Completing the "Ugly Duckling" Project

I completely disassembled both doors to make sure the felt runners were installed properly, the window mechanisms operated smoothly, all the nuts and bolts were properly tightened, and to make sure the weather stripping and window moldings were weather tight.  I also installed a few pieces of Dynamat to muffle  door noises. 

I even installed the factory vapor barriers to protect the door panels. 

This is the door that received the salvaged hockey stick and other trim pieces.  Both doors turned out very nice and they are very solid.  Everything works as it should.

Just inside and behind each door jamb I installed vinyl covered cardboard inserts that cover the B pillars.  They clip to the fiberglass roof trim panel (halo) then...

they fasten to the door jamb with pinch welts.

The pinch welt caps on a 63 are unique because they have 2 screws.  All other C2 Corvettes have 1 screw.

The panels really give a nice finished look to the interior.

Al Knoch Interiors finally came through with the sun visors.  They look great.

Another unique item on a 63 Corvette is the Parking Brake assembly.  The major difference is where the mechanism goes through the firewall.  A 63 uses clips to fasten to the firewall, other years use a bracket with nuts and bolts.  These are very hard to find.   

Looking up and under the car, the emergency brake cable was attached to the e-brake mechanism. 

Here's the Parking Brake in its final location,

I had the seats recovered locally and all I can say is, "wow".

"Final Touch" upholstery did the work.  They thought the Al Knoch leather seat covers were exceptional.

I also had new seat chrome and mounting hardware installed.

The seats complete the interior and...

they complete the entire restoration.  Yes, after 4 years and 3 months, this is it.

I am closing the door on this restoration and calling it done.

So, this posting signals the completion of the "Ugly Duckling" restoration project.  There are still a few parts and pieces that need to be installed but nothing major.  I've had a ton of fun and I know many of you have enjoyed it from the beginning.  If you look at some of the early posts I am sure you'll agree this was an ambitious build.  Ah, the memories.

Our next car show is Hot August Nights in Reno, NV.  Dennis and Annette K. are bringing their Nomad and Gerri and will bring our Corvette.  This will be the first car show where the Corvette will be seen completed.  I will post pictures from Reno and include some interesting information about the build so be sure to watch for that.

So, one more post to go.

As always, thanks for watching.