Starting my 1969 Coronet Convertible Restoration

[datblackchallenger]

Due to health problems I am going to send the vert to a body shop. Some questions. Do the convertibles have torque boxes from the factory. I will have subframe connectors installed after the floor pans. Should I do the work on the windows, dash and wiring before sending it in? Should I remove the convertible top? It's very good shape but I believe it will get ruined when they replace the dutchman panel. I would expect the body shop bill will be 10-20 grand.
Thanks for your help.

 

[69rag500]

Yes, convertibles have torque boxes. I think that the shop will remove the top before they work on the dutch man panel,
i would hope. They dont want to replace the top if it is damaged. Ask them. If you remove the top then your going to spend the time lining things back up. Let them re and re the top. Also are you just doing a paint job and a freshen up or a complete ground up restore.
Is this a real 4 speed car. I think you sent pics to me on my thread.. Cheers

 

[Dennis H]

Love the 500 Trim. Keep it.

 

[datblackchallenger]

Thanks I will leave the top removal to the body shop. The trim is pretty good shape, I'm gonna let the shop remove it too.

 

[datblackchallenger]

Due to health problems I am going to send the vert to a body shop. Some questions. Do the convertibles have torque boxes from the factory. I will have subframe connectors installed after the floor pans. Should I do the work on the windows, dash and wiring before sending it in? Should I remove the convertible top? It's very good shape but I believe it will get ruined when they replace the dutchman panel. I would expect the body shop bill will be 10-20 grand.
Thanks for your help.View attachment 356945 View attachment 356946 View attachment 356947

I forgot to say my vert was originally a 383 4 speed, now a 70 440. 4 speed is original, (on the fender tag), and rebuilt.

 

[Dennis H]

Love the 500 Trim. Keep it.

I meant put it back on. 500's are less common. Love the grill, badging, and side trim to distinguish from the more common R/T's.

 

[Dennis H]

Tak

I meant put it back on. 500's are less common. Love the grill, badging, and side trim to distinguish from the more common R/T's.

Tuck exhaust box-tips back where they belong.

 

[datblackchallenger]

The seat emblems only came on R/T s and convertibles I think.

 

[datblackchallenger]

I meant put it back on. 500's are less common. Love the grill, badging, and side trim to distinguish from the more common R/T's.

I am not sure what you mean put it back on. Is my car missing some trim or would you just like to the 500's trim restored with the car?

 

[Dennis H]

I am not sure what you mean put it back on. Is my car missing some trim or would you just like to the 500's trim restored with the car?

Don't eliminate it. Put it back in place. Often there is a conversin t R/T, or trim not returned to "clean it up.