Interior panel question
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Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 57
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From: Georgia
Interior panel question
Hey Everyone!
Just a simple question!
I have a '73 Coupe. It's about 75% original.
I just removed the interior from the dash back! (I'm not brave enough to tackle the dash and console yet!)
Anyway, I've removed the interior panels intending to inspect, clean and bring some life back to the 50 yr old vinyl. I have it all out except the inside T-Bar panel between the T-Tops. I've read how they can break if you're not careful, or lucky, prying the studs out of the clips! I don't have the funds to replace that $300 part right now; plus I wish to retain the original parts as much as I can! My current panel is fine with no sagging, fading or rips, etc.
So I'm seeking your advice: do you think it's worth trying to get that out for a thorough cleaning and the ability to see the birdcage support under it, or since everything else I've seen under my panels looks really good, should I just let it be and clean it and the SS/chrome above it as best I can?
I'm on the fence...one moment I want to risk it, the next I don't! So I'm deferring to your experiences and knowledge of these cars! Thanks so much in advance.
Just a simple question!
I have a '73 Coupe. It's about 75% original.
I just removed the interior from the dash back! (I'm not brave enough to tackle the dash and console yet!)
Anyway, I've removed the interior panels intending to inspect, clean and bring some life back to the 50 yr old vinyl. I have it all out except the inside T-Bar panel between the T-Tops. I've read how they can break if you're not careful, or lucky, prying the studs out of the clips! I don't have the funds to replace that $300 part right now; plus I wish to retain the original parts as much as I can! My current panel is fine with no sagging, fading or rips, etc.
So I'm seeking your advice: do you think it's worth trying to get that out for a thorough cleaning and the ability to see the birdcage support under it, or since everything else I've seen under my panels looks really good, should I just let it be and clean it and the SS/chrome above it as best I can?
I'm on the fence...one moment I want to risk it, the next I don't! So I'm deferring to your experiences and knowledge of these cars! Thanks so much in advance.
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2026 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
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There are 3 friction studs holding it in place. If you work incrementally to get all 3 moving at the same time, it should come out easy enough. Also, consider spraying all your pieces with some vinyl dye of the color you need. Really makes the pieces fresh looking and uniform in color.
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Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 57
Likes: 7
From: Georgia
RJSquirrel........that's the deal that has me worried! I believe I know there are 3 studs that have to be pulled out, but I don't even know where you would start to pry! Isn't there a lip on the edge of that panel? How do you get anything under there to even start prying on it? Also, can you tell me what the benefits of removing it would be?
Kanvasman: My thoughts most of the time! If there is really no benefit to removing it.....
Kanvasman: My thoughts most of the time! If there is really no benefit to removing it.....
1967 Pedal Car Champion
Joined: Mar 2020
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From: US-PNW
RJSquirrel........that's the deal that has me worried! I believe I know there are 3 studs that have to be pulled out, but I don't even know where you would start to pry! Isn't there a lip on the edge of that panel? How do you get anything under there to even start prying on it? Also, can you tell me what the benefits of removing it would be?
Kanvasman: My thoughts most of the time! If there is really no benefit to removing it.....
Kanvasman: My thoughts most of the time! If there is really no benefit to removing it.....
