1973 Convertible Project: Engine Bay Restoration

[Hemikiller]

I'd source a used one before I made one, and I work in sheet metal.

 

[Steve McMahan]

Yea, I’ve got a semi long list forming of parts I need.

I guess my dilemma or ??? is, if I remove from the now donor car, my current 73 coupe, the engine, trans, driveshaft, custom built ECU harness, rebuilt ECU, all of the new front suspension components, and all of the new brakes. And, I put the old worn out suspension and brakes from the Vert on the Coupe, will anyone be a buyer of that car? I haven’t sold a car in so long, I’m not sure I’d take my own advice on the subject. The coupe will have a mostly complete interior (less the new single din unit with speakers, and the tach upgrade in the dash), but no engine, trans, a modified engine harness, etc. Will that be sellable?

Thankfully, I’m in the middle of restoring the floors from very mild rust, and in a few weeks, scraping the underbody to do the same, so I have time to reconsider or consider my plan.

 

[Moderator73]

Wow Steve what a project. Don’t know where I’ve been but just now seeing what you’re starting. This is amazing. I could never do anything as big as this so for sure I’ll be enjoying following your work.
Bob

 

[will e]

So you'd sell the Coupe with no drive train? The answer is 'yes, someone will buy it' if you price it right!

 

[Steve McMahan]

After a long illness, my father passed at 94. I’ve been in Texas since the last week of Sept taking care of family and preparing my mom for living without him. So, as others have the same experience, car stuff has been on the back burner.

Before I left for Texas, I was able to start on the interior rust spots. It was almost nothing; was one small hole in the floor of the passenger side rear seat. Welded a plug there. And applied a rust treatment after I cleaned the trunk and interior floors, at least as much as I had.

Will be a few more weeks before the car sees me again. Steve

 

[Steve McMahan]

Well, hoping to get back to the car by the end of the week. Home in Az undergoing new flooring, so am banned until that’s done, but expect that to be done in a few days. Once I get the interior treatment finished, now that I have more rust treatment supplies, I’ll be putting the car on wheel cribs I made last year, and start from the rear. I should have Popeye arms by the time I’m done.

Will be good to get back to the car doing what I love.

 

[Cleveland Crush]

After a long illness, my father passed at 94. I’ve been in Texas since the last week of Sept taking care of family and preparing my mom for living without him. So, as others have the same experience, car stuff has been on the back burner.

Before I left for Texas, I was able to start on the interior rust spots. It was almost nothing; was one small hole in the floor of the passenger side rear seat. Welded a plug there. And applied a rust treatment after I cleaned the trunk and interior floors, at least as much as I had.

Will be a few more weeks before the car sees me again. Steve

Condolences on your father's passing.

 

[Sheriff41]

Sincere condolences, Steve.

I was just visiting my 94-year-old dad in Tucson this past week. Time well-spent, though I know the opportunities for visits are running out.

 

[tpj71mach]

After a long illness, my father passed at 94. I’ve been in Texas since the last week of Sept taking care of family and preparing my mom for living without him. So, as others have the same experience, car stuff has been on the back burner.

Before I left for Texas, I was able to start on the interior rust spots. It was almost nothing; was one small hole in the floor of the passenger side rear seat. Welded a plug there. And applied a rust treatment after I cleaned the trunk and interior floors, at least as much as I had.

Will be a few more weeks before the car sees me again. Steve

Sorry to hear of your loss, Steve.

 

[Steve McMahan]

Thank you guys. I appreciate your thoughts.

 

[Steve McMahan]

Well, another month, time to get back to the Vert.

I’ve completed the rust treatment of the passenger compartment and the trunk, including the trunk drop offs:



I also got the car up on the blocks I made a year ago, to aid in the next step, the underbody cleaning and rust protection:



Unfortunately, my almost no rust car has rust . I found it in the drivers side drop off/rear wheel well lip area. A complicated repair, to say the least, and it also seems, the drop off is a thinner metal, like the outside areas of the under dash area, by the front fenders. I made a piece for the wheel lip, but was difficult in getting it welded well. I’ve got to grind on it and spot the missing areas still. It will be a three piece repair, so wish me luck. I have an old, twisted front valance as a metal donor.

 

[Sheriff41]

Well, another month, time to get back to the Vert.

I’ve completed the rust treatment of the passenger compartment and the trunk, including the trunk drop offs:

View attachment 94986View attachment 94987View attachment 94988

I also got the car up on the blocks I made a year ago, to aid in the next step, the underbody cleaning and rust protection:

View attachment 94989View attachment 94990

Unfortunately, my almost no rust car has rust . I found it in the drivers side drop off/rear wheel well lip area. A complicated repair, to say the least, and it also seems, the drop off is a thinner metal, like the outside areas of the under dash area, by the front fenders. I made a piece for the wheel lip, but was difficult in getting it welded well. I’ve got to grind on it and spot the missing areas still. It will be a three piece repair, so wish me luck. I have an old, twisted front valance as a metal donor.

My 72 convertible spent the first 50 years of its life in El Paso (first 3 years) and southern AZ. Even in that arid environment it formed surface rust in the trunk, mostly on the underside of the tops of the quarter panels.

We've all seen what you're capable of so I anticipate good results! Keep us posted as you progress.

 

[Hemikiller]

 

[Steve McMahan]

So, today, more “rust” removal, started at the rear bumper area, and was able to scratch, buff, and sand the surface rust off. No new surprises. One question I do have. The structure, spot welded to the bottom of the trunk pan, used to located the fuel tank and also to strap it in place: how do you guys get inside to deal with the 60 years of whatever? This part:



Long pieces of 1” sand paper in side, pulling from end to end? I’m curious what you’ve done to deal with it. Thanks.

 

[Hemikiller]

Mine was easy, it came off with the rotted to death trunk floor.

You could use some engine cleaning brushes wrapped in scotch brite or sandpaper to scuff out the rust. Finish with phosphoric acid wash, rinse, blow dry and paint with rust encapsulator paint of your choice.

 

[Steve McMahan]

A few holes. I’ll wait till all of the undercoating is off to deal with it. It’s where you would suspect; on the flat parts of the floors. No rust where it matters.



I kinda remember the last time I did this, but that was north of 30 years ago; man are my shoulders sore.

 

[Steve McMahan]

Well, I made it to the transition from the trans tunnel to the engine compartment. And I was able to get the first of the POS 15 from the rear to the start of the rear axle tunnel. So, it’s been a long and tiring 7 days of work, but progress.

These are just in process pics. I’m taking them as I go in case some day I sell her and want to provide the new owner proof of what I did. It’s what I always hope for when I buy someone else’s project.

 

[tony-muscle]

Great job! It's a lot of work to deal with rust but there is a lot of satisfaction that little by little you are getting to end of the tunnel one step at the time.

 

[Hemikiller]

I'd be happy to do that work, sure beats welding in new floors.

 

[MOTORCITYBADBOY]

Doing all of that by hand?? Laying on your back? Bless your heart.. A used rotisserie, and a small blasting tank with some walnut shell material and you can do the entire underside in 1 day.
Curious what is POS 15?