69 SS convertible

[mrbelv2]

I've been lurking around here for awhile and I thought I'd finally start a post of my latest project. It's a sport satellite convertible. I've always wanted a convertible, but couldn't afford one. I found this rust bucket and got the wifes blessing :eusa_dance: so I pulled the trigger. I look at all the fun you rust belt guys are having and this California guy didn't want to be left out! Anyway, the plan is a quickie paint job and drive it. Then get back to restoring my 66 belvedere.

 

[YY1]

Nice handle Mr. Belvedere II ROTFL.

I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say "rust bucket" doesn't quite mean the same in California as it does in say, Michigan, or Ohio.

Decent lookin starting point.

 

[mrbelv2]

Yeah, I thought the name was clever. The SS has rust issues but it's not insurmountable. Needs quarters and the usual trunk floor. Also, will eventually need rear frame rail patches and maybe a t-bar crossmember. Both front fenders and hood have been replaced, but doors are good.

 

[mrbelv2]

At first I was going to just patch the quarters, but the more I sanded and ground, I decided to just replace them. The side markers have block off plates welded in and are really warped there. Also, both quarters have alot of bondo and pop riveted patches at the lower rear. So here I go again. Off go the quarters! The plan was to just paint and drive this. Now I'm replacing quarters. Hope I can control myself this time. A year and a half ago I decided to replace the engine in the Belvedere and thought, well while the motor's out I may as well paint the engine compartment, and if I paint the eng compt I may as well do the front end, and if I do that why not the doors too and so on.......until now I have a stripped shell! I miss driving it so thats part of the reason I bought the convertible, to drive it. Now i'm taking it apart too! Anyway here's more pics.

 

[YY1]

Wow, that's worse than I would have expected for a West coast car.

 

[mrbelv2]

Couldn't afford a west coast convertible. This one came from Oklahoma.

 

[mrbelv2]

Making progress! Here's some pics of the fender well patch.

 

[mrbelv2]

Did some more metal work to the outer wheel house. I wasn't quite sure how to form this piece, since it is u-shaped with a curve. I tried a block of wood which worked well. First, I planed the wood to 1 1/4" thick. (the width of the channel). Then used a saber saw to cut the curve (scribed from fender). Next, I clamped it all in a vise and used a torch to heat the metal and assist with bending. Worked great!

 

[Propwash]

Nice!! Good work Mrbelv

 

[Ron 73]

Mrbelv, Thats some nice work... wish you luck with getting your project done, Sure will be a nice ride! I imagine out in California, you have plenty of days to enjoy with the top down cruising around! Not so over here on the other side for awhile yet, 15 miles south of lake Erie.. hope you'll continue with updates..

 

[mrbelv2]

Thanks guys! The funny thing is I may be in Cali but i'm at 5000' elev. and there is 6" of snow on the ground!!! Last week it was 70 and felt like spring, go figure.

 

[Ron 73]

Oop's.. Don't need that!

 

[detmatt1]

Nice work on that vert! Keep up the good work and the progress posts. I hope you will be able to drive one of the 2 of them this season.

Ron, I had no idea you lived in such close proximity to the Detroit area, I had you pegged for one of the plains states.

 

[71ChallengerSE]

Thanks guys! The funny thing is I may be in Cali but i'm at 5000' elev. and there is 6" of snow on the ground!!! Last week it was 70 and felt like spring, go figure.

At least you have a week between snow and 70* temps.

Our forecast here reads 40 70 50 70 40 80 30 90 with rain snow and wind in between.

 

[mrbelv2]

Yeah, can't really complain about the weather. Snow melts as soon as the sun comes out! I'm motivated to paint the vert before summer, so I can drive it. Some day I'll restore it but for now it'll be a driver. The belv is a long term project(it's in a million pieces).

 

[mrbelv2]

More progress. Epoxy primed wheel house and inside of new quarter. I first sprayed several coats of undercoat inside of quarter then epoxied. Next is welding on quarter! I'm a little nervous as I have never done this before. I have been reading up and looking at everyones projects (over and over). Thanks for posting your projects. Especially Propwash, northerndave, detmatt1, Donny, TheSwede and everyone else too!

 

[detmatt1]

Once again, nice work. It is a pleasure to see someone do this the right way and to think that all of us are contributing to eachothers projects is an awesome thing, good work to all!

 

[Propwash]

Once again, nice work. It is a pleasure to see someone do this the right way and to think that all of us are contributing to eachothers projects is an awesome thing, good work to all!

Totally Agree with Matt! Good to see you taking the extra effort to do it right and pour some quality into your work. I'm glad the other fella's great threads as well as my own could inspire some direction for your own build. I'm sure moving forward folks will be doing the same with yours. Nice to know you're paving a road that leads them in the right direction.

She's looking good!

 

[mrbelv2]

Well, one down and one to go. Wasn't as difficult as I imagined. Here's the latest.

 

[shag766]

More progress. Epoxy primed wheel house and inside of new quarter. I first sprayed several coats of undercoat inside of quarter then epoxied. Next is welding on quarter! I'm a little nervous as I have never done this before. I have been reading up and looking at everyones projects (over and over). Thanks for posting your projects. Especially Propwash, northerndave, detmatt1, Donny, TheSwede and everyone else too!

buddy who ever is your inspiration on here keep up the good work. i am the guy who can do the mechanical but shy with the tin and deep electric. bravo:headbang: