Author Topic: My Tenth Anniv. (Read 664886 times)

roadking77 · « **Reply #840 on:** April 05, 2025, 01:02:35 PM »

I have found that the roll striping does not like to go around bends too tight off the roll. So I cut a piece to length then slice it down the middle. It does stretch fairly well, I put the black on then the red. After the black was on I pulled the top protective layer off so to not interfere with the red stripe.

20250405_132530 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

20250405_132717 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

20250405_132847 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

20250405_133319 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

20250405_133455 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

Mark the same measurement on the dr side so they will be somewhat uniform from side to side and repeat the first few steps.

20250405_134049 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

20250405_134423 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

20250405_140116 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

20250405_140718 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

20250405_140727 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

Finished the way its supposed to be

I will rest better now, LOL.

I have been steadily scrubbing and cleaning the carpet. That project has just about taken on a life of its own. I have used multiple cleaning products with each one proclaiming to be the best. I have not found the best one yet

20250405_114609 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

20250405_120131 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

20250405_143418 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr
Next up, to see if I can bring any life back to the seats.........

20250402_153700 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr
And just because, the gratuitous picture of Eddison

N PRGRES · « **Reply #841 on:** April 06, 2025, 05:34:49 AM »

Wow I am an idiot, I never realized those were two separate stripes

roadking77 · « **Reply #842 on:** April 06, 2025, 07:48:29 AM »

I didnt either! They are on the roll with the top clear layer holding them in place. But once in place and the clear top pealed off they are indeed two separate pieces. Pre-formed would have been nice, but from what I have found they were originally installed off of a roll. I do think that they pre-made end pieces though. That is what I am up against now is figuring out how to terminate at the spoiler ends and such. I dont think its going to be a big deal, just a little more tedious work. Just another thing to fight me with this car

roadking77 · « **Reply #843 on:** April 08, 2025, 06:59:49 AM »

I will add regarding the stripes, I was looking at some pics of an original car and it looked like there was white between the black and red on the mirror stripe. I could not see the rest on the car that close. That would tell me they were one piece though

I will be looking closer into that theory now.

roadking77 · « **Reply #844 on:** April 08, 2025, 03:02:07 PM »

20250408_151501 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr
Carpet is finished for now. Scrubbed and then I dyed it. Its not perfect but a 99% better than it was. Once I get the seat belt bolts out I will install this. It may need a little touch up once its in the car.

Compared the original to what they sell now for a replacement. This is the scrap piece I have sitting on top of the new product I bought last year.

20250405_120557 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

I stripped down the original pass seat to the frame but it is too bad. I have a decent pair of hobnail seats that I will use instead. I stripped that one down, the frame is pretty good, just some surface rust. It now sitting in de ruster overnight. For now to save a few dollars I am planning on cleaning and using the original foam, and dyeing the second hand seat covers I have. At some point I will get new replacements but these will suffice for the time being.

20250406_145419 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr These were just a little too bad for me to use.

20250408_153136 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

20250408_153518 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

20250408_161536 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

20250405_141727 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

Another thing that has popped up on my to do list is fixing this spoiler end. I guess it was good enough for me when I painted the car, and probably good enough from the factory, but I dont like the way it looks now. I have 3 maybe 4 more of these on the shelf. I may swap them around to see if one fits better than this one, or I may have to do some shimming or something.

20250405_140735 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

« **Reply #844 on:** April 08, 2025, 03:02:07 PM »

5th T/A · « **Reply #845 on:** April 08, 2025, 07:02:38 PM »

Kerry, nice job on the carpet restoration. What a difference in material between the original OEM carpet and the reproduction. So many little changes to a TATA over a regular 1979.

My rear spoiler has the same issue you pointed out on your car. Part of the problem might be how the different materials age? With the center piece being fiberglass and end pieces being soft and flexible like the bumpers. I will be watching to see how you get around this challenge. I have thought about shimming up the forward part of the corner piece with a couple nylon washers.

another10th · « **Reply #846 on:** April 08, 2025, 07:41:44 PM »

A little more info on spoiler alignment.

5th T/A · « **Reply #847 on:** April 09, 2025, 05:27:25 AM »

Jeff,
Thanks for sharing this information. I guess this was or is a common problem. Using 3m adhesive tape makes sense. What I am kind of surprised is the bulletin does not talk about using any caulk for the bolt holes, to prevent water from entering the trunk. I will give this a try in the next day or two and report back..

Thanks again!

roadking77 · « **Reply #848 on:** April 09, 2025, 05:36:21 AM »

Yes, that is a great bulletin. I was thinking of putting something under the bolts but seeing that makes much more sense to me. Being a carpenter shimming things for alignment kinda comes natural and I really wasnt too worried about it. But seeing this I think just for authenticity's sake I will do as recommended.
Is there any way you could email me a copy of that page so I can put it in my file. I love that kind of stuff.

N PRGRES · « **Reply #849 on:** April 09, 2025, 06:15:46 AM »

Carpet looks great. Honestly, you see so little of it, most people won't notice any defects and you get points for it being OEM

roadking77 · « **Reply #850 on:** April 09, 2025, 03:08:00 PM »

Thats exactly how I figured it. My son loves driving his GTO and maintaining it, but is not really a 'car guy'. He said the same thing. He told me he would rather see an original carpet with stains than the aftermarket that is not correct. That gave me just enough boost to try and get it right, LOL.

another10th · « **Reply #851 on:** April 09, 2025, 06:26:43 PM »

The carpet for these cars is a real problem as it is not reproduced. If you buy new door pads, the carpet on the door won't match the floor. The bigger issue for me is that as more of these cars are restored using parts and materials that are available, no one will remember what the original materials actually looked like. I can't be the only one who, when seeing a purportedly original 10th for sale, looks at the carpet first.

81Resto · « **Reply #852 on:** April 09, 2025, 06:32:57 PM »

That is a great bulletin, thanks for sharing. I should favorite this and hopefully remember it when my time comes!

N PRGRES · « **Reply #853 on:** April 10, 2025, 06:00:45 AM »

Quote from: another10th on April 09, 2025, 06:26:43 PM

The carpet for these cars is a real problem as it is not reproduced. If you buy new door pads, the carpet on the door won't match the floor. The bigger issue for me is that as more of these cars are restored using parts and materials that are available, no one will remember what the original materials actually looked like. I can't be the only one who, when seeing a purportedly original 10th for sale, looks at the carpet first.

Well,
Sometimes you have to work with what you have available......

roadking77 · « **Reply #854 on:** April 10, 2025, 05:18:09 PM »

Jeff, the carpet is the first thing that sticks out to me. I called legendary a couple of years ago and asked if they would change the bottom edge of carpet to original with a new panel. They were receptive to the idea, now if I can only find another good piece of carpet

« **Reply #854 on:** April 10, 2025, 05:18:09 PM »

another10th · « **Reply #855 on:** April 10, 2025, 05:57:13 PM »

I had my upholsterer transfer the carpet from my original door pads to the Legendary pads. He said the only tricky part was keeping a functional map pocket. I must say though, it pained me to rip the carpet off of those new Legendary door pads considering what they cost!

Quote from: N PRGRES on April 10, 2025, 06:00:45 AM

Quote from: another10th on April 09, 2025, 06:26:43 PM
The carpet for these cars is a real problem as it is not reproduced. If you buy new door pads, the carpet on the door won't match the floor. The bigger issue for me is that as more of these cars are restored using parts and materials that are available, no one will remember what the original materials actually looked like. I can't be the only one who, when seeing a purportedly original 10th for sale, looks at the carpet first.
Well,
Sometimes you have to work with what you have available......

True. The silver carpet that is available looks great, and makes a very nice interior. Just not factory correct.

N PRGRES · « **Reply #856 on:** April 11, 2025, 03:59:14 AM »

I imagine even finding someone who makes that carpet would be difficult

roadking77 · « **Reply #857 on:** April 11, 2025, 07:25:47 AM »

Thats the problem, it is no longer made. I was told that Cadillac used the same stuff. I called several Cadillac restoration shops and they all pointed me to ACC, which is what I had. I was also told it was the same stuff in the '78 vette, but those leads turned out empty. I even went to a couple of home carpet stores looking for a deep pile silver carpet that may be similar. Again, big goose egg. The original mill was one of the largest textile mills in the country. After they produced this carpet they were bought up by West Point Pepperill. The name of that company was changed again. There HQ is in NY and they specialize in bath towels an linens and such. Im not sure if they still make carpet. I have not followed up with them as far as that is concerned yet.

I have been looking for a piece for years now. Someone had a full carpet at the TA NATS this past year, I would have loved to know about that one

I put out feelers every now and then but always come up empty handed. The mirror t tops were easier to find.

N PRGRES · « **Reply #858 on:** April 11, 2025, 11:43:41 AM »

Maybe you could stitch together some fluffy bath towels?

rkellerjr · « **Reply #859 on:** April 11, 2025, 01:01:43 PM »

Quote from: N PRGRES on April 11, 2025, 11:43:41 AM

Maybe you could stitch together some fluffy bath towels?

Haha, that's just not right Dave,

The work is looking awesome!

roadking77 · « **Reply #860 on:** April 11, 2025, 04:36:03 PM »

Better than nothing

Thanks Rich.

roadking77 · « **Reply #861 on:** April 12, 2025, 01:49:56 PM »

I got the pass back upright frame cleaned and painted. Its ready to go, need to get some hog rings. Cleaned and painted the back and the lower plastic panel.

20250412_121043 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

20250412_153015 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

20250412_152257 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

20250412_153001 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

20250412_153007 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

When I did my 77 I sent these parts out to be blasted and powder coated. They came back great but once the seat is no will EVER see anything. Its not worth the expense and the time for a 'perfect' part as far as this one is concerned. This will suffice as is.

Also, got my spoiler end aligned a bit better. I wasnt crazy about the tape idea, once I had the spoiler off the car I found the metal plate that is screwed to the spoiler and bolts to the car. I figured on trying to adjust the difference with the mounting plate. So I took a small shim I had, drilled a hole to fit the mounting screw and inserted it between the spoiler itself and the mounting plate before I screwed it back on. It pretty much did the job. Looks alot better than it did.

20250412_123117 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

20250412_123344 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

20250412_123245 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

20250412_123303 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

5th T/A · « **Reply #862 on:** April 12, 2025, 02:36:09 PM »

OK, I see what you did and it makes more sense than the 3m tape. Looks like you could also jut use flat washers under the bracket.

Agree, seat backs look too nice to cover up!

roadking77 · « **Reply #863 on:** April 12, 2025, 04:16:33 PM »

I was looking for a washer as that was my first thought. But, me being a carpenter and all, a shim was easier to find in my shop than a small flat washer

ryeguy2006a · « **Reply #864 on:** April 14, 2025, 05:48:53 AM »

Nice work on the spoiler shim! Pretty cool old GM document showing the procedure.

« **Reply #864 on:** April 14, 2025, 05:48:53 AM »

roadking77 · « **Reply #865 on:** April 14, 2025, 02:51:47 PM »

I got the old cover put on the pass. seat back. I painted/dyed the black plastic back trim and dyed the seat after it was installed. At first I wasnt too keen on the upholstery job, but setting beside the old one it doesnt look all that bad. It is just for temporary though and for that it will be better than good

20250413_171749 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

20250413_171817 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

20250413_170341 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

20250414_094433 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

20250414_094509 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

5th T/A · « **Reply #866 on:** April 14, 2025, 07:24:10 PM »

Picture is worth 1000 words, nice job on the seat back and spoiler. You got all this done and I haven't touched my spoiler yet!

FormTA · « **Reply #867 on:** April 15, 2025, 04:21:30 AM »

Man, you are really getting after it here Kerry! Some quality work and great outcomes! Everything looks great! I messed around with my spoiler for quite a while and then gave up. I used the tape first and it was fine for a while and then collapsed and they were out of line again. Then went to washers and got them close.

N PRGRES · « **Reply #868 on:** April 15, 2025, 06:02:25 AM »

Looks great! I am interested in how the dye will hold up. I am thinking of dying my door panels till I can get new ones but was always worried how it would turn out.

roadking77 · « **Reply #869 on:** April 15, 2025, 06:14:33 AM »

I did not use SEM on the seat. I will post up the product that I did use. I have a high level of confidence in it, and would most def. use it on a door panel without hesitation. As to the seat, I got the silver dye for my carpet. It is also good for leather and vinyl. So I tried a shot on the original seat that was under the back cover. Pretty much untouched and not faded. It matched perfect hence the reason why I went with that product. Im not really worried about the final appearance too much as these are just temp. Im hoping to get new covers by the end of the summer (just in time for Hershey I hope

). I figured these would look better than the worn out black hobnail that I had. I was really planning on just using the black seats until I found these used seat covers on the shelf. Looking closely at them they werent that bad, just badly discoloured so I figured what the heck.

As far as durability, I would think that they would not last being 'spray painted'. But, When I restored my '77 I bought a set of seats at Carlisle. I only needed the frames but they had pretty nice base model black covers on them. I threw them around for a few months until I was ready to re-do them. Only upon taking them apart did I realize they were camel tan and not black

Whatever they were dyed with held up extremely well. There was no wear or anything to the finish. Kinda sold me on the re-dye process.

N PRGRES · « **Reply #870 on:** April 15, 2025, 06:17:45 AM »

Yes please let us know what you used. My door panels will also be temp, I just need something to get me through the season

ryeguy2006a · « **Reply #871 on:** April 15, 2025, 11:47:37 AM »

I used SEM Vinyl dye on the door panels in my 1968 Camaro and they came out beautifully. Not only that but they were very durable. I accidently ran a screwdriver down it quite hard and had no deformation or "flaking" off. It definitely is more than a paint. I also used the same SEM Vinyl dye on the rear seats of my 55 and have held up flawlessly to my kids in the back seat for 1500 miles. I'd say that's a bit of a torture test.

N PRGRES · « **Reply #872 on:** April 15, 2025, 02:46:58 PM »

Quote from: ryeguy2006a on April 15, 2025, 11:47:37 AM

. I'd say that's a bit of a torture test.

No Doubt!

roadking77 · « **Reply #873 on:** April 15, 2025, 03:22:46 PM »

Do you let them eat while in the car

Yes SEM calls it a dye, and while it comes out of a spray can and installs like paint, there is more to it than a can of rustoleum

ryeguy2006a · « **Reply #874 on:** April 16, 2025, 06:47:21 AM »

Oh yeah, we eat and drink in the car. I need some cup holders though.

FormTA · « **Reply #875 on:** April 16, 2025, 03:36:23 PM »

I posted about the black seat straps and lettering I dyed on my jet ski years ago. It has absolutely amazed me. I have zero damage to it and no fading I can tell. This thing is in the water every weekend in the summer and on a lift out in the elements all summer I do cover it during the week, but still! It was the SEM dye as well.

Those silver seats came out great. I would look for another set of seat frames and put those silver seats up for sale when you get tye new covers.

Too bad you are quite a distance from me. I am looking at five pairs of hobnail seats in my attic right now...

roadking77 · « **Reply #876 on:** April 16, 2025, 06:17:14 PM »

Those look nicer than the pair I have.

81Resto · « **Reply #877 on:** April 21, 2025, 08:10:46 PM »

spoiler came out great!. I just finished my recovering my seats as well. Can't wait to see more of your continued progress

roadking77 · « **Reply #878 on:** April 22, 2025, 05:52:37 AM »

Typical pattern for working on my car. Go like gangbusters, get lots of things started then stop

I was on a pretty good roll for the last few weeks. I had a couple of projects at work that were running slow beyond my control. Well, things got caught up and we are plenty busy right now. No time to work on the car. I need a couple of small parts (seat bottom springs) and havent gotten around to ordering those yet. I am still trying to get the seat belts out so I can install the carpet. I was pretty diligent about spraying with pb but havent done that in a week now! Theres an all Pontiac show in a couple of weeks that I have missed the last few years. I really would like to get to it and the '77 desperately needs power buffed and waxed so that will take a weekend away from this car. One thing I have learned over the years, I HATE waxing a car!! In my earlier days I could spend all day Saturday cleaning and detailing every inch. Now I just want to drive, dont care if its dirty or not.

5th T/A · « **Reply #879 on:** April 22, 2025, 01:02:11 PM »

Kerry, My apologies for barging in on your restoration posts.

I had planned on aligning my rear spoiler using your method. Assuming the spoiler parts would be the same 1979 through 1981, but my 1980 is different. My car doesn't have the metal plate, just two studs that attach directly to the spoiler as shown here. So I had to use the 3m sticky tape as shown in the Pontiac service bulletin. Also, the service bulletin refers to three attaching nuts, two on top and one down low on the side. My car only has two at the top.

IMG_5828 by Lawrence Alexander, on Flickr

My before picture.

IMG_5719 by Lawrence Alexander, on Flickr

My after picture. It took three layers of tape to get the correct alignment.

IMG_5829 by Lawrence Alexander, on Flickr

Also, got my spoiler end aligned a bit better. I wasnt crazy about the tape idea, once I had the spoiler off the car I found the metal plate that is screwed to the spoiler and bolts to the car. I figured on trying to adjust the difference with the mounting plate. So I took a small shim I had, drilled a hole to fit the mounting screw and inserted it between the spoiler itself and the mounting plate before I screwed it back on. It pretty much did the job. Looks alot better than it did.

20250412_123117 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

20250412_123344 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

20250412_123245 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

20250412_123303 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr
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« **Reply #879 on:** April 22, 2025, 01:02:11 PM »

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Author Topic: My Tenth Anniv. (Read 664886 times)