Bumpers, Spare Tire Tub, Moldings and Strip-Calk

I've been uncomfortable with the body being sandwiched between the bumpers and bumper brackets.   After a little looking I found these rubber "paint protectors" on line.  They're not stock and they were never found on any factory C2 but I like the idea of protecting the paint.  I bought a set.

Installation wasn't as simple as you'd think.  It took a few hours but it's all done, front and rear.

I needed 3 bolts to complete the spare tire tub assembly.  I was shocked to find out the bolts were $160 plus shipping.  As you can see they're much more than bolts but $160.  I don't know...

Installation was pretty simple.

The mechanism is super simple and affective.  The lid will not loosen without a wrench.

It tucks up nice and tight behind the bumpers.

I installed several more bags of stuff.  Too bags here, one for the molding and one for the fasteners.  This is times 2 when you consider the other door.

Same here.  This is the A pillar molding with fasteners.

All of the moldings were sealed with 3M Strip-Calk.  Silicone is just as effective but the Strip-Calk never sets up or hardens and it has properties much like Silly Putty.  It's sticky, molds easy, stretches, flattens, is water proof and snaps apart when pulled suddenly.  It can be rubbed off with a thumb.

Remember the birdcage and fiberglass repair that was made near the dimmer switch?  The transition between the birdcage and the fiberglass needed to be sealed.  I used several strips of the Strip-Calk for this and it worked great.  I really like this stuff. 

So, the exterior of the car is basically done now.  It still needs headlights, a good final buffing, functioning blinkers and taillights, and little odds and ends here and there but, for now, I think we're done.  So what's next? 

Dynamat is next!

Spare Tire Tub and Little Things

My work bench is full of little bags of things that need to be installed.  They're nothing major but they do need to be installed.  I installed the door locks which include the lock, the bezel, a rubber seal, the lock fastener and the lock to latch rod.  It's not major stuff but it takes time.

The rear license plate area needed the hardware and a rubber grommet.  Each sold separately by the way.  There are still several bags on the bench but that's for another day. 

Check out the wiper grills.  They're just sitting there waiting for paint but I think they look pretty good.  From the factory these are painted the same color as the car but they are available in chrome.  Tell me what you think.  Chrome or paint?  

I didn't have a good picture of the bumpers and valance in the last post so I am including this one.

The spare tire fits into a two piece tub that fits up under and behind the rear bumpers.  The pieces are unique to 1963 and both require a little TLC.  This is the tub... 

and this is the lid.  As you can see the metal bracing is rusted and there is over spray on the fiberglass.

I sandblasted both pieces.

The fiberglass was not painted at the factory so I masked it off then...

I painted the bracing with 2 coats each of Rust-oleum primer and flat black enamel.  

I temporarily installed the tub just to understand how it fits.  I need several bolts and brackets to complete this installation which means more little bags.  I need a spare tire too!

So, tell me what you think about the wiper grills.  Chrome or paint? That is the question.

Thanks for watching.