Interior Endcap Removal Proceedure?

[DanB]

I’m finally into my first of many projects on my new-to-me 1970 safari!

I’ve got a couple of major dents in both front and rear endcaps that require my immediate attention. I’ve decided to tackle the front first. It is less damaged, plus it looks like I’ll have to do a major tear-out to get at the rear endcap.

Last night I started taking things apart for about 2 hours. I started with the curtains, then the valance. Then the side valances. Then it seems I just started drilling rivets wherever I saw them! It was carnage! When I finished I had parts everywhere, random screws in baggies, metal shavings in the carpet and my hair, and the endcap still won’t budge!

Am I treating this right? It appears the endcap must be the first piece attached. How much do I need to disassemble to remove it without damage?

In general, it seems these panels are pretty strong. How much can you “man handle” them? Can I bend the side panels down far enough to get the end out?

Any advice would be great!

[silverhawk]

Hey Dan,

I do'nt have any tips but let me know where you are. P.M. me.
It looked to me to be an extensive project. I could donate some time, just for the things learned. Let me know.
Bob,

[Leipper]

Once you get all of the rivets and screws out, the interior end caps fall off. The problem is finding all of the rivets and screws underneath and around the bottom edge. You also have to remove any overlapping or attached parts.

You will also probably have to deal with the thermometer sensor tube (thinking of a mid 70's era) and the light wiring. The wiring usually has Ford type plugs so they aren't a hassle.

Do have someone to assist and perhaps some props to keep the cap in place during the final removal stages. It is fairly rugged but it is large, awkward, and flexible. My guess is that biggest hazard is that it might rip.

Drop cloths, like in paint protection, might have been a good idea if you still had carpet or furnishings to work around.

Lots and lots of rivets and very many screws. It should come down easy when you have all of them removed and the stuff out of the way.