1973 Torino Tribute Restoration

Is it the hoop type headliner?

My car was built in Mexico in September 1978, at the beginning of the Model change to 1979. Ford Mexico did a nasty. They used up whatever would fit, so I have the hoop type from a Fox LTD or Zephyr wagon, whereas Canadian and American built Fairmont wagons, with the sponge-backed fabric on cardboard type.

If you have the hoop-type, make a diagram on them, and note the color on each hoop AS YOU REMOVE THEM, by their location. They are a blessing and a curse. They're great because you aren't trying to be an eight-handed monster, spreading/spraying glue and holding up cardboard, but they're a pain, if the vinyl is old and dry.

I can't get a replacement, but I can buy the vinyl liner and DIY one. I'm still debating about making a roof-mounted console for tapes, maybe a DVD player and disc rack. That's another nice thing about the hoop-type. You can shape the rods and adjust the liner without worrying about where to glue.

 

Your right Norm, mine is the hoop type as well. When I removed the old one I just rolled up the entire thing and stored it. I figure I will remove one by one until they are all transferred over and then go from there. Thanks for the tips!

 

I meant to post this photo the other day. This was the dealership my Dad bought his new Wagon at almost 37 years ago.

 

That's phenomenal, GPD, where'd you get that?

 

Here ya go Snooter.....Norm sent me this link a while back.

http://www.thecoralsnake.com/dealer

There a few different FORD dealer emblems.

 

Amazing, leave it to Norm, right?
What a great find.

 

Heys guys sorry for the delay, but I was out of town for work, but here are a few photos of the new front seatbelts installed. The last photo I still need to paint the plastic covers blue.

http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLanding.action?c=zovqivs.cfwamrrs&x=0&h=1&y=-3uspsd&localeid=en_US

 

That's just outstanding! Showroom quality.

 

Well alot has happened since I last posted, but unfortunately it hasn't been on the wagon. I did manage to take the family to Destin, FL for a week before the beaches are ruined. Destin was beautiful and we all had fun. Maybe next time we'll go in the wagon.

My headliner finally arrived. It only took about a month an a half, but it's here and looks good. I have looking around to see if I can get a hand installing it. I am getting very anxious to get all the rest of the interior plastic pieces installed.

I also worked on my dome light bezel some. The chrome had flaked off and I haven't been able to find an NOS or good used piece so I decided to use aluminum tape instead. It doesn't look brand new, but it beats what I had. I did manage to find a used dome light cover though. It has a small dry rot spot in the middle, but it will have to do for now. I know they do reproduce those so I'm sure eventually I'll get a new one.

Here are a few before and after shots of the bezel:

http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLanding.action?c=zovqivs.5gx8bmu8&x=0&h=1&y=tbqnwa&localeid=en_US

 

Kodak doesn't like your dome light. Not even one watt.

Headliner partners are hard to find. You need somebody short with good strong forearms and a steady hand to stretch the fabric, unless yours isn't the old hoop-type like mine. Mine should be the newer hardboard type, but Mexico builds them old-style. I don't mind though.

Here's a couple tip sites on headliners:
http://www.wlsheadliners.com/

http://www.upholster.com/auto/headliners-installation.html

You'll love this site's main page (very bottom section) on Auto Upholstery:
http://www.upholster.com/howto/

Permatex Spray adhesive is your friend for this job. (also has tips)
http://www.permatex.com/index.htm

 

Thanks for the tips Norm, but I think I am still gonna need a helping hand. I think as the headliner is glued in it needs to be tugged/stretched from both sides for it to be installed properly and leave no wrinkles. I may just leave this to the Pro's, although I have hung it up. I transferred each rod from the old liner into the new, one by one, to make sure there were no mix up's. Also took yall's advice and covered the back cargo area with a piece of carpet to dress it up some. Here are a couple photos of the Blue tier grain headliner:

If you can't see the pictures in this email, click here to see it in a web browser:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLanding.action?c=zovqivs.br7k70vk&x=0&h=1&y=w8vfh1&localeid=en_US

 

You never disappoint! Coming together nicely.

 

I love checking in on your progress every once in awhile, gpd. I am NEVER disappointed! I admire your dedication and your work is that of a perfectionist. That is now a brand new car! Hell....it's so nice....I'd be afraid to drive it! Great job, gpd. Really great.

 

Once again Guys I really appreciate the kudos!

Well I'm proud to say the "Rhinoplasty" was a success.

I finally have had time to clean and paint the radiator core support along with the Torino headlight buckets and install everything. As some of you know I changed from the Gran Torino front end to the Torino front end because my Dad's original wagon was a base model Torino. Here are the end results. What do yall think?

http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLanding.action?c=zovqivs.5wiegxv4&x=0&h=1&y=2c3tpb&localeid=en_US

 

Beautiful job, looking fore ward to seeing it complete. Great detication you have!