New Member!

Got this 1986 Fifth Avenue from as a barn find (not running) just over a year ago for 500cad, changed oils, breaks and break lines, rat nest in trunk removal, etc. Everything you would expect
I've been driving it for over a year and have grown a love for cars in that time and came here to ask for help from some veterans to upgrade a little, I have only done basic repairs but have decided to do some more.

One: Small issue I have is a decent sized dent on the drivers side quarter panel from before I bought it. You cant necessarily "Bang it out" because the engine bay is blocking access to it, I have attempted to use a deflated soccer ball + air pump and it seemed to work to an extent, yet there is still a noticeable dent, maybe a half inch deep and five inches deep. Any knowledge you offer will be tested!

Two: For those who have replace their headliner: What fabric and glue have you used? has anyone strayed from the paths of the manufacturer and used a different fabric/texture? do you have any technique or tips you can offer? My roof is caving in on me more everyday and I'm looking for a change.

Three: Mechanically, what could I do to increase fuel economy/horsepower without having to get machinist or any mechanics work done? I am still in high school and have a toolbox in my garage, no expensive mechanic needed.
I would say I am decently mechanically inclined, but haven't got too much experience yet. Willing to try anything!

Four: What has worked in the past for lowering on a budget? Just looking to get it 2-3 inches lower on front/back.

Welcome! A picture of the dent would help. Cheap solution for the headliner is to use twist pins like here: Post in thread 'Sagging headliner' Sagging headliner

I think @MoparDan and @Justwondering have removed their headliners and would have tips on how to do that.

For better fuel economy... what's it getting now? Have you already done the basic tune up- spark plugs, wires, distributor cap and rotor?

As for lowering the car, mine had sagged out leaf springs. When I replaced them I picked up several inches in ride height and it dramatically improved the handling, noise, and overall ride quality. I'm surprised your 5th ave isn't already sagged out in the back. I can't really tell from the picture though.

lowering the front... lowering spindles or messing with the adjusters on the torsion bars?

Thank you for the reply, I was writing this last night and only had this photo, I will send more photo updates soon!

Thank you!

AMC Diplomat said:

Welcome! A picture of the dent would help. Cheap solution for the headliner is to use twist pins like here: Post in thread 'Sagging headliner' Sagging headliner

I think @MoparDan and @Justwondering have removed their headliners and would have tips on how to do that.

Click to expand...

I never recovered mine, I found an '80 Diplomat at a U-Pull it yard with the same color headliner in great shape. I can tell you taking it out and putting it back takes patience: not alot of room to get it in and out, recline your seats all the way back, if I remember correctly front passenger side is the only way, once it's up put the dome light in first but don't tighten all the way so you can move it as needed

Welcome to the site!

Welcome noahc ...
One of my first few writeups was headliner replacement and then I followed it with recovering all the pillars & trims.
I used spray on contact cement and I used brush on contact cement.
Went to JoAnne's fabric store and fondled some fabric.
Went to automotive guy (Arnold's) and he used to do fifth avenue's interior in their heyday.
If you go with an 'original weave' it has a direction to it. Most annoying to work with.
If you go with something more contemporary (like what would go in a suburban), it doesn't have an obvious weave direction and gracefully accommodates funky sides/curved corners of the pillars and glass.
I live in Texas and it gets hot, so I added a liner in the ceiling -- got it at home depot. It was fiberglass insulation with the silver backing, comes in a big roll that is wide enough for the roof. Its about 3/4 inch thick.

Its good you have a headliner. If most of it is there, you can stiffen it with some cardboard on the back. If you do that, go the whole way-- side to side and front to back. Doing just a little bit will show the transition of layers.

Buy some fabric and practice with it and the contact cement before you do the final attempt. I didn't. Had an air bubble I missed. Got the bright idea to re-heat that area and use a nozzle sprayer to add more adhesive. Scorched the brand new fabric I had just put on, dribbled adhesive all over my jeans, and was just plain disgusted with my efforts.

I went with SMS to replace the 'faux' leather covering on the roof bonnet. Pretty good results; however, go ahead and either get a door on saw horses or a piece of plywood on saw horses for a work area. The tailgate of a full size truck is NOT a decent solution-- too narrow.

JW