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**JTR70** · 11-16-2021, 06:27 PM

Kick panel arch:
Not only is the opening too small but the arched shape itself is squared off causing that bunching issue as it makes the turn in the previous mock up photo.
Opening it up and taking out strips at a time in stages.
As the arch profile improved the shortfall in the middle closed up quite a bit.
Clean transitional lip that hugs the access cover with no bunching .
The needed opening shape to fit around the cover cleanly and without force.

**JTR70** · 11-16-2021, 06:43 PM

By contrast, with the bottom skirt and stepped relief for the tunnel in their correct position ; no way was this ever going to fit and work with the access cover.
Binding removed and dialing in my cut lines into the final piece. I cut it in stages to make sure it was right and that I didn't screw it up by cutting too deep.
After several rounds fine shape trimming and test fits I had my final cutout shape.
Again the leading edge was siliconed to ensure it doesn't come apart before its rebound. I had it resting up against this spare cover as it cured to help lock in that desired shape.
First mock after the silicone set up., almost there.

**roy mawbey** · 11-16-2021, 08:27 PM

Justin, that is some story for both the back lid fitment and the interior carpet ! I have often wondered how a bought in replacement item would fit regarding the front and back lids. Its obvious really they would probably never fit closely unless you have to do the sort of work you are trying to do in these stages. Much thought indeed on how best to do it. That is not an easy task at all. Likewise the carpet as I have mentioned my T2 carpet is still factory fitted and because the car was only 10 years when I bought it I have been so careful to keep it looking good for over 50 years. Its the same colour as yours but of course is 62 years old now so not so bright. Its only when you see the process of fitment do I realise how lucky I am to still have these old carpets! . Most people who look in my car always say how much they like the interior smell and that is the old carpet !
So interested in seeing how you are attempting these two jobs and again your great descriptions on your methods and your photo's.

Interested again to see how the Aluminium welding goes on the back lid for you.

Roy

**JTR70** · 11-18-2021, 08:05 PM

Further kick panel fitment:
Tunnel mat will go underneath in the end but this is now my basic final reveal shape around the access cover.
I left the lip just shy of the top mounting screw. I don't know if that's correct or not but it felt and looked right. Let's see what Roy's car looks like..
Went to the next step and relief cut then folded the top over the rear seat pan.
Good skirt length with no bunching or wrinkles around the arch.
An unforced fit that looks about like it should...I think. This where keeping more of the original carpet sure would have been nice. This piece all ready to be sent out for rebinding unless I change my mind in the mean time.

Onto the forward kick panels.

Thanks for looking!
Justin

**roy mawbey** · 11-19-2021, 12:09 PM

I will sort out a few photos Justin of my T2 carpet.
Roy

**JTR70** · 11-20-2021, 05:35 AM

I may have answered my own question Roy, Your T2 cover has the hook to secure bottom instead of the twin cheese head screws like a T1 above. The tunnel carpet definitely laid over top of them as there is no holes for these screws in my original piece. Since the tunnel section tucks under the kick panel skirt the edges of it could not be under the access cover ahead of its final mounting. I'd have to partially pull the sides out from under the cover to get the tunnel's flaps beneath the kick panel's skirt then tuck them back in. The natural order in my case would be the cover in place first, then the tunnel and finally the kick panel skirt laid over top of all. At least that's what I think at this point...

Hope this made some sort of sense.

**roy mawbey** · 11-22-2021, 02:36 PM

Justin just got onto this reply been busy! That photo of mine is how it always been since I bought the car. I have had the cover off a few times and I took photos. Its so simple just unscrew the top screw and yes you made me remember the hook arrangement just pull the cover back and its in your hand, A minute only and its off.

I have to find the photos and put them on. I have to establish why I can't get the larger photo onto the forum site. Something for me to ponder on!!

Roy

**JTR70** · 11-22-2021, 07:13 PM

After a little research here is what I've been finding the well known 356 restorers doing for this area:
This is obviously a T1 with the access cover capping over both pieces with the lower screws mounted exposed.
Another T1 with lower mount tabs exposed.
T2 version capping the area as Roy describes his car as being originally. T1 twin screw tabs were replaced with a single slip in hook to secure the bottom for T2.

While mounting the cover on last makes life simpler for both T1 and T2 as pictured in the three previous examples the authenticity issue is that for a T1 the carpet lapped over and concealed the lower screws. My original section has no holes in it for mounting the cover over top. This being the case the vertical section would have to lap over the cover as well. The tunnel section finishes under the vertical wall piece (on all 356A I assume) and if you take a look as to how tight that area is in that Green T2 example I would be locked out if the vertical section was trapped under the cover before I got the lower screws in. BTW they are a PIA to install as they are right up next to the cover and the cover itself has to be squeezed a touch as it goes to ensure they aren't cross threaded. You need a clear shot to install them so slipping a screw driver in between the carpet joint would not be an easy option. So from what I gather so far a T1 cover goes on first with a carpet overlay. T2 by contrast goes on last and caps the carpet. We'll see if this theory holds up. Sure wished I would have saved more of the OG carpet to this car. All of this aside, aesthetically, the way I think I'm headed will look better. Throughout the entire car, anywhere there is a joint or break in the carpet there is a bound edge; everywhere but at this access cover. The mock-up photo of my car above just follows how the rest of the carpet set is installed.

**roy mawbey** · 11-24-2021, 01:21 PM

Justin I have found the way I think that works on the photo entry. sorry its of my starter motor!! But after reading the text of your rear carpet and inspection cover fitting I think you are correct to follow the way you prescribe for T1. I agree because you have followed everything so well for T1 that's how it should be with this placement. Now I have to work out my old pics I have and transfer them to WIN10 documents. Then I will send T2 correct ones just for your interest.

Nothing is always easy getting it all correct on these cars. There is a story on my starter motor original factory item that had me so confused I might relate that later.

Just hope the pic comes out large !

Roy

**JTR70** · 11-27-2021, 01:02 AM

Forward kick panel and pocket mock ups.

I'll be running the vinyl GT style coverings up front and along the threshold but I'm working with the carpet now as I want whole set done in anticipation of the day when it may go back to stock GS correct.
Again, since I wasn't forward thinking enough back in the late'80's to preserve the original interior I have to resort to example photos. Fortunately enough Brett Johnsons new Authenticity book provides a couple of key photos of an original T1.

Both kits that I bought are again set up for a T2 application. The leading edge wrap that replaced the early alloy binding strip. The pocket profile also runs a little straighter in the reference photo. At this point I have removed the vinyl edge wrap and cut the pocket free (as they come sewn together) I want to both correct its profile and reset it at just the right height specific to my car and the existing mounting screw holes. A piece of carpet with a straight edge placed over the left panel to represent what I'm after.
This photo highlights that saddle profile shape I want eliminated.

Begin fitting and trimming back my test panel for the best contoured fit. A lot going on all at once, trying to get the top of the contoured panel placed as high as I could up the wall while following and avoiding all the various shapes up there. Then the Leading edge and top corner had to fit and finish out with the alloy strip and the bottom of the dash. All of this then taking care that the rows in the carpeting run vertical as it went.
Then onto trimming back along the bottom for the smoothest and uniform transition in anticipation of the pocket overlay. The second goal is keeping it all as thin as possible when its all over. I'm not drilling any additional holes. Strictly using the existing mounting screw holes so it was a bit more effort fishing around for them. Then the re-punch a second or third time as the fitment progressed.

**JTR70** · 11-27-2021, 11:51 PM

Pocket work:

Test section with a straight bound edge for mock ups. I am setting up the pocket so the mount screw comes out just at the lower edge of the binding as the original example shows. Fishing for the forward mount screw hole here. I think it was a nail up there originally but it will be a screw this time.
Back panel remounted with pocket and final forward layer section. The leading edge of this outer layer runs right down the vertical stepped relief edge along the closing wall.
Top edge of this panel mounted as high up the wall as I could get it while still lying flat . Dives down just clearing the trunk floor. Intersects with the forward outer layer with just enough reveal to allow the washer tube to pass through. I was really shooting to maintain this joint.
The outer forward layer actual fits fine but I don't like the way the binding bunches up in the lower turn. The entire carpet set will have to be rebound to ensure it all matches so I'll go ahead and smooth out that corner. Anyway, I'm happy enough with this preliminary fit and this is before the luxury of glue. The pocket and panel had to be separated; No way could I have achieved the top panel fitment all the while having the pocket end up in just the right spot fresh out of the box. It would have been a series of compromises for an average fit. Now tailored to my liking
The final panel shape established and now transferring that over to its mate. A good amount removed from the way it came.

**roy mawbey** · 11-28-2021, 12:00 PM

Well done Justin real differences from T1 to T2 ! I had no idea of those aluminium trim items on T1.

Roy

**JTR70** · 11-28-2021, 08:00 PM

GT kick panel and pocket work:
This vinyl kit too is also set up for a T2. Right side is how it comes out of the box with the leading edge wrap and pre-sewn in pocket. Left side panel trimmed to fit my car with saddle shaped pocket profile eliminated.
I used my newly fitted carpet panels as the template. Same amount of excess as with the carpets removed.
A very quick mock up to confirm. Within striking distance once I begin installing in earnest.
Both panels and pockets trimmed and ready to be sent out for rebinding. Fortunately for me a roll of edging was included with my kit. I've asked that the pocket remain separate so I'm free to dial in the best adjusted fit for both pieces as they are installed.

**roy mawbey** · 11-29-2021, 11:59 AM

I suppose only the GT had these vinyl panels and pockets above? Never seen vinyl pockets ( or never noticed ! ) these before.

Roy

**JTR70** · 12-05-2021, 01:27 AM

Back panel and side upholstery:

Gone about as far as I could with the rear carpeting. To dial in the lower base carpet pieces accurately the sides have to be fully upholstered and built. Switching gears to the rear panels.
This was the original rear upholstery out of my late '56 coupe. It was covered over in black Naugahyde in probably the early '70's and I was fortunate enough to find it so well preserved for information purposes. This shot was taken just before I sold it all to Road Scholars . I made a paper template of the back panel and kept the driver side panel for future reference.
OG rear panel was a little curly and cooked but provided good info for a basic template.
Great info for not only the basic shape but also for pleat width and overlay direction
Like a lot of the components this too was numbered to the car.
My templated taken directly from that OG panel. Its an okay generic fit but its a bit short in places and the contour of the top reveal could be a lot better. developing this template further for a custom to this car.
That next...

Thanks for looking!
Justin

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