PRND21

This small Custom Component took quite awhile to engineer & fabricate. Since the Tilt Telescopic Steering Column was constructed by morphing 2 different systems together, we had to fabricate a PRND21 Indicator Needle that would work with the Custom setup. Spring Steel was used to match the thickness and rigidity of the original style Needle. We had to bend and configure the shape of the Wire so it would work with the new Column setup. A Holiday Wreath was used as a donor for the Spring Wire. We used a softer banding Wire to “Mock up” the shape before doing a final bend for the New Custom Needle.

The Wire was painted black to camouflage it against the black Steering Column. The Needle Tip was painted the correct red/orange color to match the Factory versions. The “hook” end of the Needle was left bare metal to match the attaching stud that it was fastened to. Here are a few progression photos showing the results.

img_9496a

img_9502

img_9597

img_9605

img_9614

img_9615

Many have asked about the Inspection Marks that are evident on most Assembly Line Chrysler Cars and inquired about us putting them on this vehicle. I decided to treat this project just like any other OE type restoration and use our research from Survivor Cars as the format. One thing that I was sure to do was to apply them the way an Assembly Line Worker would have done them. Too many restoration shops make their markings look deliberate and manipulated. They do not have the same “imperfect” nuances that are found on Factory assembled cars. They forget that these markings were done in a quick unpurposeful manner, to mark the piece or assembly as being completed. Here are a few photos (in no particular order) showing some of the detailed features of the Inspection Marking process.

img_9520

img_9534

img_9528

img_9540

img_9547

img_9550

img_9571

img_9574

img_9595

img_9563

img_9568

img_9589

img_9584

img_9594

Steering Column & Carpet

I’ve had a few questions pertaining to the Tilt Telescopic Steering Column and the Carpet that has been shown in some past photos. The Column is a converted C Body unit that came out of a 1970 Imperial. We use a stock 1970 Barracuda Column along with the Imperial unit and merged them into one unit. The Column no longer represents any Assembly Line version ever created by Chrysler. It is now its own morphed version, fabricated for this “One of a Kind” Concept Tribute. The Steering Wheel is a stock E Body Wood Wheel. The attaching base was converted to to allow the mounting of the E Body Wheel. Below is a short series of progression photos showing the the mock up to the final set up.

The Carpet that is shown in the picture is NOT the Carpet that will be used for this project. I had 5 separate sets of custom Carpet manufactured for this project. I picked the best appearing and fitting set for this vehicle. The pieces that are currently in the car is one of the leftover sets that will not be used. It is only there to provide some cushioning against the metal floor, while we’re working inside of the vehicle.

img_4317

img_4254-1-e1476893112219

img_9461

90%……..!

We’re almost ready for the Interior and the vehicle will be close to completed. I’ll be posting some other detailed photos along the way but the unveiling of the finished Car will be published by Mopar Collector’s Guide. Stay tuned!

fullsizerender-5

img_4254-1

fullsizerender

This particular area caused quite a bit of controversy on the Forums. A few bewildered individuals claimed that the registered Vehicle Number was illegal and that the Car was being misrepresented. Below is a photo of the State Issued, Legal Title (registered with the DOT) for this Car. For those who were so vocal with their incorrect and limited knowledge about this topic, this should help put their delusional concerns and accusations to rest.

img_9482

img_9481