put a bit of "reverse" curl into it when I clamp it? Or do these just curl and that's that?

 

[marty mopar]

Heat might help you reshape it. Hot water but not boiling should soften it up.
Or where I live in Tempe, AZ putting it in the sun works wonders.

This is assuming part of it is plastic...if no plastic then water will not help...

 

[WissaMan]

Not going to be hot sun for a while now here in PA . My plan as of now will be to lay wet rags on the cardboard side to dampen it up, then maybe stick it in a warm oven for a few minutes (being careful the oven is only about 100 degrees F). I'll also make some sort of arrangement so that I can put a bit of reverse curl into it. The cardboard in the back is not only curled at the tips but it's puffed out, almost like the force of the padding made it bulge. Unless that's how that's supposed to be... but I somehow doubt it.

 

[Chocolatetown Imperialism]

I don't know if this is a common occurrence in these cars or if it's just that mine was exposed to excessive moisture at some point. Mine are curled up at the tips pretty badly. I'm wondering if it's actually because the hard rubber-like material around the edge has shrunk.

Do you think if I get the cardboard backing nice and damp and then just clamp it flat that will work? Or maybe put a bit of "reverse" curl into it when I clamp it? Or do these just curl and that's that?

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I’m wondering if a steaming it might work?

 

[WissaMan]

If I had a sauna that would probably be the ideal thing! Get the whole thing hot and damp and then clamp it and let it dry out.

 

[Chocolatetown Imperialism]

If I had a sauna that would probably be the ideal thing! Get the whole thing hot and damp and then clamp it and let it dry out.

 

[Chocolatetown Imperialism]

I use a steamer that was very inexpensive designed for clothes. It’s handy to have

 

[WissaMan]

Did you make like a steam box or something or is just waving it around the object sufficient to get it damp and warm?

 

[Chocolatetown Imperialism]

Just place the steamer on the backing board (that’s the piece that is actually warped).

I’ve had 1 4 door and 2 coupes. These C pillar appliqué’s are too heavy for fiberboard they used. Over time the weight forces the boards to warp. On the coupes Chrysler issued a memo to use screws in each corner to hold them in place - which looks really ugly in my opinion. The 4doors usually hold better because they are physically smaller in size - I try to not to use screws in the corners.

 

[WissaMan]

Thanks for the insight into the situation. So is it the case that if straightened it will only be a matter of time before they warp again? I wouldn't want to screw them in unless there'd be a way to do it that is minimally visible, such as covering them with a button or something that matches the interior cover. Or maybe utilizing those springy push-in metal things that the door cards use, I could see embedding one of those in each corner. Or the plastic versions used in newer cars.

Just place the steamer on the backing board (that’s the piece that is actually warped).

I’ve had 1 4 door and 2 coupes. These C pillar appliqué’s are too heavy for fiberboard they used. Over time the weight forces the boards to warp. On the coupes Chrysler issued a memo to use screws in each corner to hold them in place - which looks really ugly in my opinion. The 4doors usually hold better because they are physically smaller in size - I try to not to use screws in the corners