Bringing a '74 back up to her intended glory.

[Bmachine]

So here is a quick little one that was first mentioned by another forum member (in the UK IIRC) whose name I have sadly forgotten. But all credit goes to him for this one.

I found it! The originator of this idea was @Rek

 

[autokunst]

Correct. Round cross section. Size is labeled here as 1/4 inch. Matches actual measurement pretty good at 6.3 mm

View attachment 199911

Also commonly referred to as "backer rod". Brilliant idea.

 

[Rek]

I found it! The originator of this idea was @Rek

Thank you for the credit. I used 10mm diameter but ensure it is closed cell meaning that water cannot penetrate. I trimmed the ends and glued them with contact adhesive, otherwise they fly off at higher speeds.

 

[Bmachine]

Thank you for the credit. I used 10mm diameter but ensure it is closed cell meaning that water cannot penetrate. I trimmed the ends and glued them with contact adhesive, otherwise they fly off at higher speeds.

Great to hear from you @Rek With the one I used (yes it is closed cell of course) I did not have to glue the ends. And I definitely did test them at high speed

 

[Bmachine]

In the "better late than never" category, I finally replaced the old window gutter channels. Since they are NLA, I used the replacements from steele rubber that were suggested by another forum member (whose name I sadly forgot):

https://www.steelerubber.com/unbeaded-rubber-channel-70-3572-58

They fit perfectly and, so far, work just as well. Now, unlike the uber strong original ones, these are unreinforced rubber. So they will definitely not last another 50 years. But, for the time being, they do a fine job.

 

[Bmachine]

I also decided to clean the center grille. Removing the vertical slats is relatively easy but somewhat delicate.

Each slat is held in place by 2 things at the top: A little tab that is bent down. And the tiny section of the slat that protrude through the frame is twisted to keep it from falling out.

1. Clean the points where the slats penetrate the outer frame at the top and the bottom. They will need to be able to slide in and out easily
2. VERY carefully bend the little retaining tab upward so it aligns with the rest of the slat. These are most likely brittle with age and were never designed to bend more than once so they are easy to break
3. With a pair of pliers, you "untwist", or "flatten" the part of the slat that came through the frame
4. Slide the whole slat downward until you can take it out.
5. Number each slat so they can go back in the same spot they came out of

 

[Bmachine]

In an ideal world, you would have these re-anodized. Option 2 (admittedly less perfect) is to paint them and clear coat for protection.

I taped some angled aluminium bars on some cardboard that would keep the slats in a good position for painting