1963 Dart 170 2 Door Post Resto
So, a little more progress last night. Got the headliner wires made up and installed. I wound up using the set that was 1 inch longer. I think any longer and the other headliner bows start to get "unhappy". Using my cut offs I tried bending it without heat and it bent pretty nice. Just used needle nose pliers and went slow. Came out pretty nice. I used the same method and made both sets.
I was looking at the headliner and came up with another idea. I know it wasn't factory but it will help keep the front bow in position during install and help keep a little tension on the headliner to keep wrinkles out. I am going to use my 3rd 'spare' set of wires and make a set that will hook into an unused hole in the front brace up by the visors and hook onto the front bow. I double checked and it won't interfere with the headliner at all as the wire will angle up to the front bow.
What I am still trying to decide is attachment at the front and rear. I know these cars have the sharks teeth to hold the headliner in place, but I was thinking as I have the glass out I might also wrap it around the window opening and glue it in place with contact cement like many other automakers do. It'll give me extra holding strength this way. Thoughts?
Got a couple night time glamor shots of the rear. Wish I had gotten a couple during the day as it is really looking nice. Also got the new rear tires installed.
Also I might be returning my new brake drums. Got a great deal on a brake lathe over the weekend. I have been keeping my eyes open for one for a while. It is difficult to find anyone to turn them nowadays. Got it cheap and it even came with the brake shoe arcing machine grinder to match new shoes to a machined drum. All AMMCO brand. I really scored on this one. Already have the AMMCO drum caliper so I can measure to make sure there's enough meat to machine them. Car only has 60,000 original miles so I am confident they are good. With the other cars I have to do next I am sure the lathe will pay for itself fairly quickly.
So, a little more progress last night. Got the headliner wires made up and installed. I wound up using the set that was 1 inch longer. I think any longer and the other headliner bows start to get "unhappy". Using my cut offs I tried bending it without heat and it bent pretty nice. Just used needle nose pliers and went slow. Came out pretty nice. I used the same method and made both sets.
I was looking at the headliner and came up with another idea. I know it wasn't factory but it will help keep the front bow in position during install and help keep a little tension on the headliner to keep wrinkles out. I am going to use my 3rd 'spare' set of wires and make a set that will hook into an unused hole in the front brace up by the visors and hook onto the front bow. I double checked and it won't interfere with the headliner at all as the wire will angle up to the front bow.
What I am still trying to decide is attachment at the front and rear. I know these cars have the sharks teeth to hold the headliner in place, but I was thinking as I have the glass out I might also wrap it around the window opening and glue it in place with contact cement like many other automakers do. It'll give me extra holding strength this way. Thoughts?
Got a couple night time glamor shots of the rear. Wish I had gotten a couple during the day as it is really looking nice. Also got the new rear tires installed.
Also I might be returning my new brake drums. Got a great deal on a brake lathe over the weekend. I have been keeping my eyes open for one for a while. It is difficult to find anyone to turn them nowadays. Got it cheap and it even came with the brake shoe arcing machine grinder to match new shoes to a machined drum. All AMMCO brand. I really scored on this one. Already have the AMMCO drum caliper so I can measure to make sure there's enough meat to machine them. Car only has 60,000 original miles so I am confident they are good. With the other cars I have to do next I am sure the lathe will pay for itself fairly quickly.