When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
G'day all this is my first post on this site but have been researching it for some time now, great info & will take years to read all previous posts. My question is, I am about to inspect a 78 pace car & will be asking the owner if we can remove the kick panels in particular & any other cover (window frame etc) that can be easily removed to inspect for rust damage. Is the removal of these panels a easy process or do I require any special tool or tricks involved in doing so, I have heard that the strips around the window are screwed on as well as velcroed but have asked another person who disagreed? Any step by step instruction on the process will be much appreciated. Thanks in advance & for the acceptance to your group. Regards Darren.
Anybody able to comment, for example with the kick panels do I simply remove a couple of screws & they come straight off or do they clip in somewhere or will carpet be in the way etc, any other quick easy inspection points which can be accessed. I do not expect anyone to risk possible damage to their vehicle or major inconvenience in doing so. Thanks
It's been a long time since I took mine off, but if I recall, it's pretty straightforward. No special tools, just a screwdriver I think. You may have to remove the stainless strip over the rocker panel at the edge of the carpet, but that's no big deal.
I don't recall the window post covers having velcro behind them - in any car of that era in fact.
The only risk of damage to the car is possible scratches to the panels or the dash if you're not careful, but that's not very likely if you are - small, small risk IMO.
You should look in the vendors' on-line catalogs at pictures of the raplacement parts, and you'll be able to see exaclty how they're fastened.
My '78 didn't have any velcro only phillips head screws holding on the interior bits. Haven't had them off in a while but from what I remember it was all pretty easy
If you are looking at a Pace Car, and the owner is pricing this car on being a Pace Car, there are a number of things to beware of. Too many to list here, but it's pretty easy to make a regualr 78 into a Pace Car, paint & decals to start with, when it really isn't one. Buyer Beware. And good luck.
Thanks MAXCO & KANVASMAN the VIN indicates it's a original PC L48 auto still haven't sighted the car peronally but the stated engine number matches the VIN except the provided photo shows a red engine (think should be blue) maybe painted. It has a cracked windscreen which concerns me that maybe the windscreen frame bubbled up with rust & cracked it. Maybe I'm paranoid but rather be sure than sorry. Been garaged since march 2013 Thanks again.