I have had good success with unwrapping the taped wiring loom, cleaning the wires with a degreaser like "simple green" and then wrapping again with black 3M electrical tape.

Thank you, Grady.

Your info is invaluable. Where else would I get this guidance? No where! I love it!

I've got a great collection going of ideas, pics, sketches, that are destined for this ride. But editing correctly is the challenge.

Ideally, I want the car to be able to handle me. I'm not easy to please. It will respect the vintage racer with my personal touch.

Thanks, Kiwiokie, as well.

Here's a sneak peak of the leather-wrapped door panel I'm working on.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1314581607.jpg

Steve,

Your new door panel looks great.

How much does it weigh with the hardware, pull strap and latch handle?
How much weight was the original panel, pocket, grab handle and latch mechanism?

Have you considered a plastic window with a leather strap lift?

There is a later aluminum (not chrome plated brass) window frame.

Some remove the inner part of the door, window & regulator, window frame and use plug-in ‘side curtains’ (like 356 Speedster).

There were plastic door handles and aluminum latch assemblies.
Even the door restraint was a simple strap.

Think “lightweight”.
If it isn’t there, it doesn’t weigh anything, didn’t cost anything, can’t break and isn’t in the way.

Best,
Grady

Grady,

I'm working on a leather lift strap for the window. The aluminum frame sounds great. I'll look in to that.

Thanks again!

Steve

I am working on the interior at the moment of my SWB, in particularly the fascia.

I am going for a clean, un-interupted fascia, while still covering with a leather skin straight across. I'd like to house the leather in the aluminum bracket that holds the 'waffle' fabric. The only problem is I can't seem to find one. Does anyone know where to get ahold of one? Or is there a Pelican with a complete metal bracket trim willing to sell??? I believe it's a four-piece set: left and right of steering wheel, glove box door, and far right corner.

PM me if there's a set out there.

Thanks!

Steve

More interior pics...
 

Here are a few pics of the rear wheel arch being recovered. The condition of the panel was great, so I just sanded it clean, wiped it down, and wrapped it with leather. In fact, all of the interior parts were in very good condition. I still stripped them down and took that crackling vinyl off...

-Steve

(any leads on the metal trim for the fascia?)

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1315354713.jpg


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1315354736.jpg


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1315354753.jpg

New handle mock-up...
 

This is a rough prototype of the handle. I plan on reworking it a bit to be more ergo-friendly, but when finished it'll get it's own leather sleeve... Try to get past the glue residue on the door... It looks gross, I know...

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1315355914.jpg


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1315355934.jpg

Hi Steve,
Nice work ! I'm on the south shore of Montreal, restoring a 70S coupe with some mods ; I'm about at the same level as you, I hope we can have a drive together next summer ! I will stay posted !
Lâche pas !
JD

Thanks JD.

I'm going to try to complete this car by next summer and if so, we'll definitely have to hit the streets.

Steve

Count me in for the get together... I too am from the shore

More interior pics...
 

I've managed to strip all of the panels in the car. I traced and fabricated most, since the originals were falling apart. Covered everything in leather. I chose to go without layering the panels in the original sub-carpet material for padding. The look I think is better, much lighter and streamlined. Here's a pic of the combo of leather, carpet, and straps that will be used in the car. Even though it's finished I've got sooo much to do before I even think about installing it. Seats will be solid leather Nurburgring. Possibly perforated.

Enjoy.

Steve

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1315691971.jpg


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1315691990.jpg

Just a quick update...

I removed the fuel tank with the help of Patrick, a fellow Pelican, along with the fuel hoses and accessories a week ago. It's in pretty good condition as is, but I took it to a local shop to acid dip, clean, and seal the inside. In the meantime, I've been working on removing the fuel tank support/pan for replacement and am cleaning up the area wire-brush-style...

I've been contemplating welding the fuel access lid shut and relocating the intake on the tank itself. I don't want to go through the trunk lid with a center cap, but perhaps shorten the filler neck so it stands upright. That way, it's hidden... Any thoughts? Anyone attempt this? It simplifies the look and ignores all of the smaller replacement parts to rebuild the original state... which I don't feel like spending money on... ;)

-Steve

Do not seal the inside of your gas tank. There are some really nasty additives in today's gasoline. They eat those coatings and clog your fuel system I know this form personal experience. The additives are not going away. We might be facing E15 soon.

No matter what the people who make the linings tell you don't do it. They have no idea what's coming in the next few years. The refining companies don't even know.

Richard Newton
Vintage Motorsprot Magazine

I have a center fill under hood filler. Mine is not so nice since there is nothing but my head to hold the lid, but on the plus side, the lid is light fiberglass. :)

I like to say it is equally inconvenient filling on either side of the car.

I would say it is a good mod, though. Less complex and cleans up the fender line.

Steve, best of luck with your project! It took me a couple of years of 'hanging out' and soaking in different looks, details and lingo for the early cars before I jumped in to the fray with my race inspired/rod project. I am well under way now!

Keep the pix coming and update us on your progress! I will be interested to see what you plan for the overall 'look' and what performance upgrades you make.

Thanks, Flieger, Combatic. I'll definitely be uploading photos of the progress.

Richard, thanks for the heads-up about the fuel tank inner sealant. Currently, the garage is cleaning it with an acid and is repairing/welding any leaks he finds. Once that's done, I was planning on working on the cosmetics, i.e. relocating filler neck, wire-brushing smooth, priming/painting satin black, etc...

Is there any protection necessary to put inside a tank prior to use? Would cleaning it, as he is, be enough?

Thanks again,

Steve

I would simply clean it and leave the inside alone. What's interesting is that with today's gasoline the fuel cell people can't tell you how long the foam will last. That's how bad it's getting. At least we know it won't eat metal. At least not yet.

Richard Newton
Project 911

Updates? Photos?

Hey there-

It's been a while...

I'm back in the garage working on the car again. I picked up a MIG and will be putting my skills to the test with a few patch ups.

Hopefully, I'll have pictures within a couple weeks.

Stay tuned...