Author Topic: My Tenth Anniv. (Read 41802 times)

roadking77 · « **Reply #120 on:** October 23, 2021, 07:09:17 AM »

The FRP is Fibreglass Reinforced Panel. You can get it at lowes or HD. Usually in the same area as paneling. Its typically used in lower end commercial kitchens, I have seen it line bathroom walls in gas stations and such and have even seen a guy that did his basement with it. Its only about an 1/8" thick, only comes one thickness as far as I know or at least what is on the shelf. It has a shiny pebble texture on the finish side and a dull smooth surface on the back. I glued the headliner to the shiny side after I took 60gr and knocked the shine and some of the pebble off. Cuts easily with a vibrating tool. Tin snips will do the trick, razor knife with a lot of work, power saw etc. The sheet I just bought was close to $40.

The stuff is very flexible. I used the same on my 77 and its holding up fine.

Funny you mention the shades. I still have the scraps of black material from my 77 that I was planning on making shades with. Had the same thought when I just did this one. Maybe I will go ahead and get the job done now that you have brought it up, LOL.

roadking77 · « **Reply #121 on:** October 23, 2021, 07:10:27 AM »

Placed my order yesterday for more parts. Again, hurry up and wait. With my experience with Ames they should be on my step wed or thurs next week.

Jack · « **Reply #122 on:** October 23, 2021, 08:39:20 AM »

I was one page behind... Looking good as always, I like the headliner work.

MNBob · « **Reply #123 on:** October 25, 2021, 07:27:56 AM »

Great job on the headliner. I ordered one pre-made, but it was short in the front left corner.

I am going to break down and order new carpet as well. I was looking at Ames, where did you get it?

Your paint on the side panel looks good, that should come out nice when you get the stripes on.

roadking77 · « **Reply #124 on:** October 25, 2021, 02:38:45 PM »

Yes, I ordered the carpet the from Ames, but they source it from ACC. I have looked through many suppliers over the last 2 years trying to locate the correct weave but had no luck. At the time I ordered they said it comes direct from their vendor (ACC) and should be to me in a week. 3 weeks on I am still waiting.

I found my t top trim and it was typically dryrotted and dusty. So I figured on ordering new. I restored the U hoop trim awhile ago and now that its installed I am not happy with it. Its ok, just not perfect. So I ordered all new trim from Ames as well as the dome light housing. Supposed to be here tomorrow. Digging through my stash I found a pile of t top trim that came with the extra parts that was actually pretty decent. I suppose I will sell that stuff.

I inquired at Ames about door panels and they said 6 - 8 months!! I think I have found a pair but I just had a couple of big expenses, one daily driver car related and then the pressure tank on my well had to be replaced. So I will have to wait another week or so before I will place the order. Hopefully the place does have them in stock.

« **Reply #124 on:** October 25, 2021, 02:38:45 PM »

another10th · « **Reply #125 on:** October 25, 2021, 06:44:28 PM »

In regard to the sun shades.... YoFab (yofab.com) makes some very nice shades for the second gen cars with the Fisher tops. I have used them for several years and love them. They allow the A/C to work as it should on the really hot, sunny says.
Dale Shelton (cup holders for the purest on Facebook) also has sunshades for 2nd gen Fisher top cars. His appear to be quite similar to those from yofab.

Post up if you find correct carpet for the 10th. I've been looking for years. Attached is a label removed for an original carpet s

another10th · « **Reply #126 on:** October 25, 2021, 06:46:35 PM »

Also, here is a picture of the t-top shades

roadking77 · « **Reply #127 on:** October 26, 2021, 09:51:11 AM »

Those shades look nice, I will have to look into them. Thanks for the carpet info. I have put it on file. I will continue my search. 1 fellow told me that he got carpet by the yard that was for a caddy of the same period. I tried a couple of caddy restorers, they were very helpful but alas no carpet.

roadking77 · « **Reply #128 on:** October 26, 2021, 09:56:00 AM »

New trim parts came in today. All of the stuff looks nice, but I will have to dye it. Will start on that this evening. I also ordered all new parts for the dome light, connectors, nuts, housing etc. But somehow I forgot to order the stupid $15 lense. I will have to put that on the to do list.

2021-10-26_11-46-00 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

2021-10-26_11-46-16 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

2021-10-26_11-46-25 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

2021-10-26_11-46-36 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

A few parts ready to install. I thought I had lost one of the wire covers, but did manage to find it in my mess. I could only come up with one rear panel, but might have one in the works. Will report on that later. Getting real close to putting all of this stuff together now.

roadking77 · « **Reply #129 on:** October 26, 2021, 10:00:57 AM »

I forgot to add, I placed an order for a pair of legendary door panels

OUCH! Got them from NPD, only vendor that had a pair. I called Legendary and they had none in stock, said they may be able to get to them in June. I started to restore mine, and they were coming out nice. I was gonna have to have the carpet redone on the bottom anyway. Originally I was just planning on making this a decent driver car, but the deeper I get the more I seek for the best I can. I knew I would not be happy with the refurb panels.

Seat covers, well thats a different story!

another10th · « **Reply #130 on:** October 26, 2021, 04:31:10 PM »

Since I still have the original carpet in the car, I removed the carpet from my original door pads and used it on the Legendary door pads. I had to have the carpet on the doors match the floor!
I also used Legendary seat covers and ACI foam buns. It was all expensive, and took a long time to get, but well worth it.

Taking the sunshades one step farther, Screaming Chicken Design (find them on Facebook) can make you a really nice two compartment bag to protect the sunshades when not in use. Similar to the t-top bags.

scarebird · « **Reply #131 on:** October 26, 2021, 06:29:28 PM »

Make sure you ratchet up the e-brake before bleeding the system.

roadking77 · « **Reply #132 on:** October 27, 2021, 06:21:27 AM »

Thanks Scarebird, will make a note of that.

Another10th, one thing that bothers me when I see a resto is the carpet, and the bottom of the door panels. I have a used carpet I bought from someone here a number of years ago. Forgot whom that was, sorry. I had even considered doing what you did. I thought about contacting Legendary and seeing if I sent them the carpet they could use that instead of new. But with their lead times out 8 months now I dont want to wait. I still have that in the back of my mind though. I have been searching for used carpets as well and considered piecing together to make a good one. Again no luck with that either.

another10th · « **Reply #133 on:** October 27, 2021, 07:10:44 AM »

Roadking77,
I agree about seeing the low pile carpet in a restored 10th. And as I said before, it bothers me to see low carpet on the door pads, and the correct carpet on the floor. The carpet on the doors was swapped out by my upholsterer. The only hard part (he said) was retaining the map pocket.
My original carpet is not too bad. Most of the wear is near the left kick panel, on top of the e-brake cable, and against the transmission tunnel, near the accelerator pedal.
I'm not sure that I could piece a set together. I could never keep the grain going the same direction on each piece!
That carpet was reproduced a number of years ago by Trim Parts. It was better than what was available previously, but still not quite right. It seems that the availability of that carpet has long since dried up. There have been discussions about it on this forum before.
Good luck, and post up if you find anything!

roadking77 · « **Reply #134 on:** November 01, 2021, 10:01:06 AM »

2021-11-01_11-51-25 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr
Door panels got here friday. They are really nice, and should be

I checked back on the sight just out of curiosity and now they show 0 in stock. I am pretty sure these were the last pair in the country. Lucked out this time around. Got all of my t top trim dyed and ready to install. I am at my limit with flickr if they let me download any more pics I will post.

« **Reply #134 on:** November 01, 2021, 10:01:06 AM »

ryeguy2006a · « **Reply #135 on:** November 01, 2021, 11:09:33 AM »

Glad you lucked out Kerry! You know there is some guy that's two weeks behind your schedule cursing right now because of the zero inventory haha.

As for Flickr, I hit my limit and just opted to pay the $49.99 per year. I get a lot value for that money by posting up my pictures. I do it once a year and otherwise don't think about it.

5th T/A · « **Reply #136 on:** November 01, 2021, 12:18:22 PM »

Kerry,

Glad you were able to get your hands on a set of the coveted door panels. I noticed they did the cutout for the inside door release but not the power door lock switch. I thought every TATA came loaded with most the options, but maybe not power door locks. I have seen many factory cars where the PD switch looks crooked. So maybe legendary did you a favor by allowing you to make sure the cutout is done correctly.

roadking77 · « **Reply #137 on:** November 01, 2021, 12:46:50 PM »

2021-11-01_02-23-32 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

2021-11-01_02-23-20 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

On a whim I got my windshield installed today. I asked the guy that does my glass work for an install price. He had to add in travel time as he is about 45 min away, the price was over $400. I thought that was too much. Then thought, maybe I can do it myself. He gave me the name of a fellow that is much closer that he sends work to occasionally. I called him, he doesnt do auto stuff but gave me another number. SO, I called this guy, he said $135 and could do it today. Just by chance I am home today so things worked out. Only down side he said he could have the same piece of glass delivered to his shop next day for as low as $85! I over paid a bit, but what the heck. Its done now.

Larry, I know what you mean by the cut outs. When I did my 77 one of the most nerve wracking thing to do was to cut the door panels. Not looking forward to it this time around. I will add these are Legendary assembled, which are a bit nicer than the PUI. Not that it makes that much difference because you cant get those either. I think I did see a pair of Legendary un assembled some place but cant remember off hand whom it was. Now if I can track down my missing carpet I will be in business.

Ryan, I get the pop up message about upgrading to pro. I dont have a problem paying the price, but I am old fashioned. Im not keen on giving my cc info on the phone. I suppose its just as safe as the computer though.

roadking77 · « **Reply #138 on:** November 01, 2021, 12:47:33 PM »

2021-11-01_02-45-20 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

Trim all painted and ready to go.

T/A Addict · « **Reply #139 on:** November 01, 2021, 02:14:12 PM »

Quote from: roadking77 on October 26, 2021, 10:00:57 AM

I forgot to add, I placed an order for a pair of legendary door panels OUCH! Got them from NPD, only vendor that had a pair. I called Legendary and they had none in stock, said they may be able to get to them in June. I started to restore mine, and they were coming out nice. I was gonna have to have the carpet redone on the bottom anyway. Originally I was just planning on making this a decent driver car, but the deeper I get the more I seek for the best I can. I knew I would not be happy with the refurb panels.

Seat covers, well thats a different story!

Soooo seat covers, What is your plan on those?

roadking77 · « **Reply #140 on:** November 02, 2021, 06:41:36 AM »

Good Question?
Current plan is to have something custom made by a local shop, IF as Bob Barker would say "the price is right".

Second option would be to get a deluxe int in silver (non TATA) as per you question in another thread.

Third option would be to get a deluxe int in another colour.

Last on the list is correct 10th seats. This may be counter intuitive considering my build, but I cant stand the silver seats in the TATA. When these cars came out I thought they were the coolest until you looked inside. To me they look cheap, quite the opposite though! Before I spend a couple of grand on the correct int. I will pay to have something custom to my liking. I will worry about correctness IF and when I decide to sell.

At this time it may be awhile before I get to the seats. My car budget is just about drained at the time being. And I still have my motor to deal with. If nothing else I have a set of black hobnail that are in ok condition I can use as a last resort.

ryeguy2006a · « **Reply #141 on:** November 02, 2021, 10:01:57 AM »

Nothing wrong with running incorrect seats Kerry. Heck, look at my car. I drove around for 3 years with the original white seats in a car with all black interior! I was surprised that not one person at a car show mentioned it either.

T/A Addict · « **Reply #142 on:** November 11, 2021, 07:48:57 AM »

Sorry if I missed it Kerry but what are the correct colors and products you are using to paint the seat backs, interior panels, etc?

roadking77 · « **Reply #143 on:** November 11, 2021, 03:54:39 PM »

At one time I knew the numbers off the top of my head, but I am a couple of years older

I will get a quick look and post, just check back here, same bat time same bat channel.

On the brighter side I did get my carpet in, ACC, colour looks good but weave is nowhere even close. BUT, that much was expected. Will have to live with it until something better comes along. I also tried to put the window trim on the front. That is a major PIA. I had one side clipped in nice and tight, went across the top, clipped the pass side in and the dr side popped off

I didnt have my glasses and could barely see what I was doing, I was also just passing through and thought it would be a quick simple job to look like I got something done. WRONG. Need to go back and attack with a better attitude and some car time. Been super busy with work and no spare time. This time every week I say to myself, "I am going to get car work done this weekend".

FormTA · « **Reply #144 on:** November 12, 2021, 04:16:09 AM »

That trim is a PITA. My palms were bruised for a week after I installed mine new metal clips or reshaped originals help.

Again, so sorry I haven't been able to get those panels cleaned up for you yet. I did find a box at work I think will work though. Maybe this weekend I get out there. We don't have many more days until it really cold here and I can't get stuff done outside (at least comfortably) so the wife has had me on projects in my free time....

« **Reply #144 on:** November 12, 2021, 04:16:09 AM »

roadking77 · « **Reply #145 on:** November 12, 2021, 07:53:02 AM »

I hear ya Luke. I know you didnt completely forget me, I didnt want to bother you. No big rush. Every friday I will think of what I can get done on Saturday. Then friday night or saturday morning my wife will say 'we need to run to .......... or I want to get ..........done today! Before I know, its monday morning again. I keep telling her that my weekends keep getting consumed with her hobbies. One of them we are all going to the shop and work on my car! lol. But you know how that works out

roadking77 · « **Reply #146 on:** November 15, 2021, 12:22:14 PM »

I got the front and back window trim on the other day. With the help of my glasses so I could see what I was doing it went ok. I put a small strip of tape at each clip so I knew where to beat

Then when I had one side set, I taped it in place so it would not pop back off. I then tapped at each clip with a rubber mallet. They snapped on pretty good. I think the problem may be the windshield is set a fraction too high. Everything clipped down tight but when I did the back window which is original to the car the trim sits just a bit lower.

roadking77 · « **Reply #147 on:** November 15, 2021, 12:26:04 PM »

Interior trim colours for the light gray which is everything but the dash and kick panels, SEM 15183(warm gray). The dash and kick panels which are a bit darker is SEM 15393(medium gray). I use SEM 13023 low lustre clear top coat.

I have checked these colours against the backside of original parts that were not subject to fading as much and they are just about perfect for a match. There may be other brands but I have had good luck with SEM.

MNBob · « **Reply #148 on:** November 15, 2021, 03:25:43 PM »

Catching up:
1. Those Legendary door panels look really good!
2. Your painted/dyed trim parts came out nice.
3. What I didn't like about the 10th seats is they were hard leather and slippery. I have the cloth now with the 300ZX seats and it is very comfortable, but I often wondered if there was a gray/silver velour cloth from another Firebird that would work with the original seats. Go with what you like, it doesn't have to be original.
4. I got the new windshield a few years ago and it really makes the car feel newer over the old pitted one.

Congrats on your progress.

TATurbo · « **Reply #149 on:** November 18, 2021, 07:53:11 PM »

Haven't checked in here in a while...Looks like things are moving right along huh?
I think I'm the one who brought up the T-Top shades, so thanks to everyone for the input on materials and sources. In my 'Custom' red '81 interior, I found the closest match to the original headliner color, pattern, and appearance was a material listed as being for a Fox-body Mustang. I'm going to look into the sources you guys noted are making shades, but ultimately I'll need to recover them or make my own in order for them to match.

Congrats on finding the door panels in stock. They look awesome! Not sure why it came up earlier, but if someone was asking about Legendary door panels assembled vs. unassembled...I used Legendary's unassembled panels in my car ('81 Turbo). So, if anyone has any questions...Hit me up.

FWIW, I agree with everyone else regarding the original silver interiors in the TATA's. I'm not a huge fan, except (if I remember correctly) they had a bird embroidered in the middle of the rear seats. Which I did like. I WAS a huge fan of the red instrument panel lighting though. I remember the first time I saw one lit up. I was hanging outside a 7th grade school dance when some guy pulled up in a TATA. Already a TA fan, I walked over to check it out. For some reason, the red lights on the dash really stuck in my little pubescent head. It's still my favorite look today. When it came time to have my '81 gauges refurb'd I had AutoInstruments reproduce the TATA illumination. (The 'cups' behind the gauges are a florescent pink instead of light blue)

Anyway...The interior is where you're spending your time so I'm all for customizing it to your liking.

Congrats on the progress! Looks great!

roadking77 · « **Reply #150 on:** November 21, 2021, 09:31:59 AM »

I posted in the lobby but will post here as well. Spoke with my motor guy the other day. The machine shop is finishing things up now. He should have the parts back within a week. At which time he said it would not take more than a few weeks to finish it up. I dropped it off on Jan 4 or 5. Will see if he can get it done before its been a year.

5th T/A · « **Reply #151 on:** January 23, 2022, 09:36:49 AM »

Hey Kerry,

I know you have been busy running your business and outdoor temps have been less than ideal for working in your shop. I hope you are well and know you will give us some updates once you have time to devote to your TATA.

roadking77 · « **Reply #152 on:** January 25, 2022, 08:13:42 AM »

Hi Larry, yes the T/A has been neglected for far too long. We have been extremely busy with work which is good. I had some furniture in the shop that needed refinished (I picked it up in July and by coincidence to this thread we are delivering it back today!) and once I started that I covered the car up pretty tight to keep overspray off. So it has been tucked away in bed for the last couple of months. My engine builder called yesterday and left a message. I have not listened to it yet but will within the next hour or so. Hope its good news.

I have been doing some upgrades to the shop making it a bit more woodworker friendly and getting some more electric added. I am going to pull the radiant heater out of my car garage and put in the shop. It was never hooked up so its just ceiling art at this point. I may as well put it to good use.

I have amassed quite a few parts in fact I keep finding stuff I forgot I ordered. I want to get back to work on the car asap. Now that I have the shop cleared out a bit, and football season is over I may start to get some work done. I wanted to have it on the road by early fall last year, I am going to shoot for late summer this time around.

roadking77 · « **Reply #153 on:** February 08, 2022, 08:12:01 AM »

Have not worked on the car for a long time, but the engine builder is looking for some parts and wanted to know what colour to paint? Supposed to have the rotating assembly done at this point

, Although I have not seen it.

ryeguy2006a · « **Reply #154 on:** February 08, 2022, 01:14:06 PM »

That's good news Kerry! Having the engine complete will be a huge motivator.

Jack · « **Reply #155 on:** February 08, 2022, 06:11:02 PM »

Nice but no reds okay Kerry

FormTA · « **Reply #156 on:** February 09, 2022, 05:05:13 AM »

That is great news!

kentucky yeti · « **Reply #157 on:** February 09, 2022, 07:27:42 AM »

Yay for engines! That's good to hear, for sure.

roadking77 · « **Reply #158 on:** February 09, 2022, 07:56:04 AM »

13 months and counting

BUT, it was not too long ago that I thought this thing was lost forever. Its nice to know its back in his shop and going together. I gave it to him in pieces, which was the way it came to me. So now I am getting calls every morning of yet another part that he needs. I am sure he is frustrated not having everything there at one time, and I feel bad about it but I suppose its just holding me up in the long run. Im not sure which shop its at (he has 3) I have been passing one on a daily basis. I would like to get a pic.

5th T/A · « **Reply #159 on:** February 09, 2022, 08:15:03 AM »

Good news on your engine, I think the saying is nothing good ever comes easy. Not sure what pieces you are missing, fortunately everything is available new or used. Looking forward to pictures.

« **Reply #159 on:** February 09, 2022, 08:15:03 AM »

News:

Author Topic: My Tenth Anniv. (Read 41802 times)