Is it a build or a fix it up?
Your choice but I figured I'd start a thread to document all the stuff I'm doing to this old gal.
Here's what I started with:
Pretty much a plain Jane 86 Brougham with a ratty vinyl roof, faded and rough (to the touch) paint and a pretty decent interior with non-functioning power windows and an R12 A/C system that was converted (according to a sticker under the hood) to 134A:, no tail lights and a power antenna that doesn't work.
I replaced both window motors and associated switches, the headlight switch, which fixed the no taillights issue, and believe it or not, I pulled a vacuum on the AC and it held just fine. After evacuating and putting 2 lbs of 134a in the system, I have A/C, though after about 45 minutes, the compressor started complaining a bit, so I may need to change it out. But first, I decided to work on the appearance:
Vinyl top and associated hardware gone.
Sanding and trim removal in progress:
Fortunately, most of the rust I found was limited to the surface with only 3 spots having rusted through, which were pretty easy fixes.
I have the paint on the way from Eastwood, going with the single stage Meteor Grey Metallic. It's been almost 40 years since I painted a car, but how hard can it be?
Stay tuned, I plan to paint it next Thursday the 15th or so.
Your choice but I figured I'd start a thread to document all the stuff I'm doing to this old gal.
Here's what I started with:
Pretty much a plain Jane 86 Brougham with a ratty vinyl roof, faded and rough (to the touch) paint and a pretty decent interior with non-functioning power windows and an R12 A/C system that was converted (according to a sticker under the hood) to 134A:, no tail lights and a power antenna that doesn't work.
I replaced both window motors and associated switches, the headlight switch, which fixed the no taillights issue, and believe it or not, I pulled a vacuum on the AC and it held just fine. After evacuating and putting 2 lbs of 134a in the system, I have A/C, though after about 45 minutes, the compressor started complaining a bit, so I may need to change it out. But first, I decided to work on the appearance:
Vinyl top and associated hardware gone.
Sanding and trim removal in progress:
Fortunately, most of the rust I found was limited to the surface with only 3 spots having rusted through, which were pretty easy fixes.
I have the paint on the way from Eastwood, going with the single stage Meteor Grey Metallic. It's been almost 40 years since I painted a car, but how hard can it be?
Stay tuned, I plan to paint it next Thursday the 15th or so.