Latch Pillar Cover Repair

[70Falcon]

With my latch pillar covers a mess, I was wondering if I might be able to do some restoration to get them back to a usable condition. I've tried to find some replacements, but without much luck. I did find a pair that are suppose to be good, but haven't seen them as they're asking $135 for the pair.

Part of the surface has serious UV damage that just flakes off with a fingernail. I was thinking that I might be able to brush off the UV damaged surface, and then repair the obvious bad spots. Then perhaps I could paint them with a vinyl/plastic paint to match the interior.

Here is a photo of the latch pillar covers. They run along the rear of the door opening, and trim out that flange down to the sill plate. Regular windlass runs along the top of the door opening, and down the front flange to the kick panel.
IMG_0872b.JPG

This is a closeup of the passenger side. It is the worst, although the driver's side isn't much better. The UV damage to the surface runs for about 12 inches, or so, around this center bend area. I'm guessing that between the UV, and getting in and out of the car caused most of the wear.
IMG_0876b.JPG

Driver's side cover showing its damage. I need to fill the holes in both, and then "restore" the surfaces so they can be painted to match the new interior color. You can kind of get an idea of the depth of the UV damage from this, and the previous, photo.
IMG_0877b.JPG

I need some suggestions on what might be used for the patching? I'm thinking some kind of plastic/vinyl "goop" is needed, but don't know what. I need something that will stay somewhat flexible, allow some shaping and be paintable to match the interior color scheme.

My other thought was to cut the cover off just above the large area near the bottom, and run regular plastic weatherstrip down to it. Not sure I like that idea, but it might be an option. I don't need it today, so I have some time to look. Anyone fixed anything like this before?

[Bob K]

I don’t think it will be much help but did you look into Mustang parts for that problem. I know there are a lot more Mustangs out there.

Bob K

[70Falcon]

I don’t think it will be much help but did you look into Mustang parts for that problem. I know there are a lot more Mustangs out there.

Bob K

Not sure what you mean, Bob. I know that these parts were only used on the '66-'70 Falcon two-door sedans, and the '66-'67 Fairlane/Comet two-door sedans.

Thanks for the reply,

[Bob K]

I thought that Mustangs were a modification of the Falcon body, and that maybe Ford used that part on both the Mustang and the Falcon. I was just guessing though. I don’t have any specific knowledge on that car.

Bob K

[70Falcon]

I thought that Mustangs were a modification of the Falcon body, and that maybe Ford used that part on both the Mustang and the Falcon. I was just guessing though. I don’t have any specific knowledge on that car.

Bob K

Bob, I appreciate your trying to help. I'm really trying to find a product that I can repair/restore these with. Any ideas on that?

Thanks again,

[Len]

Not sure what you mean, Bob. I know that these parts were only used on the '66-'70 Falcon two-door sedans, and the '66-'67 Fairlane/Comet two-door sedans.

Thanks for the reply,

I'd like to see a picture or two of the problem, I'm not sure what you're talking about and the pictures are not coming up. Click on the paper clip at the top of the posting block, click on "Browse", pick out the picture from your computer then "Upload" it. Exit out of the upload screen click on the paper clip again and then click on the picture file to put the picture in the post.

[70Falcon]

I'd like to see a picture or two of the problem, I'm not sure what you're talking about and the pictures are not coming up. Click on the paper clip at the top of the posting block, click on "Browse", pick out the picture from your computer then "Upload" it. Exit out of the upload screen click on the paper clip again and then click on the picture file to put the picture in the post.

Len, that is exactly what I did. Interesting that you don't see them, as I can see them in the first post. Does anyone else see the photos? If not, I will upload, and attach, them again.

Thanks,

[Serge]

I see the pictures allright....but have no solutions for you other than some plastic repair/bumper repair and polyflex...then paint...