Help with Interior problem on my 1960

[Donald H.]

I'm having a lot of trouble getting some interior stuff together. I had installed the kick panels (Al Knoch deluxe repros) and they when in and fit fine. Seem to be in correctly as far as I can tell from photos I've found on line.

Now the problem - With the kick panel in I was not able to get the curver fiberglass piece, the heater cover panel, that screws to the clock console and up under the dash. When I tried to work it into place I could not get it in. I actually cracked the small tab on the back of the heater cover that screws to the kick panel. Fortunately since this is on the back side it didn't damage the paint.

Next I took out the kick panel thinking maybe if I put the heater cover panel in first I could work the kick panel back in around it. After trying this, I don't think it is possible. The kick panels were missing from the car when I bought it to restore, so I don't have them to work from.

Do anyone have suggestions? Looks like the kick panel has to be in place first.

Thanks,

Don

[Joe M.]

Re: Help with Interior problem on my 1960

Donald, if you are talking about the rectangular-shaped tab that point down, it is a very tight fit; so tight that I broke mine off by forcing it into place and had to reattach it with resin and glass mat. The kick panel must be installed first. When you install the heater cover piece, you have to push against the left side (against the console) while you maneuver the tab into place in the recessed area designed for it.

Since the back side is cracked, I would recommend chopping up a small amount of fiberglass cloth or mat into 1/8" pieces, mix it with resin, and apply a thin layer over the crack. You could probably get away with applying one layer of resin and glass mat.

[Donald H.]

Re: Help with Interior problem on my 1960

Joe,

Are your kick panels originals? I was also wondering if perhaps the Al Knochs might be a little thicker.

[Joe M.]

Re: Help with Interior problem on my 1960

Mine are original as they have job sequence numbers in green grease pencil on the backs. Al Knochs panels could certainly be thicker. Can you tell if the repro kick panels are butted up flush against the metal on the back side. I realize you can't see back there, but if you tap on the kick panel, you should be able to hear it hit metal in several placed. I would assume that Al has sold many repro kick panels and the thickness should be within a tolerance range that allows them to be installed.

[Donald H.]

Re: Help with Interior problem on my 1960

Yes, the kick panels seem to fit as they should and are tight against the inside of the fender. I'm going to give it another try tomorrow.

[Joe M.]

Re: Help with Interior problem on my 1960

Keep all pressure off the thin tab on the right side of the heater cover until you have to let it go up against the kick panel and seat it in the indentation. Then, to hold the screw with trim washer in place, you have to reach behind the kick panel and hold a pal nut while you twist the screw into place.

[Stephen R.]

Re: Help with Interior problem on my 1960

If you are talking about the passenger side kick panel and the cross piece that goes up against the center pillar, I find it easier to bolt the two together and squeeze it in place as a unit, then trying to do it one piece ata time.