Here is eye sore number one:...
Here is eye sore number one: The way too modern-looking Optima battery.
After finishing my traditional-looking ’31 Model A in 2007, I just got busy driving the wheels off it. I will be the first to say that this Model A is not period correct in every way, and every time I opened the trunk that modern Optima battery was sticking out like a sore thumb—the lack of trunk mat and side panels didn’t help matters much, either. Regardless of style of car, unfinished would be the correct description.
Don’t get me wrong, the Optima battery has been an excellent performer, sitting for months on end only to be ready to bring that 425ci Nailhead to life faithfully every time I crank the ignition. Performance wasn’t the issue.
It finally came time to do something about the complete (full trunk) back-door eyesore. So, I dragged the old sewing machine out of the attic and went to town—first order of business was to make a cover for the battery.
So, using my $45 eBay sewing...
So, using my $45 eBay sewing machine, I made a cover for the battery using some pleated vinyl.
A test-fit revealed a good...
A test-fit revealed a good fit, but it was sagging a little on the top.
This is door panel material...
This is door panel material made of plastic. It has a textured side and a smooth side. I cut a piece out to fit the top. I sourced this from the local upholstery supply store. Great material to use for panels, especially in open cars like Model A’s, it doesn’t attract moisture or warp-like cardboard, and can be glued or stapled.
Using 3M Super77 spray adhesive...
Using 3M Super77 spray adhesive I got the cover ready, then pressed it in to place (use High Strength 90 for more “stick”).
Perfect, a non-sagging battery...
Perfect, a non-sagging battery cover. The Optima battery lends itself well to this solution as they do not need venting like a conventional battery.
With the battery cover made...
With the battery cover made it was time to attend to the trunk floor. This is cut pile carpet with vinyl backing. I like the vinyl backing in this case as it tends to keep the carpet straight and wrinkle free. If you want the carpet to be more pliable, for example to cover a transmission tunnel, use the type without the vinyl backing.
Using various measurements...
Using various measurements and trials I came up with this.
Looks pretty decent, at least...
Looks pretty decent, at least from my perspective!
I then cut out some vinyl...
I then cut out some vinyl that will cover the rear crossmember cover.
It looks odd, but this is...
It looks odd, but this is how you position the sheets to be sewn together.
After removing the crossmember...
After removing the crossmember cover, a test-fit is in order.
Once adhesive has been applied...
Once adhesive has been applied to both sides, we’ve got ourselves a nice-looking cover.
Now we need side panels. First...
Now we need side panels. First I made a template.
The plastic door panel material...
The plastic door panel material comes in handy for this as well.
Using a template helps guide...
Using a template helps guide the way. I prefer a fine-tooth metal blade when cutting this material.
Using a template helps guide...
Using a template helps guide the way. I prefer a fine-tooth metal blade when cutting this material.
Another test-fit; another...
Another test-fit; another decent-looking result.
I realized that the empty...
I realized that the empty space behind the panel would make a great storage area for the car’s “beauty products”, as my friends call them. I also carry spare inner tubes as most tire shops would not stock them in case of a flat. All of it fit behind this panel, but I had to create some kind of access.
With the help of a holesaw,...
With the help of a holesaw, I made some nice rounded corners.
Hole in one ... panel.
I made this door from the...
I made this door from the same plastic panel material and covered it with matching vinyl. The chrome knob is a furniture item from the local hardware store. It looks very similar to an early ’50s Ford dash knob.
I made these U-channels from...
I made these U-channels from 20-gauge sheetmetal.
Countersunk screws hold the...
Countersunk screws hold the channels in place so they will not show under the vinyl.
Countersunk screws hold the...
Countersunk screws hold the channels in place so they will not show under the vinyl.
Before I installed the panel...
Before I installed the panel I glued some carpet to the inner wheelwell. That way, it has a more finished look when I open the door.
This took the greater part...
This took the greater part of a Saturday and material cost was less than $150. I later added vinyl edging to the carpet around the spring cover. No more junk in the trunk … literally.
Ta-da! Simple and clean. Suntan...
Ta-da! Simple and clean. Suntan lotion anyone?