Howdy Erik,
I have a '63 Crown w/the stainless steel inserts on the interior door
panels. They are really scratched as well. I'm considering using some clear
plastic for replacement of the rotted fiberboard. While this isn't orthodox,
I'm happy to show anyone the old rotten, scratched, torn and stained panels
if they really want to see the real thing. Instead of trying to replicate
the brushed aluminum panels, I'm going to take advantage of the clear
plastic and will mount some kind of designed plastic panel behind it for a
design feature. Were I to try to replicate the panels, some thin grade
brushed aluminum sheet could be found and then the pattern traced off the
old and onto the new, then acid etched into the aluminum.
One question to ask: if this is a LeBaron, where did the wood interior
panels go to? LeBarons used a thin veneer of wood in '63. The '63 Custom and
Crown models used the aluminum inserts. Wood veneers are available by the
sheet and would make for an appropriate restoration. The veneers have a
similar design in them as the aluminum panels, tho different in that they
say LeBaron w/the scrollwork. The silver foil used on them might be
successfully recreated by using a silver leafing product with some skill
with some superglue.
Headliner material is easily had, try SMS Auto Upholstry here in
Portland, Or. There was a good leather restoration article written by a list
member and is posted on the website, I think. Leather repair can be pretty
easy.
Power windows can often be just a dirty switch, or an unplugged switch.
My '63 had a loose connector on the main switch and once plugged in, all 4
worked well.
For body parts, Wildcat Auto Wrecking is a local Mopar yard here, they
have 3 or so 61-63 cars w/some good front end parts.
New brakes are always good, the conversion to a dual braking system is
covered in another part of the website and can be a worthwhile investment.
Coincidentally, this all started for me in Spokane w/a '63 LeBaron in
1975. Thats great that this came down thru your Dad. Good Dad, keep him
around!
Eric
'63 Crown Four-Door
'72 Newport Custom Sedan
From: "Leslie" <kansas@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: IML: Please Welcome a New Member Erik Henly (1963)
Date: Sat, 13 Dec 2003 13:03:23 -0800
Reply-To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
New Subscriber(s): Erik Henly
Email Address is: osullye@xxxxxxx
Member Location: spokane WA
Car(s) owned: 1963 LeBaron four door hardtop, Black with light blue Interior
Self-Introduction: I am the age of seventeen and my father gave me my
imperial as a gift when I was fifteen. It has been one hell of a project for
the last couple of years but a lot of fun. The interior of the car is
completely shot except for the dash. The headliner fell apart at the
threads, the seats are cracked and torn, the fuel gauge is broken so its
hard to know when im out of gas, the radio is'nt working along with any of
the air system of the car. I have been reconstructing the door panels but
the thin alluminum piece with the patterns etched into it are discolored so
I was wondering what to do on that wether or not someone can recreate it.
Also the electric windows need a new motor.
The outside of the car is in great shape except for the front left of the
car where it had been hit. Not too much damage, though i need a new turn
signal light cover. I am missing the front door pasenger side door handle,
along with the bottom trim on the drivers side.
There is little rust except for the roof of the car but the rust isnt too
deep. Right now im also trying to work on the weather stripping for the car.
Its actually easier than I thought it would be.
As for the engine, it runs great! My father and I had replaced the whole
breaking system. New brake shoes,cylinders,master cylinder, brake booster.
This car has been a lot of fun and hopefully i can turn the car's condition
into half way decent.
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