THERE'S A GAPING HOLE! I'M LOOKING INTO IT

Greetings!

I've been preparing to install the mid-80s Chevy S-10 rear axle into Gary's '51 Chevy coupe, and while waiting for a part from town or another distraction, my attention was diverted to other areas. Since I've completed the restoration of the stainless steel trim for the exterior, I've been able to replace the rear upholstery panels and interior window trim, but before I replaced the seat back I gave the speaker openings some attention.

The holes for the 6X9 speakers were rough cut and didn't allow the replacement speaker to seat properly in the hole. I used a cut-off saw to trim the holes and now I can mount the speakers but I ran into another delay. The rear window package tray is nicely upholstered in grey cloth but when the speakers were removed years ago the foam padding was wadded up in clumps beneath it and the moisture and temperature changes have made the panel permanently disfigured.

I think the expense of replacement would be minimal, and I've already tried unsuccessfully to use water to soak the panel and re-shape it. Today is Monday and I think I'll take it to the upholsterer today and try to rush him to make Gary a new panel before the speakers go into it.

Before replacing the door panels I replaced the rectangular access covers that screw into the panel. To minimize the rattles and squeaks I put a length of strip caulk on the panel opening to seal the pieces together.

I use the 3M brand of strip caulk. It seems that 3M has the best adhesives on the market and they're keeping their secrets.

It's Monday night and I was mostly successful with the installation of the S-10 pickup rear axle today. The diameter of the original axle was 2.4" and the S-10 is a whopping 2.6" so the U-bolts that hold the axle to the leaf springs are not seating properly. Tomorrow I'll head for TeePee Auto Wrecking to grab the U-bolts that were used with the pickup axle. Then I'm going to put this baby back on its own 4 feet!

Doug