wabco40

I hate it that the suppliers there can not get a case when they order RAGE gold or whatever. It makes no sense.

DUB[/QUOTE]

When I spoke with the Australian distributor for Evercoat they said that nobody had ever ask for VPA before. Its quite possible they had never even heard of it.
With the shelf life and such a limited market here, even if the distributor carried it then its anyone's guess how old it would be.

I found it just as easy to import my own fresh batch.

DUB

I can completely understand that they would not want a product that no one knows about or wants to pay for and it sits on the shelf and goes bad. When people have a choice of a product that will work and is less expensive....they normally will use it if they do not know why the VPA is a higher price.

I AM glad that you took the initiative to get some so you can see how well it works over other fillers.

I know many other fillers can be used...because many people sue other fillers and have no problems...but seeing how I have been using it since the early 1980's...I cannot live without it now.

DUB

CraigH

Well I am making good use of what was left in that tin Brad :-)

CraigH

The Halo is getting much closer to being ready for paint prep.

CraigH

So is the exhaust valance.

But I do have a question if someone can help me out.

How far down do the 2 bracket cutouts normally go ?

Alan 71

Hi Craig,
Very nice looking work on the halo fiberglass!
2-1/8" on my rear valance panel.
Regards,
Alan

CraigH

Thanks Alan

CraigH

Got the last of the external glass repairs done today.

First I moved the Vette outside.



Ground out the drivers side rear guard repair i had done previously in polyester resin.

Needed 40 grit to get it out, was in tight.





Then epoxy resin and PB chopped matting.



First layer went over arch and lip. Once it was setting up I ran a second layer over just the arch.







Now let it dry overnight and start cleaning it up ready fro next stage.

CraigH

A few minor cracks around rear deck vents were closed up.

CraigH

Only one more glass repair i want to do to the inside edge of the passengers rear arch.

More a safety/strengthening measure than a repair.

Will be happy to put the resin and glass mat away then.

CraigH

Question for those who know.....are the backing plates for the T-Top triangle bolt in the B-Pillar meant to be captive, or will they drop out after all bolts are removed ?

One side seems to stop but the other wants to drop further .

nwav8tor

I'm not an expert, but Alan told me this previously:

Hi Paul,
It's possible that inner plate is free, but maybe not.
I'd put the 2 screws back in and take the wedge pin out.
Then take ONE of the screws out and try to get the inner plate to move around by turning the screw slightly and by fishing through the 2 empty holes. You may be able to sense if the inner plate is indeed still captured by the bracket.
I'd then reverse the screws and try the same thing.
If you remain unsure and don't want to take a chance, take the top screw and wedge screw out, loosen the lower screw enough to turn the chrome plate and put the top screw or wedge pin back in it's hole, but not through the plate.
Then take the bottom screw out to remove the chrome plate.
I'd then put both screws in place and restore around them.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan

If you have the '71 AIM, I refer you to UPC 1, Sheet B11, Items 11, 12 & 13, and also UPC 1, Sheet F14, Items 1, 2 &3.

Hope this helps,
Paul

Alan 71

Hi Craig,
VERY limited access!
Regards,
Alan

CraigH

I think at least one is captive but I have added a spare bolt to each after taking the brackets off.

Better safe than sorry.

DUB

From 1978 to 1982...the T-top nut plates are able to be removed and not caged.

All of the 2 latch design T-top Corvettes I have dealt with...that nut plate was caged.

The reason I say this is there are times I WISH I could move it more than it will actually move for adjustment.

DUB

caskiguy

Craig, here are a few pictures of what it looks like up close. My 1970 Coupe drivers side is loose and I hear it clink when moved, judging by the parts I have now obtained (R&L) it does not look like it will go any where if all screws are removed but don't hold me to that !

CraigH

Thanks for that, the pictures of the bracket make it clear how it should be contained

CraigH

Rear wheel arch fiberglass repair sanded down.





Now a wipe of VPA.

CraigH

I made a simple template from the passenger side to try and get the repair close as possible.



A bit more sanding of the VPA and i am fairly comfortable.





A finishing skim of body filler and i will be happy

CraigH

The minor cracks around the rear deck vents have been ground out glassed and a layer of VPA





Brad that tin has gone a long way. I will be keeping the last scrapes of VPA to finish the halo edge near the tops.