After driving for months with a big hole where the heater control panel goes I spent most of the afternoon trying to get a brand new panel installed. This ended up being more difficult than expected as the restored dash makes the vinyl a bit thicker and I didn't want to crack the $135 piece of plastic by trying to force it. In addition to the dash I've got new carpet and insulation.

Take a look here:

http://www.classiczcars.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=11942&sort=1&cat=500&page=1

Excuse me a sec guys, but what the heck is a door bumper? :stupid:

Can't find a pic of one, but if you look at the "attached pics" in MikeW's post at the bottom of Page 1 of this thread, there is a small hole in the door frame of the body. A small bullet shaped piece of rubber goes there to cushion the door against the body.

Ohhhhhh. Ok makes sence now.

Ill have to replace that as well. This project is going to kill me.

Is there a trick to installing the door bumpers? My car had them when I bought her, but they "fell off" somewhere along the line. I have new ones, but the little plug doesn't want to pop into the hole to secure them to the car. I tried lube on the rubber bumper but it didn't help. Any tips would be appreciated.

Carl

Now I know what you mean. It's not easy. After trying various techniques I finally came up with something that worked. I removed the interior dogleg vinyl trim panel and used a 6" adjustable clamp and a 13mm socket to force the bumper in. The socket provides a snug fit to hold the rubber door bumper and evenly distributes the pressure from the clamp.

Thanks Mike! Great Idea! I'll file this away for when I can find the bumper I bought 3 years ago! :stupid: I know I still have it, I just can't find it. Grrrr.

Look in the closet.

Mike,

Car looks great. Our '78 280Z goes for paint early Sept. Can't wait!

Look in the closet.

I did, it's full of porn!

You don't say-what a suprise! I would almost say that explains alot, but it really doesn't even get close!

Will

You know of course Carl, that if you put the porn down, you might find the bumpers.

Really looks great. Good Job.

SuDZ