Bringing it back to factory specs!

[resq302]

So lots of progress in the last couple of days. Windshield is back in with a new rubber gasket. This probably was the most stressful part of the resto for me. I was so worried that when I reinstalled the windshield, I was going to crack it. I'll do a separate thread on the entire windshield installation as this was my second one I have done. My charger being the first.

















Tools used: (Key is to use a lot of windshield cleaner as a lubricant to slide the gasket over the glass.)

 

[resq302]

Since progress was going so well with getting the windshield back in, I figured it was time to get the steering column back in, too. I took the precaution of wrapping the steering shaft with some bubble wrap so as not to scratch up the freshly painted column. With the help of my father I fed the steering column through the firewall and guided it into the correct alignment of the steering box. For those who have not removed your steering column, there is one tooth that is wider than the rest which should be straight up to ensure the steering wheel is centered to the wheels on the steering box as well as where the steering wheel mounts up. There is also a notch on the steering shaft knuckle that helps you align the splines. After the splines were mated, the column was then bolted up to the underside of the dash and wiring was all connected. Steering column cover was then installed and the installation was completed.

 

[resq302]

Yesterday, I had a PM from someone who was working on doing a windshield for a similar sister car, a 69 Coronet convertible. He was inquiring how the trim came off and I realized I had forgotten to post those pics. Be aware that the convertible trim is different than the hard top trim pieces. I have to say between my charger and Dad's GTX vert, the trim on the charger was a LOT easier as it required less stuff to remove. On the convertibles, you first needs to drop the top to expose the 7 screws that hold the two piece top windshield / header trim. Once that is removed, you can then move on to the side A pillar trim. This needs to have the A post weather stripping removed to reveal the 4 screws that holds the stainless bracket in place that holds the weather stripping. Once that is off, you will find another set of 4 screws that holds the trim for the A pillar windshield trim. Now that the A pillar trim is off, you can remove the lower two piece windshield trim with the special trim removal hook / tool. Installation is in the reverse order taking time to install all of the screws loose till all of the screws are in. Then you can go back and tighten them snug.

Pictures are from when I was installing the trim. Removal would be in the reverse order.

lower windshield trim



A pillar windshield trim installed, weather stripping stainless bracket being lined up.







Header / upper windshield trim installed



trim all installed



completed project with wiper arms reinstalled

 

[mcmopar]

Wow! She's looking great!

 

[RoadRunnerJD]

The red screens look great!

 

[resq302]

Thanks! Got the interior all back in tonight and pulled the two lower dash end caps for the steel dash frame so I can send them out to get the chrome plated plastic done. Can anyone recommend a good vacuum plater? I know CV Vacuum platers went out and they did all the work on my charger years ago.

 

[Mr Gorsky]

You've done a sterling job on this old girl.

Congrats, she looks terrific .

 

[droptop]

Thanks! Got the interior all back in tonight and pulled the two lower dash end caps for the steel dash frame so I can send them out to get the chrome plated plastic done. Can anyone recommend a good vacuum plater? I know CV Vacuum platers went out and they did all the work on my charger years ago.

http://www.chrometechusa.com/

 

[resq302]

Going through some pictures, I came across some oddities in the one inside A pillar plastic cover. It appears the mold was not completely cleaned out or some green plastic pellets were in the tan plastic mold. Check out the green swirls molded within the plastic. Seems they had excellent quality control in 1968 ! lol

 

[resq302]

Well, well, well. Looks like ol' St. Nick stopped by my Dad's house a little early this year! Yup, here is the finished product (minus a few small detail items that he has to open for Christmas !

















" unwrapped "

 

[resq302]

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[resq302]

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[resq302]

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[resq302]

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[resq302]

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[resq302]

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before: (factory installed original trunk sticker)



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after: (ECS Automotive Concepts exact factory reproduction tire pressure decal)











ECS exact reproduction exhaust system

 

[droptop]

I can't say that I have ever seen markings like that on a rear end housing.

 

[resq302]

Droptop,

Neither have I. I contacted multiple well known Mopar restoration and they also have never seen something like this. If it wasn't for the fact that the car was so untouched and original, I'd swear it done by a junk yard but the date coding and part numbers on the entire assembly were all date correct and part number correct for the time the car would have been produced. The rear wheel cylinders were even the originals and the white closed cell gasket was even still in place. Fortunately, I was smart enough to document everything before I restored it so I could put it back the way it was originally.

 

[quikbird]

just an incredible amount of work. well done. :worship:

 

[resq302]

Thanks Quikbird. I think Dad can now say that we are even with all the stuff that he has helped me out with....... eh, second thought.... nah. I still need to do more for him. After all..... he is my Dad ! :encouragement: