Re: Howard's 47 Custom project

Posted by HH56 On 2013/12/16 15:17:16

Not much to report other than mostly small indoor things started or completed. Had the gas tank cleaned and checked out so all good there. Radiator also checked good. Dash is completed and waiting for the glass and interior to be farther along.

On upholstery, JW convinced me since it was a Custom that I might as well dust off the crowbar and pry enough out of the wallet to get good grade wool. He's undoubtedly right since I would be one to later regret skimping. Have looked at several samples all claiming to be wool broadcloth. Prices ranging from $54 to almost $100 per yard. Almost paper thin to thick and luxurious. SMS has one for $85 that they have made for them. Good color and it feels softer and I think is a bit thicker than the original so will probably choose it. Upholster says around 20 yards but to "be sure and get a few yards extra for contingencies". Ouch. Those contingencies cost.

The headliner from Kanter arrived. First one that showed up was the wrong item -- cross instead of longitudinal seams. The upholstery shop goofed but Kanter took care of that and the correct one arrived 2 days later. Still waiting on a call tag to ship the first one back. Definitely a harder fabric than the wool but it looks good and the Taupe color is an excellent match to the tan. It will do because cutting a hole in an expensive wool headliner for a maybe successful AC vent that didn't turn out well would ruin my day. Got windlace from Rest Specialties. Sand color looked closest to what I think the original was. I do believe the new at 1/2" core might be a tad thicker. Hard to tell because my old was petrified or had turned to powder.

Speaking of AC, have been in contact with the fellow making the prewar style false front trunk enclosure for me. It is being made so progress on that front. Should be here in January sometime.

Even though it was done back when engine was rebuilt, will do the fuel pump again using new fresh rubber. Then and Now's kit arrived last week. No word from Daytona on carb yet. It's about midway in their 7-8 week time estimate for that work so hope to hear something after the holidays. Just as well as the poor old engine would not want to work in the cold any more than I -- and we have it good compared to you guys who are getting the snow.

Removed the old door glass and took the vent window frames and the vertical runners to the chrome shop. $420 for 4 vents and 4 verticals. Been so long since I had chrome done, not sure if that price is good or bad. Moot point if I want it done in town. We only have two places left that would do it so I chose the one closest to me and smiled when he quoted. Have to order new glass so will probably go with the ebay store of "Bob's Classic Glass". They seem to have good feedback and have patterns for the car. The more local guy in Placerville doesn't list the regular sedan -- just the club and limo. Anyone used Bobs? On the glass, the vent windows had some filler material. Anyone know if that is actual formed rubber glass channel or strips of rubber glass setting tape. Packard just calls it rubber cushion. The stuff was petrified on mine so actual shape and composition is anyones guess.

Still have to deal with the rust in trunk but that will wait until I learn how to weld better or find someone to do it but definitely not until it is warmer outside.