57 Rustbucket 1957 Chevy Bel Air

1969 Olds Cutlass Convertible Restoration
Page 6

FOR SALE


1969 Olds Cutlass Convertible

April 24, 2015

About time for an update.

Quarter panel fitted
Tack welding Welding seam

Once the rear quarter was fit and trimmed the long process of slowly welding it on begins. There are a million little tack welds spread all over the length of the seam to minimize heat and warpage in any one area. It's just a matter of tacking all around until they all connect.

Welds joined Seam dressed

Once they are all joined the weld is dressed or ground down smooth. The seam is virtually invisible. I'll do a little shrinking and a skim coat of body filler and it will look like new.

The inner and outer wheelhouse for the drivers side are on back order so I'm on hold for the body work.

In the meantime I'm going to get started on the frame and suspension.

I rolled in the replacement frame. The original was badly rusted and weakened in the rear.

Finding a 69 convertible frame was a little challenge. This one needs a minor repair but overall is in good shape.
Replacement frame
Frame condition Frame detail

First step is to get it stripped of all the suspension, fuel and brake lines.

Stripping frame Removing parts
More disassembly Impact wrench work

A lot of penetrating oil, heat and impact wrench and the slowly the parts come off.

Rear diff removed

The rear differential and links finally came free. I also removed the ball joints and bushings from the control arms.

And the frame is stripped and ready to be sandblasted.

Ready for blasting Frame stripped

Back from the sandblaster!

Sandblasted frame Clean frame

Everything came very clean and looks terrific.

Bare metal frame Frame detail
Frame ready for primer

Time to get some epoxy primer on all this bare metal.
After a few coats it really looks good!

Epoxy primer Primed frame
Frame primed Looking good
Frame complete Ready for rebuild

I also tore down the rear differential. It will be cleaned, painted, new seals and all the internals inspected.

Diff teardown Diff internals

Next up, nice clean rust free reconstruction!

Lots more to come!

Check back often.


Updates almost daily I hope!

Contact me! [email protected]