[transam1972]

well I finally have gotten around to replacing the package tray...the tray is from Legendary and is super high quality for $36....the jute was like $22??!!...although I have decided to leave it out..sometimes less is more...I believe the original trays used a more of a thin foam backing...the jute causes the tray to buckle a bit...without it it lays nice and flat...I also used a super strong duct tape to mount the front of the tray...it worked extremely well and I feel the tray is mounted securely...I did buy 3M spray adhesive but opted not to use it..sometimes using a spray like that does not always work out (messy,permanment..will it hold?)..so the tape works for me (similar concept)...now that it is mounted I plan on buying a dremel (always something!?)so that I can cut out the speaker hole...I plan on using the metal cut out to follow as a guide...sounds like a plan...I will just have a oval hole as I do not plan to try and duplicate the center bar as original on factory trays

[transam1972]

some more photos...

[transam1972]

so my car was an original standard interior that I have upgraded to deluxe..I plan on not installing the dash assist handle as I just cannot bring myself to drilling the holes for the handle...plus if the next restorer wants the car 100% original they will not have 2 holes and curse me out...but check out this car ...a 1972 TRANS AM with deluxe interior...the interior certainly looks original...those have to be original door panels...P.U.I. would have been obvious and Legendary only recently came out with upper door panels plus those panels are definitely O.E.M...or they would have to be LEGENDARY...however the plastic lowers match the uppers something difficult when redoing Firebird interiors in colors.(.thats a photo I took off of my computer)....so is it possible that the factory forgot to install the assist handle???....I just do not think that the car in this photo would have had its interior changed....anyway so I am just going with the theory that a car could have slipped through with a deluxe interior and come without the assist handle....how to explain the photos of this car?...and 1972 is a unique color and cover...these would most likely have to have been from another Firebird with a deluxe interior...so anyway I do prefer the look of no handle as the look of a clean dash is what I prefer...and I am not just saying that to explain my no dash handle!!

[transam1972]

just comparing my dash to the internet photo...that car was a 1972 but it was sold...notice how the handle on the door would match the dash...anyone else prefer the no handle look??

[transam1972]

well I decided to use the 3M spray adhesive for a more factory installation....first you glue the white foam layer...let dry...then glue the black top layer..definitely I think the tray installed better without the jute...a much better fit...too bad they did not use a thin layer of foam like the factory

[transam1972]

3M adhesive is great

[transam1972]

a last look at the rear seat frame...I was able to use all the original seat padding and I left the seat frame original...a light coat of surface rust...that is how it is supposed to look after 40 years...in a lot of ways by leaving as much as possible unrestored..you get to save yourself a lot of work..sandblasting the frame and then painting it with bare steel paint is not original...I am counting on this dremel idea to cut the hole....and after installing this tray I have to recommend LEGENDARY products once again..you think of seat covers but they sell a lot of all your interior needs (headliner.sun visors etc.)..they make the rear tray themselves..the cardboard was heavy duty and the material and foam were top quality matching the door panels...installation was a perfect fit...the deluxe mesh (70 & 71 ) is even way nicer than mine...I originally ordered mesh until I found out it was incorrect for 72..would have been easier to install as the speaker cut out is factory made and the speaker mounts from underneath,,,,,oh well...just look at how nicely the material over lapped having using there products for this interior project has made all the differance...actually the quality of the products has made this interior project fun and satisfying because I wanted my interior to be show quality and if you saw it in person the materials are as good. if not better (especially the seat covers)...the interior still has that new car smell!!LEGENDARY is #1 for me...stay way from P.U.I. junk!!!

[catc]

the interior is coming right along there,Glenn..i myself like the "no handle" ... look....But all 70-73 Trans Ams look AWESOME!

[transam1972]

Originally Posted by catc

the interior is coming right along there,Glenn..i myself like the "no handle" ... look....But all 70-73 Trans Ams look AWESOME!

THANKS!!I really do think the handle takes away from the clean finish of the dash..again, sometimes less is more..I suppose PONTIAC had to give you the extras with the deluxe upgrade...really was worth it as these extra padded seat covers and door panels cannot even compare to my original standard interior...the seat covers had like no padding and the upper door panels were hard/flat assembly..no padding of any kind...my 76 T/A had white deluxe with the horsecollar seats so I always remember how nice that interior was..I do prefer these 72 seats though

[transam1972]

I know I am photo crazy.some may think just crazy...I think I was bored today(waiting on parts)...so I went closeup nuts..also trying to communicate the vibe of what its like to sit in this thing after almost 30 years!..that is the repop lighter bezel & lighter

[transam1972]

KODACHROME..