I just wanted to update folks on the status of reproducing the door pulls used on the 1970 Chrysler New Yorker and 300 models and the 1971 Plymouth Sport Fury and Chrysler 300 models. I talked with Bob Baker about several of his projects currently underway (I many times have supplied him with the needed dash pads and other parts in perfect condition to be able to use in making the molds for new pads - but the pads get destroyed in the process) so I know him well and wanted to provide an update on the door pulls. He said he is in the process of reproducing them as original and is well along. He said each door pull is labor intensive since he has to take the center metal band of the pulls with the rectangular chrome pieces on each end used to mount the pulls to the door panel (supplied by the person wanting them reproduced from their old pulls) and then has to go about putting in the sliding pieces that allow the pulls to move outward when the pull is being used to pull the door shut. So far, it takes about 2 hours per pull to assemble all the pieces and wrap them in vinyl and get the sewing performed. So he said he can not sell them really cheap as a result, but he said they will look like the originals with the proper thickness and stitching. So far, he is only going to supply them in brown, the color used in the Chrysler 300 Hurst models, as he has been requested by the Chrysler 300 Club, International to do the reproductions for those 1970 models only. But if he has enough requests for other colors, he may expand other color availability. The Chrysler 300 Club, International tried making reproductions themselves and failed miserably. I saw their final attempt, and it was a sorry, thin mess that didn't look original at all, so they aborted their efforts and solicited Bob's efforts. I will try to get estimates as to what he can sell them for when I see him at Spring Fling out here next weekend (April 13/14). Maybe I can even get a photo of one of his prototypes. One thing I know about Bob is that he strives for reproductions that very faithfully match the originals, so I am hopeful in this case too.
I am definitely going to order some 8 sets from him but he would probably benefit knowing how many others on fcbo might also want a set from him (Can Citter is likely I believe, for example, for his beautifully restored 71 SFGT) so maybe others could contact Bob at ABC Moparts and let him know you have interest. I will try to get a price estimate from him next week and then update this thread.
ABC Moparts
I am definitely going to order some 8 sets from him but he would probably benefit knowing how many others on fcbo might also want a set from him (Can Citter is likely I believe, for example, for his beautifully restored 71 SFGT) so maybe others could contact Bob at ABC Moparts and let him know you have interest. I will try to get a price estimate from him next week and then update this thread.
ABC Moparts