Re: Adventures with a 1955 Clipper
Posted by JWL On 2011/9/3 15:20:12
Hello All,
The last garage sessions have yielded some good results. I was able to finish the rejuvenation of the interior. The job was to cut and fit a new front carpet, install the front seat, and affix the new side shields to the seat frame. I am pleased with the results and have declared a victory for this part of the project.
Cutting the new front carpet was not as difficult as I first thought it would be. I had the old carpet to use as a pattern. My concern was fitting the carpet around the pedals. The original carpet was cut for power brakes and automatic transmission. I was able to fit the carpet around the clutch and brake pedals with a little careful measuring and cutting. I first cut a slot in the area where the pedals would pass, then enlarged the slots to have the pedals centered in the holes.
I bought some new carpet trim pieces for the accelerator pedal rod, accelerator pedal pivot bracket, dimmer switch, and brake, and clutch pedal pads and heel pad. I was trying to locate some rubber trim pieces to fit around the brake and clutch pedals but have not found any so far. All of the trim pieces fit under or on the carpeting and dressed up the the areas around the accelerator pedal and dimmer switch.
The heel pad needed to be glued down to the carpet. To do this I laid out where the pad was to go, traced around it, and then masked off the area on the carpet. I used a generous amount spray contact adhesive on the carpet and pad. I carefully placed the pad on the carpet and pressed down on it to assure good adhesive contact. This worked well and the heel pad is there to stay.
I had new foam padding installed in the front seat cushion. This made for a much more comfortable seat. The original foam was turning to dust. I also bought some new seat side shields. The original ones were cracked and showed much wear and tear from many years of use. I found a NOS set, but they were for a senior car. The vendor was able to provide a set of used polished stainless steel trim pieces for these shields. The side shields are not absolutely correct, but the look is nice and I am happy with the outcome.
All of this means that the first phase of the rejuvenation has been completed. The engine compartment, trunk, and interior have all been cleaned and rejuvenated. There are a couple of mechanical items needing attention. The pinion seal leaks as well as the steering box pitman arm shaft seal. These are not mission critical, but need to be changed if I am to do much driving of the car. I would like to get the car repainted at some time in the near future, but that will probably not be until after the first of the year.
I am planning on driving the Clipper to a Cars & Coffee event on Sunday. It is held in a small town about 25 miles northwest of here on the first Sunday of each month. These events are informal gatherings held throughout the country where there is no judging, no awards, no entry fee, no registering. Participants just show up in their vehicle of choice, park it, admire the others, and leave when ready. It will be the first out of town drive for the car since I have owned it. It will probably be the only Packard there, but maybe the 1956 Studebaker Golden Hawk (actually painted red and white) will be there. If so, we can compare engines.
I have enjoyed sharing these adventures with you, and pleased with your interest and comments. I'll keep you all posted on the next work on the car, but that may not be for a couple of months. In the mean time take care.
(o{}o)
Attach file:
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(31.32 KB)
The last garage sessions have yielded some good results. I was able to finish the rejuvenation of the interior. The job was to cut and fit a new front carpet, install the front seat, and affix the new side shields to the seat frame. I am pleased with the results and have declared a victory for this part of the project.
Cutting the new front carpet was not as difficult as I first thought it would be. I had the old carpet to use as a pattern. My concern was fitting the carpet around the pedals. The original carpet was cut for power brakes and automatic transmission. I was able to fit the carpet around the clutch and brake pedals with a little careful measuring and cutting. I first cut a slot in the area where the pedals would pass, then enlarged the slots to have the pedals centered in the holes.
I bought some new carpet trim pieces for the accelerator pedal rod, accelerator pedal pivot bracket, dimmer switch, and brake, and clutch pedal pads and heel pad. I was trying to locate some rubber trim pieces to fit around the brake and clutch pedals but have not found any so far. All of the trim pieces fit under or on the carpeting and dressed up the the areas around the accelerator pedal and dimmer switch.
The heel pad needed to be glued down to the carpet. To do this I laid out where the pad was to go, traced around it, and then masked off the area on the carpet. I used a generous amount spray contact adhesive on the carpet and pad. I carefully placed the pad on the carpet and pressed down on it to assure good adhesive contact. This worked well and the heel pad is there to stay.
I had new foam padding installed in the front seat cushion. This made for a much more comfortable seat. The original foam was turning to dust. I also bought some new seat side shields. The original ones were cracked and showed much wear and tear from many years of use. I found a NOS set, but they were for a senior car. The vendor was able to provide a set of used polished stainless steel trim pieces for these shields. The side shields are not absolutely correct, but the look is nice and I am happy with the outcome.
All of this means that the first phase of the rejuvenation has been completed. The engine compartment, trunk, and interior have all been cleaned and rejuvenated. There are a couple of mechanical items needing attention. The pinion seal leaks as well as the steering box pitman arm shaft seal. These are not mission critical, but need to be changed if I am to do much driving of the car. I would like to get the car repainted at some time in the near future, but that will probably not be until after the first of the year.
I am planning on driving the Clipper to a Cars & Coffee event on Sunday. It is held in a small town about 25 miles northwest of here on the first Sunday of each month. These events are informal gatherings held throughout the country where there is no judging, no awards, no entry fee, no registering. Participants just show up in their vehicle of choice, park it, admire the others, and leave when ready. It will be the first out of town drive for the car since I have owned it. It will probably be the only Packard there, but maybe the 1956 Studebaker Golden Hawk (actually painted red and white) will be there. If so, we can compare engines.
I have enjoyed sharing these adventures with you, and pleased with your interest and comments. I'll keep you all posted on the next work on the car, but that may not be for a couple of months. In the mean time take care.
(o{}o)
Attach file:
(34.58 KB)
(37.14 KB)
(35.83 KB)
(34.88 KB)
(33.40 KB)
(26.49 KB)
(38.99 KB) (44.42 KB)
(31.32 KB)
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