"From Ragtop to Riches": '84 cutty build

[LSCustoms]

damn nice!

 

[L.A.X-RATED]

Very very sneeky :wink: graciaSS for sharing

 

[gharris79]

Nice progress!!! Keep the pics coming

 

[ascates]

Heart of the BEAST :evil:

 

[Burnhard]

Started trying to prime a fender today

And I found this sweet little rust issue under the vinyl top when I removed it. I sanded it and sprayed some Rust Tough paint on it just for now, but what's the best way to fix this???

You are spending a lot of time and money on your car so I would fix it right.Is this the only rust on the car? I would get the metal from a donor cutlass roof cut out the rust and weld in the donner rust free roof metal.If you are doing the work take your time and tack weld it in to place.Then stich weld the rest of the patch.Heat is your enemy it can warp your roof so heat control is a must.Take your time and cut out the metal and make sure there is a good fit with your patch metal small even gap all the way around.Make a card board templet.After the weld is grinded down and your dolly work is done.Have the roof sprayed in a epoxy primer and then fill over your patch with a short strand fiberglass base automotive body filler.When you weld or sand heat is your enemy heat warps and distorts. Note your car is painted most likely with a lead base paint and epoxy primer is for the spray booth and protected painter.Good Luck nice build even though it is chevy powered

 

[ascates]

Hey thanks for all the advice, although I'm still a little nervous about starting the job. I never thought about patching it with the roof from a parts car, but that would probably be the best.

 

[Burnhard]

Be carefull not to cut into the roof support on your car when you cut out the rust.

 

[ascates]

Ok thanks for everybody's input and advice, but I would like for you guys to look over my drivetrain for me and see if there is anything I'm missing or any tips or advice would be great.

355 sbc with approx. 375hp.
th350 transmission
crossmember to fit the th350 and for dual exhaust
3.73 gears (I would like a posi unit)

Can I reuse my stock drive shaft?
Would a different gear be better than the 3.73?
What's the deal with the number of carriers on the gears?
The rear end on my cutlass is a GM 7.5 right?

 

[Burnhard]

7.5 is a week diff look at all the posts on this diff. Talk to a few diff shops about the 7.5 before you spend any money on it,

 

[ascates]

Cutlass has got new shoes!