Recent content by rdoty

With a profile that worked the next step was to extend this profile along the door frame – which had a variety of curves. The solution was to create a set of clips in 1/2″, 1″, and 2″ lengths. I then created multiple copies in the printer software and printed out 24 clips as a single job. This...

With the existing trim around the column between and back doors upgraded and looking good my attention turned to the rear trim pieces. Despite years of searching, I haven’t been able to find any more of the U-shaped spring trim. OK, if I can’t find an exact replacement, could I make something...

Good point. I see that you are a connoisseur of esoteric knowledge!

12 points?!? I'l have you know that it is worth an easy 15 points all day long! Maybe 16 or even 17 points depending on the phase of the moon and median barometric temperature.

A set of fabric covered U-shaped trim pieces hold trim panels to the center pillars of the car. These are in absolutely horrible shape. I’ve been looking for replacements for the last four years with no success. And I’ve been afraid to touch these lest I totally destroy them, leaving me up the...

As I've mentioned once or twice, I seem to be a glutton for punishment. With the front doors done the difference between the front and rear doors was obvious. I actually had all of the trim pieces for the rear doors. They were in the trunk of the car when I bought it. After doing the front...

The initial steps are like the rear door cards: cut and fit 1/4″ SewFoam to go over the whole panel. Double stitch the foam to the vinyl in 6″ squares – making sure that they line up with the stitching on the back doors. Spray the door card and cover with spray adhesive, fit the cover to the...

The most important piece of PPE is your brain. Thinking ahead, considering what could go wrong, taking a few seconds to make sure everything is secure. One of the big things is knowing when to do tools down and pause before something expensive and/or painful happens. More on topic, 3M 6300...

In yet another demonstration of a lack of common sense I decided it was time to tackle the front door cards. Unlike the replacement hardboard panels on the rear doors, the front doors still had the factory door cards. These were made from a cardboard like compressed paper material. Which was...

It is amazing what you can do when you have limited sense of self preservation, willingness to try something new, and sheer pig-headed stubbornness!

Unfortunately we aren’t done yet. Three back panels are required – two sides and a center piece. These panels fit around the mounting brackets for the seat back and arm rest. Unlike the factory cover, these will be seat material instead of carpet. Measure each panel, cut it out, sew it together...

Interesting! I wasn't familiar with them and had to look it up. Fascinating, elegant, and somewhat complex gadgets. The people who made the industrial revolution weren't dummies! I've got a huge amount to learn about machining, fabrication, and metrology. Thanks for the reference!

I still have my first slide rule <digs it out of drawer> - a Pickett N4-ES Vector-type Log Log Dual Base Speed Rule... Slide rules make nice decoration, but I don't miss using them at all! I find it fascinating how much modern solid modeling CAD systems are built on drafting style geometric...

Today is a new day. Returning to the debacle of the seat cover that doesn’t fit the first thing is to cast aside all assumptions and systematically trouble shoot everything. The first thing I discovered is that the sides of the seat aren’t at right angles to the front – they are actually at 83...

I wanted a 3D printer for years. Waited until I had a project that needed it to get one - I knew that it would just sit around otherwise... The first thing to understand is that the actual 3D printer is just one stage in a pipeline of building things. You can either print things other people...