Hi guys, I've been slowly plugging away at refurbishing and improving my 'burnt' Magnette interior. The dash is virtually finished so I decided to remake the gearstick cover and boot on the trans tunnel. The pictures below should illustrate the difference between old & new and also my process. I made the bezel from some flat steel and this will be either painted or chromed. The leather gearstick boot was fabricated by a local tailor to my drawing. The small switch on the tunnel cover is for the overdrive that functions on 3rd & 4th gear. The gearstick boot still needs to be trimmed and glued to the bezel.















Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/31/2012 06:27PM by enigmas.

Nice eight-ball, pal... Looks like it's coming together nicely.


I'm thinking you need a hollow gearshift lever and to run the switch up near the knob...

The trans tunnel is well done. What are all the access ports for?
Mark

Mark, the gearshift lever did have a hole for the wire to the overdrive switch on the 'original' gearstick knob, where ever that may be? I brazed the hole in the lever as I don't particularly like the original knob and the 8 ball is more of a definition of 'where I'm at'. The gearstick has also had a touch of the hot torch to place it into a more comfortable position for me. The circular plates are for access to the engagement switches/lock-offs for reverse and for the overdrive unit)
Although it can't be seen from the photos, there's a small red LED in the top of the overdrive switch which activates when 'on'.

Good stuff Vince. We made the transmission tunnel totally removeable, though it would also mean shifting the centre console. The sides of the aperture had to be reinforced though, to prevent body flex.

I tried to get the screens refitted end April, but the screen fitter let me down, just before we were off overseas for six weeks, so no progress...

After a delay of several years, I finally brought my industrial sewing machine home. All I now need is to learn to drive it, so that I too can have a go at the gear lever boot before attacking the rear seat area.

Amazing how long these projects take - though extensive overseas travel isnt helping.

Hi Ray, Yes these projects do take forever. It seems other aspects of life (family & children) took precedence for years. Only now, do I want these things (cars & bikes) done with some degree of urgency.

As for body flex (?)... these Magnettes have the most over engineered monocoques, as this form of construction was quite revolutionary at the time. I can jack my car up (quite high) from the DS or PS front suspension points and the front doors still open and close perfectly. Not so with my Rover P5 coupe.

Since you going to attempt upholstery Ray , fitting the windscreens is a 'doddle'. Truly there is no need for a windscreen fitter. All you need is a thickish length of cord (curtin pull...there must be some curtins in your house) Do not use string as it is too thin and will tear the rubber seal.

Ensure that the body windscreen flange is perfectly clean and that the screen seal is likewise. I once broke a screen when settling it into place with my palm due to a fragment of broken glass remaining iin the old seal.

Fit the seal to the screen, (fit the trim piece) Fit the 'cord' around the full periphery of the screen within the windscreen flange channel ensuring that both cord ends cross over or overlap where they meet. Try and arrange the cross over point at either centre top or bottom...use your own preference. Offer the windscreen up to the windscreen flange (i.e. Just rest the windscreen against the opening) Have an assistant 'gently' push the windscreen against the flange. Starting at the top or bottom or whereever the cords overlap...slowly pull the cord from the inside of the vehicle (the assistant is on the outside!) so that the rubber channel 'pulls over' the flange as you go. Do this gently and it will virtually fit itself.

Once the cord has done it's work it will be free and the screen in place. Next, with your palm...lighty provide soft blows to seat the screen full. NO FORCE IS REQUIRED AT ANY STAGE!

Now get a cartridge gun, some black windscreen sealant and a small bottle of turpentine. Force the nozzle of the cartridge between the seal and the body and squeeze-away as you go around the periphery. You can also do likewise between the glass and the seal. YES it's real messy. That's it.

As for my car's upholstery...I'll have some small repairs done to the DS seat as the PS is perfect and I'll also make a drawing for the upholsterer so that the rear seat and backrest will match the pleats and configuration of the front seats. The armrest will go to God!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/12/2012 07:26AM by enigmas.

Thanks Vince. I have a bit of a phobia regarding glass and if you get it wrong and the water leaks in, can be a real pain, so I am happy for the mobile screen fitter to do them both.

Somehow or other, between getting the sewing machine checked over and replacing the bobbin with better thread, I can't get the thing to sew! Now awaiting the mechanic to come and check it and no doubt I have done something basic and silly, so expect my posterior to be kicked...

I may have created a rod for my own back by building the car as a three seater, the third seat only really for emergency use. All will be clear when it goes to be certified I suppose. I can probably get it approved as a two seater OK, but have made provision for a seat belt behind the passenger's seat.

Ok, Good luck with the sewing Ray, I find that a braver task than fitting a windscreen!
As an aside, a neighbour down the road has a vintage car he's completely rebuilding in a tiny garage space with minimal tools but a lot of skills. He has an old Singer upholstery sewing machine under a bench that he wheels out when it's time and does his own upholstery. Next time he fires it up I'll have to take a closer look. ~ Vince

Classic case for me of spending the last 35 years on the shop floor with sewing machines, studying the work intensely, but I have minimal practical knowledge! I did do the most of the Marcos upholstery years ago, using the machines at the tech college, but as with any job, knowing the basics well is a valuable skills addition, but I don't have sewing 101...

There isn't much to do, but I want to do it myself. You can always redo sewing, but screens aren't so easily sourced.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/16/2012 02:32AM by socram.

Horses for courses Ray. Truly, fitting a Magnette windscreen is a piece of cake. They almost fall into place by themselves. Now fitting my Rover P5 Coupe screens...that's another story. ~ Vince