Pulling Door Panels...

Just a quick post on pulling door panels. I picked up some spare doors (for the glass) and needed to remove the door panels first. Getting the old Ford panels off can easily result in damage if you aren't careful due to the substrate being a low-density fiberboard that is prone to tearing and readily absorbs water which weakens it.

This picture shows a technique you can use to pop the spring clips without tearing out the mounting holes. You get the putty knife (or similar) as close to the clip as you can, and pry against the PUTTY KNIFE ONLY with a wide, flat-bladed screwdriver as close to the clip as you can.

I personally like to start at a lower corner and work my way across the bottom, and then up either side for the best results. One last note ... be sure any fasteners, door pulls, window cranks, or any other item that will prevent remove of the panel has been removed first or you can stress or crack the panel.

Finally Found A Correct Roof Rack!

After much searching, I have finally located (and procured) a correct Mercury roof rack! It isn't quite as nice a s the Ford roof rack I had picked up previously, but the mounting holes are all the same meaning no new holes in the roof, and all of the rubber gaskets and insulators are in outstanding condition.

It may seem a little odd, but I would rather stay with an original, correct roof rack that isn't quite as pretty rather than go with the nicer one that just won't look right. At least not to me since I know better.

I also picked up a full set of glass (minus the windshield, but that will come soon), and all of the trim off the back around the tailgate. Nice to have spares, and I will probably even replace a few pieces since these are so nice.

Pictures to come soon!

NOS Dash Pad...

As luck would have it, I ran across an NOS dash pad around the first of the year from a guy in Florida. Still in the factory plastic, and never been opened! I was able to get that to replace my cracked black pad (wasn't sure if that was going to ever happen.) This will need to be dyed first. Time to get some SMS black with the low gloss!

I was also able to pick up an original AM/FM radio. Was supposed to be in working condition when pulled. I have another in questionable condition. Now I just have to figure out which knobs are correct for the radio... Then I will need to test it to see if it works before it goes in the car.

What a lucky find on both counts!

A Quick Update...

Wow! it has been way too long since my last update. Not much has happened due to a family illness and finishing up the installation of the hoist, and drywalling the modified garage roof. Once I have my wife back in the garage, I should be all set to get some work done. Hope to be posting more stuff soon!