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Last Reviewed: March 17, 2024
Bodyshop Index

We will make a new convertible top guide to demonstrate the procedure for making a new striker plate, stop or guide.
Making a new nylon guide for an antique, vintage, old, used or classic car or truck - step 1 1. Here is the guide we want to reproduce. The material becomes brittle and over the years, causing it to crack and chip.
Making a new nylon guide for an antique, vintage, old, used or classic car or truck - step 2 2. We are using a very durable plastic with natural lubricating properties and you can buy it at most plastic supply houses. It comes in black or milky white colors.
Making a new nylon guide for an antique, vintage, old, used or classic car or truck - step 3 3. We start with a piece slightly larger then the original.
Making a new nylon guide for an antique, vintage, old, used or classic car or truck - step 4 4. Here we use the original as a template to mark the outside edges.
Making a new nylon guide for an antique, vintage, old, used or classic car or truck - step 5 5. Then we cut it out on a band saw, leaving an 1/8th inch margin for clamping.
Making a new nylon guide for an antique, vintage, old, used or classic car or truck - step 6 6. Here is what we have so far.
Making a new nylon guide for an antique, vintage, old, used or classic car or truck - step 7 7. The new material is slightly thicker than the original but that will not be a problem.
Making a new nylon guide for an antique, vintage, old, used or classic car or truck - step 8 8. Next we install the new piece in a three-way vise with a block of wood underneath for support. We will use a simple carbide burr in the drill press.
Making a new nylon guide for an antique, vintage, old, used or classic car or truck - step 9 9. Then we gradually create the desired shape by moving the vise.
Making a new nylon guide for an antique, vintage, old, used or classic car or truck - step 10 10. Here you can see what happens (the chip) if you move too fast.
Making a new nylon guide for an antique, vintage, old, used or classic car or truck - step 11 11. So we make nice, slow and steady passes.
Making a new nylon guide for an antique, vintage, old, used or classic car or truck - step 12 12. Now you can see that one side is cut to the right depth.
Making a new nylon guide for an antique, vintage, old, used or classic car or truck - step 13 13. And here we have cut down both sides. We will remove the wings at the ends with a belt sander before continuing.
Making a new nylon guide for an antique, vintage, old, used or classic car or truck - step 13 14. In this picture you can see that we used a piece of tape to create a template for the holes.
Making a new nylon guide for an antique, vintage, old, used or classic car or truck - step 15 15. Then we transferred the outside edges of the original piece to our new piece.
Making a new nylon guide for an antique, vintage, old, used or classic car or truck - step 16 16. Next we carefully handle the tape without using our hands to prevent a loss of stickem.
Making a new nylon guide for an antique, vintage, old, used or classic car or truck - step 17 17. And place it on the new piece so we can drill the holes in the correct location.
Making a new nylon guide for an antique, vintage, old, used or classic car or truck - step 18 18. Now we can use a hole to screw the piece onto a block of wood for the final steps. We are using a straight edge here to accurately measure for final tweaking.
Making a new nylon guide for an antique, vintage, old, used or classic car or truck - step 19 19. Here we are picking out a beveled bit to apply a slope to the guide.
Making a new nylon guide for an antique, vintage, old, used or classic car or truck - step 20 20. Now back to the drill press to cut the slope. This is also a good time to go back to the straight bit and trim the perimeter to the actual size.
Making a new nylon guide for an antique, vintage, old, used or classic car or truck - step 21 21. Finally, we alternate the hold-down screw so we can carefully countersink the holes.
Making a new nylon guide for an antique, vintage, old, used or classic car or truck - step 22 22. And then a quick pace on the belt sander to remove the burrs.
Making a new nylon guide for an antique, vintage, old, used or classic car or truck - step 23 23. Here you can see how well the new guides matches the original ones.
Making a new nylon guide for an antique, vintage, old, used or classic car or truck - step 24 24. And here you can see how they will look on the application.

Jeff Lilly Restorations
11125 F.M.1560 N
San Antonio, Texas
210-695-5151 - www.jefflilly.com