Project - 1968 DeVille Convertible

[DaddyDeVille]

Very nice!! 

[dwbic]

Got the hood, front fenders and front bumper installed and aligned. 





Don

[DaddyDeVille]

Got the hood, front fenders and front bumper installed and aligned. 
Don

Hi Don,  would you mind taking a picture where the fender meets the door and the hood meets that cowel?  The guy that did mine put more shims in it than a door in a late 70s split level house that went through an earthquake.  I'm interested in the gap to see how far out of wack mine is.

thx!
Charles

[dwbic]

Charles,

Here are a couple pictures of the gaps and shims. 

Driver Side - 1 Shim

Driver Side Gaps

Driver Side Match up of Body Line

Driver Side Gap


Passenger Side - 2 Shims

Passenger Side Gaps

Passenger Side Match up of Body Line

Passenger Side Gap


Let me know if you want more details. 
Don

[DeVille68]

nice work. 
Mine has good gaps on top but the driver side door carves a bit too much to the inside on the lower rear corner.
I think mine has 3-5 shims on each side.

Best regards,
Nicolas

[dwbic]

Windshield was installed a couple weeks ago.  Started convertible top installation - rear window (curtain) is in place. 



Don

[dwbic]

Anyone know how this seal installs?  I don't recall how it came off, and none of the clips seem to line up with anything - what am I missing?



Don

[DeVille68]

Hi Don,

A few years ago I installed Steele Rubber: 70-1578-64
It looks similar but not identical to the one you have bought from OPGI. But I guess it should be close enough.
There are two tabs on each side, as you can see. There should be holes to screw the end pieces down.
I don't remember if you have to lift the weatherstrip of the door window glass in order to slip the front bow weatherstrip underneath it.
Along the bow there should also be holes. If your top is working you could test fit it with tape and check that the seal is more towards the front of the chrome windshield piece.

I will look for pictures if you continue to have difficulties.

Best regards,
Nicolas

[dwbic]

An update after a long period of frustration, but beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

I was unable to get the convertible top installed and looking good after months of trial and error.  I finally had to give up and have arranged for an experienced professional installer to do the job in June of this year.

I had the engine running decent and then one day it would not start - the culprit was eventually found to be a faulty distributor.  As a result I decided to upgrade to an HEI ignition.  Installed an MSD system and the engine now starts and runs reliably. 

Part of the wiring harness was melted and after spending too much time troubleshooting I decided to rewire the vehicle with a new harness.  That is now complete and things are working well. 

I put the car together without a roof so I can at least drive it with the top down for the time being.  I also just received my new tires - I think they look great.  Here are a few pictures as it sits today. 









Don

[hornetball]

Looks great!   

[35-709]

Indeed!

[Bentley]

The car looks great Don. I've enjoyed following your blog over these last couple of years. It's nice to see how the car is finally coming together.

[dwbic]

Thanks Bentley. 

Completed the exhaust this week and did a little needed tuning on the carburetor.  The weather was nice, so I was able to take my wife out for a ride.  The car is really quiet and the ride is excellent - rides like a Cadillac!

Here is the best photo of the car taken so far.  Lots of little details yet to do, but at least it's driveable. 



Don

[savemy67]

Hello Don,

Really looks nice!  How about another 3/4 photo, but outside in the sun?

Christopher Winter

[James Landi]

BOLD AND DROP DEAD BEAUTIFUL--- congratulations on your color choices--  Bellissimo James

[dwbic]

Hello Don,

Really looks nice!  How about another 3/4 photo, but outside in the sun?

Christopher Winter

Here are a couple shots out in the sun.





Don

[spolij]

dwbic Try getting the door handle bolts on a 66 deville.