69 map pockets sagging

[Greg L.]

Whats the best way to "straighten" these pockets? I've see pics of some that are nice and straight and others that look as though they have had socks stuffed in them for the last 35 years which is how my two smaller ones look!


These have always bugged me about my car so now is the time to do something about them.

Greg Linton
#45455

[Joe L.]

Re: 69 map pockets sagging

Greg-----

This is a common condition and it's caused by just such the situation as you describe----"overfilling" of the pockets. I've never, personally, contended with it since, from day-one, I never did the things which cause this on my 69.

However, IF I were in need of trying to do something about this, I think that about the only possibility, and I STRESS POSSIBILITY, would be carefully heating the pocket area with a blow dryer or heat gun on low heat and, when softened, try to "flatten" the pocket to its original shape. After cooling, it MIGHT maintain that shape.

If the above doesn't work, I don't know of anything else that would. However, these pocket assemblies (the whole thing---not just the 2 small pockets) are available in reproduction.

[Wayne P.]

Re: 69 map pockets sagging

Have you checked the springs on the back side?

[Paul O.]

Re: 69 map pockets sagging

Greg I seem to recall an article in the restorer must be a year or more back it delt with installing spring steel in the top rib of the pockets thus removing the curve. Paul

[Joe L.]

Re: 69 map pockets sagging

Wayne-----

The springs you described will affect the condition of the main (rear) pocket. However, I understood that the concern here was the 2 smaller front pockets. Those pockets are not influenced by the springs. If the rear pocket was the concern or also a concern then, yes, the condition of (and presence of) the springs should be checked.

[Greg L.]

This might be as good it gets...

They aren't perfect but this might be as good it gets...


I actually used everyones advice on this one to get it to where it is now except for installing the spring steel. I'll check my restorer CD for that one and if they start to sag again I'll have to try that route.

I see that the map pocket only assy is repro'ed but I'm trying to stay away from repro parts as much as possible. In this case I think it would be better to live with it the way it is rather than replace it...unless I could of course find a really nice original!!

What do you guys think?

[Joe L.]

Re: This might be as good it gets...

Greg-----

I think that it appears as-new.

[Greg L.]

Re: This might be as good it gets...

ooooh...top marks. Thanks Joe!

Hope it stays like that now.