Thread: 73 charger the saga

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Too easy. Thanks!

Today saw the rust around the windshield repaired. Actually, very little was needed, it was overall very good. Rain tomorrow, so the turd is tarped. I'll do repair on the heater box tomorrow, after I get some more hardener for the resin.

A couple questions:

What to do about missing trim clip posts around the windshield? I'm missing two.

Also: my little dash vents are bowed up resultant of the spring clips on the end. I was thinking of maybe making a jig to put them in (force them in) then heat them, hoping the plastic will relax to its original shape. Any suggestions?

Also, I picked up some vinyl fabric today to recover the dash pad. It was a shock at the register, when the cashier says $90! Ibsay, but the roll is marked $10 p/yd, and I have two yards. Nope, the tag says 10 yards on the roll. OK, ring it up! But, I can get $15 returned as I don't need the spray adhesive, I had plenty already.

Anyway, the plan of action is to use the knotted wire wheel on the angle grinder to V out the cracks. Then fill with fiberglass Bondo ( it's what I have) then apply the fabric - backed vinyl.

Wish me luck!

Good Luck!

Firebird, I've never seen a spray adhesive that's strong enough for what you're doing. I would strongly recommend that you pick up a can of Weldwood's Vinyl Top & Trim Grade cement for your dash pad - DAP Weldwood Contact Cement Gallon HHR Industrial Grade Landau Top Trim | eBay
You can spray it with an old siphon type paint gun, or you can brush it on using disposable brushes like Harbor Freight sells in bulk. I'll echo Mike, too - Good Luck!

Good luck as well. Not sure how to get the old plastic clips to reshape. I have not had any luck with old plastic as it usually gets brittle with age.

They survived removal, they are still strong. I just hope I don't melt them. I'm fairly sure that heating them can relax them, and upon cooling they will hold shape.

Started the dash.
First, I V grooved the cracks.

I was concerned with the fiberglass Bondo reacting (eating up) the foam, so I decided to see if there was anything left in this can of great stuff. (I kept it around for target practice)
The propellant was long gone, but the resin in the can started foaming up when I stirred it, then I dabbed it into the grooves. When it dried, I trimmed it down with a razor blade. It was a bit porous, so I smeared some glazing putty over top, waiting for that to dry.

Interesting approach. Can't wait to see the results.

Just following some U tube videos.

As for the vents, no bueno. I clamped down a spare vent between a couple pieces of steel, and applied heat with a heat gun. Before the case got hot enough, the fins shrivelled.

So instead, I drilled two holes, top and bottom center, and used a piece of wire to bind the case back straight. I painted the wire black, it is visible but unobtrusive. But it will stop the fins from falling out because the case is bowed.

You're investing a lot of work! Hoping that the vinyl install goes smoooooooth for you, and that you don't come unglued!!!

I have done the same repair process on a 77 GM truck and it turned out decent. I sprayed texture over the entire thing and then knocked it down sort of like dry wall mud. You could tell it wasn't OE, but looked nice and was way cheaper than a new replacement pad. It was just a lot of work.

Ready for recevering

Attempt #1 fail. Switching adhesives, and trying again