It's been more than two years since we installed a new package tray and quarter-pillar trim panels in our '69 Mustang project car. That project was in our Aug. '03 issue, and while the result looked good, the rear window leaked. After a year or so, the panels and package tray were ruined from several car washes and a few stints in the rain. While we try to keep the daily driver out of the elements, sometimes it just can't be avoided.
This time around, we'll tackle the leak with a new National Parts Depot (NPD) package tray and a pair of trim panels with better protection from inclement weather. This is also a chance to tackle some other upgrades to our project car, which is getting a little better each time we work on it.
The work was accomplished in one day at Ambrose Custom Interiors. After removing the rear window, we installed new NPD quarter-pillar trim panels. The window, NPD seal, and urethane sealant were installed over the excess, glued-in material of the panels, which is the way these panels should be installed.
While the window was out, we also installed a new headliner. Although the old headliner was still decent, they are reasonably priced at less than $30, and the existing one was sagging. Although we did a headliner installation in our Jan. '06 issue, that car was a coupe, so this gives us a chance to show the differences with a fastback.