[Chrysler300] John Lazenby Response

[Rich Barber <barber@xxxxxxxxx>]

John's responses did not make it through the server due to HTML 
rejection.  I have reformatted them in ()'s for your viewing pleasure 
and information.  Thanks to all that have responded, so far.  Still a 
few open questions.

C-300'ly,
Rich Barber

Rich and all,

(My comments below in red: )

----- Original Message ----- From: "Rich Barber" <barber@xxxxxxxxx> To: 
"Chrysler 300 Club International Yahoo Server" 
<Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> Sent: Friday, June 17, 2005 10:32 PM 
Subject: [Chrysler300] C-300 Questions

To the C-300 gurus:

A few more questions.

The drip rails of my C-300 appear to have the remnants of some body 
filler or caulk in them.  I'd like to get this part right if and when 
the body is redone.  Is it proper to have a bead of body filler in this 
joint between the roof panel and the drip rail?  Any recommended 
material and/or technique in replacement?  (When my B was done the body 
shop made a tool and used some kind of putty filler.  They are extremely 
smooth and consistent and have remained that way for years now. )

The horizontal hood latch plate has been painted gloss black like the 
fender liners and other portions of the radiator support.  I get the 
feeling from photos of other C-300's that this piece should have a light 
galvanized finish or a flat zinc paint color.  Ditto the hood hinges 
that are now painted body white color.  I think the hood springs need to 
be a flat red and have purchased a spare set with remnants of the 
original red paint on them.  Anyone able to correct or confirm?  (The 
latch should be cad or zinc plated.  If you have a plater do this be 
careful as the tension spring will usually break.  The hood springs are 
a brick red and the hinges are plated and not painted. )

The underside of the hood is undercoated with  the usual bumpy tarry 
gook.  If stripped and redone should it be refinished in body color ?  I 
recall that the underhood finish was often kind of thin and not highly 
finished.  I've heard that most C-300's were factory undercoated.  Any 
confirmation?  The car has undercoating underneath, but much of it is 
coming loose--fortunately with no apparent rust damage.  (My C300, '55 
Imperial and '55 T&C are all black under the hood.  The front portion up 
to the radiator core support is body color and at the very back also 
body color.  The C300 and Imperial do not have undercoating, but the T&C 
does.  I've seen some C300's restored with body color under the hood and 
believe this to be incorrect.  The 300B was done in body color along 
with the core support and inner fender panels.  Don't know if that was 
done at a later time or not.  Also should mention that the C300 has 
undercoating on the bottom with Tango red under it.)

I purchased and installed a day-night inside rear view mirror, perhaps 
from a '56.  Was the day-night mirror a factory or dealer option in 
1955?  (I'm not sure on this one as I've seen them both ways. )

I plan to take the headliner out, repair one small rip, dye the 
headliner and reinstall it.  Any thoughts on this?  I've heard the rear 
window will have to be removed to remove the headliner.  True?  Any 
recommendations on the brand and color of vinyl dye to achieve the 
original color?  I'm told the replacement headliners are not the 
original pattern in the vinyl, so wish to stay with the  original.  
(Suggestion:  If the original headliner is not bad leave it alone.  I 
don't think you will get it out and back in without damage.  Gary Goers 
headliner is as close as I've ever seen for a replacement.  My C300 has 
the original mint headliner and sun visors and the B has a Goers.  There 
is really not much difference unless you look very hard.)

I'm going to have to pull the T&C radio to work on it.  Anyone have any 
helpful hints on this procedure?  (Have lots of time and patience!! )

Thanks to all for reading this and to any who can provide answers to 
some of these questions.

(John Lazenby Southern California, just minutes from Disneyland
1955 Chrysler New Yorker Deluxe Town & Country
1955 Imperial Newport
1955 Chrysler C300
1956 Chrysler 300B
1957 Chrysler 300C Coupe
1960 Chrysler 300F Coupe
1963  Volkswagen Beetle )


C-300'ly,

Rich Barber Brentwood, CA C-300 3N551198

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