1969 Olds Cutlass Convert

I've been putting off restoring the convertible top mechanism. It gives me a headache just looking at how it all fits together and folds up. But I can't put it off any longer.

I stripped all the old material from it and took dozens of pictures along the way. It all seems to be there and not rusted away.

There are A LOT of moving parts to this gizmo. I disassembled the top and after inspection it's in very good condition. all the bushings and pivot points are solid and not worn out. I labeled everything and took more pictures.

All the components were media blasted and painted with several coats. I say it often, but they look just like new.

I laid all the pieces out and began to scratch my head. Thankfully I had taken all those pictures and began to make sense.

Miraculously it all came together and folded perfectly. That's another first for me.

           Reinstalled back on the car. It's been nearly 2 years since these two have been together.



Some final adjusting, a new set of hoses for the hydraulic rams that open and close it, and the top goes up and comes down with a touch of a button.

Automatic transmission fluid is used in the system as you can see through the clear hoses.

It's a big step towards getting this old girl finished.



Now we're gonna have some fun. It's time to put some color on the her. I masked off most of the body in order to paint the door jambs, the edges and vent openings on the hood and the drip rail around the trunk opening.

A couple coats of epoxy primer to seal everything up and have a uniform color to paint over.



Then three coats of base color. It's pretty exciting to see the color on the car.

   Followed by three coats of clear.

WOW it's really looking great!

The deck lid reinstalled, along with the passenger door.

All that's left to put back on is the hood.

It's time to clean the shop from top to bottom and turn it into a paint booth.

This is really exciting. The next update will be a milestone, I should have a car that is completely covered in Tahitian Turquoise!

Lots more to come!

Check back often.

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1969 Olds Cutlass Convertible Restoration Page 14 FOR SALE
May 8, 2016 Things are starting to really come together now. Should be driving her in no time!