Included in my list of mod and upgrades for my 1970 Mustang was some new upholstery.
Now there is always the issue of replacing vinyl with vinyl or replacing it with leather died to the color. But that’s just not going to happen on this “average” budget.
So I ordered a complete set of TMI from M Detail in Riverside, Ca. The price was right and although I’m not in a hurry the shipping was quick.
Now I’ve never done upholstery before, so this will be the first time. I’m also no expert in Corinthian vinyl (umm..I’m no Ricardo Montabon…) or Ruffino vinyl (just for the record I’m against harming Corinthains and Ruffinos so I specifically ordered imitation version) but the quality of the stitching and the thickness of the padding was very impressive.
So I’m going on the record as saying that if want to stay on budget and quality is important give TMI Upholstery a try.
I don’t receive compensations for these review, just make comments on what I like.
A small excerpt of a car photo will be post and you have to guess the car and year.
Each pic will be accompanied by a few hints. These will be production cars, not concepts or one off’s.
I’ll post as often a possible and keep a tally of the first right answers on the image that follows.
You have to be the first with the right answer and the first to reach 5 correct answers.
The first with five correct answers will win a free gift. Normally, car related DVD, CD or a Bolt Depot Fastener gauge (screw/bolt) – metric or U.S. (These will be mailed to you, so you are going to have to provide an address.)
Additional note: All of these cars will have had appeared on my blog over the past 1.5 years.
So here is the first image.
This is a GM. Produced in the 1960’s.
Contest #1 Image
Post your best guesses. First correct answer posted wins.
A small excerpt of a car photo will be post and you have to guess the car and year.
Each pic will be accompanied by a few hints. These will be production cars, not concepts or one off’s.
I’ll post them as often as possible and keep a tally of the first right answer on the image that follows.
You have to be the first with the right answer and the first to reach 5 correct answers.
The first with five correct answers will win a free gift. Normally, car related DVD, CD or a Bolt Depot Fastener gauge (screw/bolt) – metric or U.S. (These will be mailed to you, so you are going to have to provide an address.)
I’ll start the contest tomorrow (4/11/11). So stay tuned.
Brush up on your car parts. (Additional note: All of these cars will have had appeared on my blog over the past 1.5 years.)
Just thought I’d follow-up with the finished product.
If you look a back at the original post (http://wp.me/pKHNM-sS) you can catch up on this mini project.
After a few more hour of sanding with 220 and 600 grit and Purple Metal Polish (applied with the 600 grit and polishing wheel for my Dremel) you can see the results as compared with the original code aluminum pieces.
New Heim Joint
Now I won’t be able use the entire kit from Summit Racing but I will install this as the replacement for the old stock tension bracket.
It’s the technology that can take a stock small block Chevy engine produce 420 hp and still get reasonable mpg’s. It’s the technology that kicks in the Active Handling when you get yourself in trouble ( I personally drive with it off).
But it’s the technology that can be troublesome and cause confusion.
My 2007 C6 has equal to or in some areas more technology them my wife’s 2011 Lexus RX. Her car will let you know when the tire pressure is low, the Corvette lets you monitor it was you drive, right on the Driver Information Center (DIC) and you can toggle between front and rear. However my Corvette has nasty habit of giving me a false reading every now a then – gives me the “ding ding” warning and then prompts me that my is flat..not just low pressure, but straight to flat and then warns me not go to over 55 miles per hours. The computer assumes you have run flat tires and that it’s safe to do so. Of course there is nothing wrong with my tires pressure, (however, I always pull over to check it anyway with $1800 worth of rims and as much in rubber, you can’t be too careful). Normally it clear up after a while.
Another interesting glitch is the “headlights suggested” warning. That’s great but in the middle of a bright sunny Arizona day? Happens all the time. It darkens the dash so I can’t read it and then as some point it goes away and allows me to continue with just the daytime running light.
Every now and then the light for the passenger air bag show on, without a passenger.
One of other glitches which isn’t technology based, however none-the-less interesting. It’s emerging now that, that C6 Corvettes with manual 6 speed transmission does not shift well in cold weather. I’m not talking 85 degree below zero, I’m talking just under 50 degrees (above zero). I live in southern AZ where under 50 degree weather isn’t as common as else where in the country. How do those of you in northern climates adjust?. The most common issue is that the driver is unable to shift into reverse. That is the issue for my 07. Others have reported not being able to reach 3rd and 4th gears.
How about the known issue with the removal roof? It often becomes unseated and squeaks unmercifully. The quick solution is to stop the car, unlatch and lift the top and the re-latch. First ride I took my wife on, give her the impression that I got a lemon.
So are the glitches worth it? Is the prestige of owning a world reknowned sports car worth the glitches? Is 420 plus horsepower and suspension that sticks to the curves like a fly on flypaper?
Citroen DS had the first volume production of cars with caliper/disc brakes in 1955. Although production was on the light side that
year but picked up in 1956.
What wasn’t 100% correct and why:
– 1949 Crosley – yes it had attempted to use disc brakes on all four wheels. They used Goodyear/Hawley and used aircraft calipers.
These were not designed for the stop and go traffic. After 6 months all the Goodyear/Hawley brakes were removed and replaced with the standard drum brakes. Although they are often considered the first American car to sport disc brakes even if the production run only lasted a few months.
Crosley Disc Brake Set Up
– Some might say that the 1902 Lanchester in England was the first, however the disc was thin copper and didn’t fare well.
1902 Lanchester's Disc Brake
– The 1949 Chrysler Imperial had a disc brake option, but it did not function like a disc brake system with a pair of disc pressing against in the inside of a drum.
– There were a couple more manufacturers in the mix
Jensen (often considered the first) used four wheel disc brakes on there 1956 Deluxe, but not until Oct of that year and
production was only 50 some cars.
Austin-Healey used Dunlap disc brake on it’s 100 but it was a limited production race care where as Jensen was a street car.
Jaguar equipped their Le Mans winner in 1953, but again not a production car.
Triumph use Girling and Dunlop disc brake set ups in 1955, but mainly as tests (during the same Le Mans where Jaguar won). Girling impressed them the most, but it wasn’t until late 1956 that they began producing road cars with disc brakes.
As I have mentioned, I love the old station wagons. I love the fact that they are being restored. I even like the fact that many are getting the power plants they needed back then transplanted. Although I have to admit I am growing bit tired of the seen a “Corvette” engine between the front wheels – maybe just the fact that they left the “Corvette” labeling on them.
There were some beauties at this show.
All Custom Wagon 1
Nicely Done.
Here is a nicely done Plymouth:
Plymouth Wagon
Love the Nose of this Ply - They really didn't want any one near it.
Now you can call me a DORK but I love this Ford Wagon.
Ford Wagon
Love the Grille
Hey..I even love the hood ornament.
This Torino Wagon, although banged up and hood all mis-aligned, it’s still a keeper with good tread and not too shabbby wheels. I think it’s a keeper.
Ford Torino Wagon.
Lowered but still standing tall was this beautiful Chevy Wagon.
Loving the paint and the roofline!!
I’ve got a few more post coming up shortly before wrapping the Goodguys’ car show trip.
