1978 Rear storage compartment hinge finish question

[Eric J.]

I'm freshening up the storage lids on my 78 PC after an unfortunate battery explosive discharge.

Were the hinges painted interior color (in this case silver)? Were they painted after they were rivited to the frames or before? Thanks Eric

[Tom R.]

Re: 1978 Rear storage compartment hinge finish question

Ouch!

All the mounting hardware is unpainted except the what appears to be a lift bracket toward the front of the compartment. I see the two rivets painted interior color and the hinge painted interior color. I can't say for sure without dis-assembly, but it appears that the hinge was attached to the compartment frame, painted and then assembled to the lids. Again, that mounting hardware is a mix of black oxide screws (lid attachment). Three chrome screws with washers gives the appearance that the hinge was secured to the compartment frame as additional support.

[Eric J.]

Re: 1978 Rear storage compartment hinge finish question

Tom, thank you. Exactly what I was looking for. Eric

[Eric J.]

Re: 1978 Rear storage compartment hinge finish question

A charger overcharged causing acid to hit the "halo" trim, T Top trim, the dash, the seats and the carpet. It happened a few years ago and I just couldn't force myself to take out the original interior. Ugh. At least it wasn't a low mile PC.

[Eric J.]

Re: 1978 Rear storage compartment hinge finish question

I finished the Halo trim. Came out nice. I had Scottsdale Paint mix up a can that matched what I think was the correct color. FYI Black Eastwood Undewhood Matte is just about the right sheen for the black parts.

[Tom R.]

Re: 1978 Rear storage compartment hinge finish question

Yeah...came out nice. I had a local paint shop mix some paint for the interior smoke gray items. Used the inside of an armrest to match and mix. Used an airbrush to spray paint.

[Eric J.]

Re: 1978 Rear storage compartment hinge finish question

Ok I assembled the frame. I used aluminium flat body rivets cut down to 5/8 of an inch. I used a vice as an "anvil" buck bar and a 5/32 rivet head to set the rivet. Don't over do it when you set it. The rivet is soft so a few light hits should do the trick. I then hit it with the silver paint I had mixed in a rattle can. Now I have to fill in the holes on the storage lid frames. The repop ones come with screw holes, the originals are glued.

I plan on using POR15 Epoxy putty to act as a filler. I'll sand those smooth and shot them in silver.

[Eric J.]

Re: 1978 Rear storage compartment hinge finish question

We finished the T Top panel today too:

Painted the silver first. Set a nice crisp tape line at the edge of the silver making sure the "trough" of the edge will get painted black.


Used Eastwood Underhood Matte Black for the black:



Completed:

[Tom R.]

Re: 1978 Rear storage compartment hinge finish question

Clearly, your meticulous. I would be surprised if an interior judge picked up on the restoration.

[Eric J.]

Re: 1978 Rear storage compartment hinge finish question

Thanks Tom, #0061 probably won't ever be judged. I am just trying to erase the awful discovery of the "acid bomb". I use to really enjoy driving the Pace Car, but couldn't after the accident. Eric

[Tom R.]

Re: 1978 Rear storage compartment hinge finish question

Thanks Tom, #0061 probably won't ever be judged. Eric

Wow! #0061?

Yellow spare tire rim? If its a four-speed, is the frame stencil readable? If so, what's number? Date?

[Eric J.]

Re: 1978 Rear storage compartment hinge finish question

Yellow. I'll check for the stencil.

[Eric J.]

Re: 1978 Rear storage compartment hinge finish question

Auto L48...

[Tom R.]

Re: 1978 Rear storage compartment hinge finish question

Auto L48...

And the trim tag date code? I suspect its around March 22? I wrote an article way back early in my NCRS career so I've kept up with this sort of minutia...type of entertainment. Your 61 may be the earliest I've seen (heard about) since an 0009 built Pace Car...thus the curiosity. Interesting its an L48 M38 with FE7. Just needs a ZN1 package.

[Eric J.]

Re: 1978 Rear storage compartment hinge finish question

A previous owner painted the wheel wells and the frame below the splash shields. I may try to gently remove that paint to see what the date is.