My Tenth Anniv.

[roadking77]

Kinda just killing time while I was waiting on the antennae to come back. I took the ashtray out and did a once over. Kinda silly as it will most likely never be seen, but I know what it looks like
20250317_100239 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr20250317_143717 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr20250317_143943 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr20250317_144503 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr20250317_100053 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr20250318_175712 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr20250318_175822 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr20250318_175718 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

Got my ant. back yesterday. It was a good decision to have it rebuilt. The original plastic cable had dry rotted and was literally crumbling. Quincey gave it her paw of approval
20250317_163151 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

[N PRGRES]

Kerry you’re a jerk. Now I have to do my ashtray!  Ugh

[5th T/A]

Beautiful job Kerry,

Inquiring minds want to know how you did the transformation? I believe you started with chemical rust remover, but how did you get the shine? Wire brush, buffing wheel and compound? Did you use nickel platting?

[b_hill_86]

Beautiful job Kerry,

Inquiring minds want to know how you did the transformation? I believe you started with chemical rust remover, but how did you get the shine? Wire brush, buffing wheel and compound? Did you use nickel platting?

X2. Great job. Curious how you accomplished that.

[roadking77]

The bottom inside had some surface rust. I do not think it was ever used as it did not look like there were ever any burns or burnt tobacco (or other substances ) present. I soaked it in Rustoleum rust removal gel. That is where all of the black comes from. A good clean water wash, blow dry with compressed air then a good going over with a steel wire wheel on a high speed drill. I have found the steel wire wheel brings out a nice shine and doesnt alter the finish too much. I also like to use a roloc wheel but that changes the finish tremendously. IF painting thats not a problem. I drilled out the rivets to remove the face trim. Rivet back in place when finished. The slide mechanism comes apart easily enough with a gentle pry on the side. The 4 ball bearings drop right out. There was one rust spot on the bottom inside that had etched into the metal. I could not get it to look good with all amounts of polishing. So, not what I wanted to do but I painted the inside. First coat filler primer, then sand and silver aluminum paint. I should have put another coat of filler but was getting tired of working on this so I rushed along a bit.

Sorry I have made work for you, LOL but after doing this one I thought to myself that now I need to do the one in my black car.
I may have to leave this one in the out position so I can see it

[roadking77]

I will ad, I was a bit hesitant to wire wheel at first because it originally had a gold tint from the cladding. I tried cleaning with simple green but it just didnt look good to me. It looked clean but still dingy. I also put just a spec of white lithium (there was traces of dried white lithium in place) on the bearing slide way. It works very smooth now.

[roadking77]

Like everything with this car, simply hooking up the radio and the power ant. has been a challenge. A little back story. There was a power antennae in the car when I got it. After doing some research I found it was a replacement out of a Ford nonetheless. The diff. is the ford has a 2 wire hook up as the relay is built into the antennae. The GM has a 3 way wire hook up as the relay is remote. A few years ago I did a favor for a fellow (which we have since become good friends) I asked for nothing in return. He sent me a NOS in the box power antennae. So, now with the radio hooks up figured out attaching the ant. is next on the list. With the help from some members I was able to locate the relay unit (which by the way is above the glove box light). The inner glove box needs to be removed for access. FYI there is another relay accessible with the removal of the inner glove box to the left side. That is the relay for the rear defrost. Back to the power ant. I was able to trace the wires back to the fuse panel. They were cut but I figured that is good enough as I know what they are now and can attach some new wire to become the connection for the new ant. I had to order a new weather proof 3 wire connector. Another thing to fight with me, the coax plugs and thread to the new ant. There is an adapter for the threads. This does not come with the new ant and is a separate GM part. Fortunately I had the original instructions in the box with a part no. A quick search on ebay and a NOS part is on the way. Once everything shows up I should be able to do a final hook up.

[roadking77]

20250322_115957 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr
Relay in place
20250322_121234 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr
Either one of these stubs is where the coax hooks up. It needs a threaded connection that attaches the mast itself not included.
20250322_122020 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr
Instruction sheet that came in the box. Complete with part no.

[another10th]

This is the part you are referencing to attach the antenna lead to the antenna mast. If you are looking for one, the background of the photo shows the information as to where I purchased this one. He might have another.

[roadking77]

Thanks for the info. I was able to order one from ebay. A guy in NJ has several as well. I am surprised a part like that was as easily to locate as it was. Then again, I cannot imagine there is a large market for them either.

[N PRGRES]

I really want to power antenna back in my car for some odd reason, but since I have none of the parts, it probably would cost a bunch

[ryeguy2006a]

Looking great Kerry! Love the attention to detail!

[roadking77]

I would imagine an aftermarket unit would not be that much trouble. This factory job is a major PIA though I will be glad when this part is buttoned up and over with.

[N PRGRES]

I would imagine an aftermarket unit would not be that much trouble. This factory job is a major PIA though I will be glad when this part is buttoned up and over with.

None of the after markets look right so it would have to be an OEM unit, might be something for down the line

[ryeguy2006a]

I would imagine an aftermarket unit would not be that much trouble. This factory job is a major PIA though I will be glad when this part is buttoned up and over with.

Why, aren't you going to sell it anyway haha

[roadking77]

Radio is finally in place. I have been fighting with that thing for way too long now. I still am not sure how I even got it to fit! It was like trying to put 10lb in a 5lb bag. The dash was cut for an aftermarket radio and I had a fellow 3d print a backer plate for me. He did an amazing job but in the end there was just enough original dash in place to hold and I did not need the new part. I had the radio working before the install. I fought with the thing to get it in place. Turned on the key and all I had was the fm/am light. SO, back to the drawing board. Pulling my notes out and checking the connections. Everything looked ok, pulled stuff apart and reconnected etc. Feeling pretty good, turned the key and the same thing Then it hit me. When I was moving stuff around the hot wire hit the metal floor and there was a small spark Looking at the fuse panel, sure enough it had blown. Replaced that, turn the key on and everything worked like it should The only thing left is the antennae. I had to order a plug for it, once it shows up I can make the connections and hope that it works.
20250324_144740 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr20250324_121125 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr20250324_121138 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr20250324_144845 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr20250324_155254 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr20250324_161451 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr20250324_161442 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr20250324_161437 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

[N PRGRES]

Very cool!!!

[5th T/A]

Radio looks fantastic, I remember seeing the first digital displays and how high tech it was in the day. Great progress!

[another10th]

I really want to power antenna back in my car for some odd reason, but since I have none of the parts, it probably would cost a bunch

The parts really are not too costly. I put together the the entire setup for a friend who bought his 10th with an aftermarket antenna. The most difficult part to source was the lower antenna mounting bracket.

[roadking77]

20250323_123504 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr20250323_112402 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr
I think the antennae may have been shared across the board a bit. When I was doing searches it seemed that corvette came up alot. I was lucky that I still had the bracket even thought the original antennae was swapped out for a ford unit. The ant. are not cheap compared to an aftermarket part but I guess theyre not all that bad either. I was lucky in that I was gifted this one.

[5th T/A]

Am I correct in assuming it’s a pain to install the power antenna?

[roadking77]

I certainly hope not! I dont think it will be too bad. I have not done mine yet because I am waiting for a waterproof connector that was supposed to be at my house Sunday morning The top of the ant. screws in with a ferrule through the hole in the fender and there is the above mentioned bracket that bolts to the body of the ant. that attaches with a bolt and clip to the top side of the inner fender well. I think it all should go together well.

The antennae itself has a 3 wire plug. Of course my car was butchered and there was only a 2 wire plug that was incompatible. I ran 3 new wires spliced under the dash to the original wiring that goes to the relay in the glove box. They are through the firewall but will need a plug to attach to the antennae wire. I suppose I could just cut everything and wire directly but I fell better with a plug.

[another10th]

Yes, that is the bracket. If anyone has an extra, I'd like to have one!
This is the ferrule for the top of the fender. The one on the right is an original piece. The one one the left is the repop that is available. Don't bother with the reproduction... it's trash.

[roadking77]

I think my next project will be interior finishes. I was missing the support bar that connects the dash under the steering wheel. I wasnt sure if I ever had one. Before ordering I decided to look around. I found one, got a coat of paint on it last night. Should be ready for install today. Also found another glove box with the lid attached, BUT it looks like its only about 10 more openings from giving way. I may use it for now though. Found a seat belt buckle cover I may be able to use for the back seat. A whole slew of other parts that should go to the swap meet. If I had nothing better to do I would set up a table at Carlisle. I may do a good clean out of parts when this project is finished. Also I was missing the screws that go through the bottom of the dash to the bezel. I do have 3 extras and one had the screws in it. So that was a bit of a bonus.

I bought some sound deadener a couple of years ago that has been sitting on the floor in my office. I think now is a good time to open it up and see what I bought I may have to get some more sound mat/insulation though. I put the stock part in my 77 which was really just a heavy tar paper. I want to try to get this one as quiet as possible.

[N PRGRES]

I have always loved the TATA, I love this project

[roadking77]

I forgot to add, that after my years of searching for correct carpet I have found a piece. It was on my shelf this whole time I apologize to the person I bought if from if they are still on here as I have forgotten their name. But, I bought the radio from them and they wrapped it up in a used carpet. All of this time sitting on my shelf I knew it was there, but for some reason I thought it was just a piece. Turns out its complete, dirty, stained and grungy looking but it is an original Tenth carpet! Def going to be worth my time trying to salvage. At this point I really have nothing to lose with it. I looked around for a company that will re-dye but cannot find anyone. I did find some DIY stuff that I may end up trying. In the meantime, a good cleaning will tell me how much work its going to need.
Also, in a box I had no idea that was there was a pair of front seat covers. Dr. quality, not good enough for the show car I am building but def good enough until I get new ones.

[N PRGRES]

I forgot to add, that after my years of searching for correct carpet I have found a piece. It was on my shelf this whole time I apologize to the person I bought if from if they are still on here as I have forgotten their name. But, I bought the radio from them and they wrapped it up in a used carpet. All of this time sitting on my shelf I knew it was there, but for some reason I thought it was just a piece. Turns out its complete, dirty, stained and grungy looking but it is an original Tenth carpet! Def going to be worth my time trying to salvage. At this point I really have nothing to lose with it. I looked around for a company that will re-dye but cannot find anyone. I did find some DIY stuff that I may end up trying. In the meantime, a good cleaning will tell me how much work its going to need.
Also, in a box I had no idea that was there was a pair of front seat covers. Dr. quality, not good enough for the show car I am building but def good enough until I get new ones.

Score!

[roadking77]

I received the carpet cleaner today. I will tackle that tomorrow. I got the dash bezel installed, I forgot the trim rings for the a/c vents so I had to order 2 more pieces. Under steering wheel cover installed, now the dash is starting to look finished. I had some liquid spray on boom mat. I used the 2 cans that I had on the floor and inside tire wells. I also have a roll of sticky foam I am going to put on top of the spray. My front window trim on the pass side never seated correctly. When I would try to pop one end in place the other end would pop out. OR the straight top piece would pop back off. I got tired of fighting with it so I taped it into place for another day. Today was that day. I pulled it off figuring start from square one. The inside edge was kinda banged up from hitting the clip, so I straightened that out, I installed plastic clips and a couple of good wacks with the heel of my hand and it seated into place nicely. I purposed stayed away from the plastic clips because when I did this on my 77 they were junk and would not work properly. I figured I had nothing to lose hence why I tried them again. I also put the tape on my door handles.

[roadking77]

Used the little green carpet cleaner machine. It did a pretty good job cleaning but the stains and spots are still there, need to think about step 2. I may run the cleaner over at least one more time as the water that came back was pretty dirt. Put it out in the sun to dry good.20250330_120729 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr20250330_143641 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr20250327_102758 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

Put some sound deadener in. I used some spray on stuff then some sticky back foam stuff. I also found some original type product that I bought at some point for the rear quarter sides.
20250328_163459 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr20250328_164232 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr20250328_165736 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr20250330_123328 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

Rear seat belt buckle trim was burnt with something. I found some red ones in my stash, so I took the cover off of one, a little bit of primer and colour and it now looks like new.
20250326_172357 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr20250329_154639 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr20250330_125332 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr20250330_125526 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

One of the door jamb vents had a broken corner. I will probably replace with a better one but for the time being some pc7 epoxy and a little paint and its good enough to use. I also took them apart to clean well and also clean the fabric 'filter?' that is in there as well.20250328_135334 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr20250328_162644 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr20250326_173805 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr20250329_154630 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

[roadking77]

I got the antennae adapter in the mail the other day, installed and installed the antennae. It was not as easy as I thought it would be, but went in nonetheless.20250329_133649 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr20250329_142001 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr20250330_143304 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

Dash is finished, I realized I did not get trim rings for the a/c vents so 2 were ordered, of coarse they only have one and the other is on BO. Hopefully it wont take too long. Also put the tape on the door handles.
20250328_153453 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr20250328_153008 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr20250328_153324 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

I finished the striping across the top of the car between the two colours
20250330_132604 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr
Then I figured I may as well do around the back window
20250330_143149 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr20250330_143136 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr
The window turned out nice, I had to make the sharp turn in a couple of pieces. Then After admiring my work I realized I installed it backwards I am still on the fence what to do (I know I wont be happy until I change it). One thought is that probably most people will never know the difference. The other thought is I will. I dont have the heart to tear it off yet.

Also installed the new package tray trim that has been in my office for several years now. I tried some 3m glue but it was not tacky enough. I had to use contact cement to glue down the flap behind the seat.

I was able to get the black car out for its first wash since last Oct, and boy did it need it! Unfortunately I did not get to drive it any further than back into the garage.20250329_141004 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

The at one point in the afternoon, my wife was screaming about some commotion in the back yard. It seems that Suki and Quincey made a new friend
20250329_110756 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

[wheels78ta]

Here, in Kansas, those are similar looking to the Western Ratsnake.  Non-venomous and are either tame to handle or in a pissy mood.

[N PRGRES]

Looks incredible!!!! Nice job

[roadking77]

We just call them black snakes. Funny thing is whenever someone says they have seen one its always 6' long, LOL. This one was pretty agitated with the girls jumping and barking. He was doing some striking but no hits. As far as I know the only poisonous snakes in our area are copperheads.

[roadking77]

Thanks Dave. I can almost see the finish line

[FormTA]

Yup, I'm happy to live in Ohio.... Our biggest problem is dear running out into the road all the time. I swear, they are trying to get my car! I've had way too many close calls. Ya, we do have coyotes but they usually stay away.

Car is looking killer Kerry!

[ryeguy2006a]

Looking great Kerry! What's the ETA on first drive? You going to Carlisle?

[5th T/A]

Regarding the antenna adapter, I am always amazed when you are able to locate obscure NOS parts. Maybe the same adapter part was used on other GM cars. Now that the antenna is in, have you been able to test it?

That is a bummer about the rear window pin strips. I know you won’t be able to leave it that way, but it can easily wait until a later time. Like you said, 99% would never notice the difference.

One thing I realize in watching your build is how many little different details there are on the TATA cars, compared to other TA’s, all adding up to a lot more work.

Great progress!