66 dart convertible header seal metal replacement

[66Dvert]

Since I started on this convertible restoration I've found out a couple of thing new(to me anyway).
1. they don't make many parts for the early a's.
2. if they do the part most likely won't fit right out of the box.
3. damn expensive.
so I've learned to fab most of the things I need.
so with that being said here goes my try at replacing the metal pieces that hold in the header seal on the 66 dart

here's the corner pieces(I didn't even know there were supposed to be any on the car)
only have one and I'll flip it to make the other side.
View attachment 0803121713.jpg

tracing the pattern onto foam board
View attachment 0803121713a.jpg

tracing the pattern onto 20 gauge metal
View attachment 0803121714.jpg


here's the metal shape
View attachment 0803121714a.jpg

now it's formed out
View attachment 0803121715.jpg
I still have to bead roll the ends
View attachment 0803121715a.jpg
here's the left and right sides(now I gotta make 2 more sets )
View attachment 0803121729.jpg
HEY! it fit's great!!!
View attachment 0803121730.jpg


now to work on the main center piece that really holds in the seal
First I bent a 1/2 x1/2 metal square stock to the desired shape.
then I formed 20 gauge and slit it to get the correct shape.
View attachment DSCF3040.jpg

View attachment DSCF3041.jpg

that is as far as I have got so far , I have to stop and take a road trip up to mighigan for a couple of weeks to hit the dream cruise and pick up parts from my son-in law that he purchased from a member here for me for my other dart.
I hope to get back on it in September and do a bunch of finish work on the car to get it on the road!

 

[lou3500]

That's how we get our sheet metal patches for our a bodys or used parts we find.Good job i have been making parts for my charger for over a year have not bought any sheetmetal.