copy/past/edit from my Facebook page:
I'm so glad I got up at 0500 for an 0830 ramp truck that finally arrived at 1030. And the driver squished my hideously expensive Diamond Back Classics tires with the straps, I was screaming. No tow driver has EVER squished the tires like that, I took pictures, if those tires are damaged, Silver Cloud Towing is buying me 2 new ones. Tagging my insurance company here, Hagerty Classic Cars.
This evolution DID have a very happy ending, I was sure, I was convinced, The Ark would have holes in the outside corners of the rear window necessitating expensive and time consuming repairs. When Michael had a chance (the place was hopping on a Sunday, they are THAT busy) he came at The Ark with his Marine Corps switchblade (No novocaine?) and sliced the roof in the corners... no holes. Praise to God with Him everything is possible. No one saw my tears of joy behind the big sunglasses. PRAISE GOD! I feel like I hit the lottery, The Ark does nothing wrong, I'm just over the moon happy. Pics below of the left and right corners, very fixable. Oh Praise God in Heaven, what a break, what a ... MIRACLE. (tears)
Came home and started leaf blowing, especially the gutters with major rain and real wind in the forecast. Such will be a good test of the 3 additional guy lines I added to the Lair. And no Ark inside to be in peril if they fail.
Arkless... I know my baby is safe and with people he knows at a place he's been before. But still... my baby.
The pain in my back and shoulders is so bad nothing is helping. And my brain tumor has been playing with me all day, making things spin, I fell a couple of times blowing leaves. Whatever. Other's have it worse.
New power steering pump bracket got its 2nd coat of paint tonight. When its dry, that and the 2 new belts will go to Michael too, he'll do that work. I may have them do the paint job on the chrome 'halo' as well, the script showed me I don't have the patience for that much detail.
On a scale of 1-10 today is a 20, hope you all had/are having a Blessed Sunday. *PATRIOTS*!
\m/
Laurie
And all those months of anguish over what the condition of the metal would be. See, worry works. The things we worry about never seem to happen.
Greg Surfas
Quote from: "Cadillac Kid" Greg Surfas 15364 on November 05, 2018, 11:39:19 AM
And all those months of anguish over what the condition of the metal would be. See, worry works. The things we worry about never seem to happen.
Greg Surfas
Greg you sound like my loving Mom (RIP). "Worrying is paying interest on a debt not yet incurred."
So lucky I am, so blessed.
\m/
Laurie
Laurie,
The most optimistic thing my Mom said was "nothing bad happened today". The longer we wait before starting a task the larger the task seems to grow.
Greg Surfas
Quote from: Cape Cod Fleetwood on November 05, 2018, 01:05:46 AM
This evolution DID have a very happy ending, I was sure, I was convinced, The Ark would have holes in the outside corners of the rear window necessitating expensive and time consuming repairs. When Michael had a chance (the place was hopping on a Sunday, they are THAT busy) he came at The Ark with his Marine Corps switchblade (No novocaine?) and sliced the roof in the corners... no holes. Praise to God with Him everything is possible. No one saw my tears of joy behind the big sunglasses. PRAISE GOD! I feel like I hit the lottery, The Ark does nothing wrong, I'm just over the moon happy. Pics below of the left and right corners, very fixable. Oh Praise God in Heaven, what a break, what a ... MIRACLE. (tears)
Laurie,
Glad to read and see that the moisture damage was not as extensive as it could have been, and often is. I can't resist a comment on the title to this thread, though, if you'll pardon the pedantry: An autopsy is performed upon the deceased, a biopsy is performed upon the living. The Ark clearly is amongst the living.
-Charles Fares
Quote from: Cadillac Fleetwood on November 06, 2018, 04:30:41 PM
Laurie,
Glad to read and see that the moisture damage was not as extensive as it could have been, and often is. I can't resist a comment on the title to this thread, though, if you'll pardon the pedantry: An autopsy is performed upon the deceased, a biopsy is performed upon the living. The Ark clearly is amongst the living.
-Charles Fares
Charles thank you for medical linguistic precision lesson and I agree! LOL!
\m/
Laurie
Quote from: "Cadillac Kid" Greg Surfas 15364 on November 06, 2018, 11:46:33 AM
Laurie,
The most optimistic thing my Mom said was "nothing bad happened today". The longer we wait before starting a task the larger the task seems to grow.
Greg Surfas
True dat Greg
\m/
Laurei
copy/edit/paste from my FB page...
I was DANG LUCKY when that roof was taken all the way off, DANG lucky. Praise God!
*********************************
...everything got way more betterer when I saw The Ark for the first time since Sunday at the world famous Hyannis Vintage Auto and chatted with restoration God Michael Amster. The Ark has been scalped! There are a couple of holes, largest not bigger than a dime, that don't belong there. "easy to fix" I was damn lucky. Dropped off the new power steering bracket I just painted, 2 new accessory drive belts and some tranny fluid if he needs it for the steering pump job. And left some munchies for the guys, they are working SO HARD, they are SO BUSY. I'm so blessed to have The Ark there now.
Michael said to take the roof chrome home, its in the trunk, and paint it... "halo". OK, where's the car? Out back in the dumpster. :(
"BESIDE THE DUMPSTER"! :)
Not easy being deaf in one ear and not being able to see out the other.
I really wanted to hang around for a bit and just gawk at the cars finishing their face lifts, just mesmerizing. But I could tell they were busy, REALLY BUSY, so I departed quickly. Damn it was so good to see The Ark, puts everything into perspective for me.
********************
\m/
Laurie
What type of paint are you using for the chrome highlights and hubcaps?
Quote from: WTL on November 10, 2018, 07:50:41 AM
What type of paint are you using for the chrome highlights and hubcaps?
I doubt I'm doing the hubcaps, I don't have that level of patience.
I was told to use Rustoleum "ultra cover" black semi-gloss on the trim after I clean the trim. There's still quite a bit of debris 'stuck' to pieces. Scrape off where safe to do so, remove any original paint, wash, dry well, tape off the halo, spray. One proper coat.
\m/
Laurie
Got these pics from Michael today, they found a few more holes when the started grinding.
Some will be welded, others chemically treated, what ever Michael says is fine.
\m/
Laurie
Yup. That's the lesson I learned on my Eldorado (which had been repeated ad nauseam by all the body folks I dealt with): Poking a vinyl top with a knife won't tell you much. The whole area has to be taken down to bare metal before you'll know what you've gotten yourself into. And by then, you're already in all the way!
Good luck!
Saw the Ark today! Though just for a few minutes, they're busy. I brought snacks, always a good move. And I'll swear I heard The Ark say "Mama"! when he saw me. LOL! They've made amazing progress on the holes, lots of welding. And a piece of sheet metal is about to be fabricated for the lower left corner of the rear window. I hope people are still reading this thread...
\m/
Laurie
Of course we are following your progress, 'Fleetwood ! Your positive "can do" attitude makes you another one of the heroes of Cadillac preservation. I wish I had 10% of your energy. Keep up the good work ! - CC
Yes, following, looking forward to seeing it in Louisville! It'll be a brand new car by then, right???
;)
Thanks Chris, thanks Carl!
I can guarantee the Ark won't be in Louisville.
NEXT winter (assuming I have the work from THIS winter paid off by then, LOL!) the Ark
will be painted its correct #93. New skirts, a new left rear door, 'some' trim replaced, etc.
That should complete the body. Inside I'm just replacing the headliner, that's happening
this winter when the new roof is installed. World Of Wheels in Boston, 2020, is the show
I'm really looking forward to, the Ark will be DONE.
\m/
Laurie
And they did this in 2 weeks...
The Ark is suddenly home for Thanksgiving! Michael called me this morning, this first phase is done. And with family due at any moment for the holiday I still managed to re-arrange the day to bring my baby home, including some upgrades on the Lair. You can see the 'before' pics above, check out what's below... Craftsmanship level - NINJA
This restoration thang ain't so bad... as long as you have a great shop and an AmEx card.
Paul's Upholstery has pushed us back to late December/January, they'll install the roof and headliner. Then back to Michael to install the rear window and roof trim. He loaned me a car cover until I get one, hoping for a good deal on Black Friday.
\m/
Laurie
Looking good.
With the door glass down, you will definitely have good "flow-through" ventilation.
Bruce. >:D
You just gotta love the new metal!
Looks great compared to the before pics.
Progress!
8)
Thanks guys :-*
Looking forward for this to be *OVER*.
Roof this winter, paint and body next winter.
Happy Turkey!
\m/
Laurie
:) Roller coaster of a thread so far! Goes from “Praise the lawd no rust†to “New sheet metal fabrication to fix the rust holesâ€.
Glad it’s working out for ya! I’ve fabricated metal and done rust repair (far from a pro) and my attack has always been to stab/pick ALL suspect areas with a screwdriver. If it passes the test, then I thank god. More often than not, it punches through like paper and then you must decide to weld, patch or fiber fill. Gotta move from a mind set of “please don’t let anything be wrong†over to “let’s find all the god damn problems because I only want to do this once!†8) Not for everyone, but the better shops have those kinds of people.
GL on the build!
Quote from: rajeevx7 on November 23, 2018, 01:45:01 PM
:) Roller coaster of a thread so far! Goes from “Praise the lawd no rust†to “New sheet metal fabrication to fix the rust holesâ€.
Glad it’s working out for ya! I’ve fabricated metal and done rust repair (far from a pro) and my attack has always been to stab/pick ALL suspect areas with a screwdriver. If it passes the test, then I thank god. More often than not, it punches through like paper and then you must decide to weld, patch or fiber fill. Gotta move from a mind set of “please don’t let anything be wrong†over to “let’s find all the god damn problems because I only want to do this once!†8) Not for everyone, but the better shops have those kinds of people.
GL on the build!
Roller coaster indeed! I learned, you just DON'T KNOW until they start grinding. But Michael said "it could have been worse", and he was expecting such. They did a fabulous job, just insanely good. What a pity to cover that wonderful metal work with another vinyl top...
\m/
Laurie
Well I got something done today while The Ark waits at home for its turn at the upholstery shop. In addition to needing to paint the roof trim chrome I decided to clean up the rear reading light assemblies since the sail panels are in my den, these will be removed and recovered in the new headliner material when The Ark goes to upholstery. Fully cleaned and polished, contacts treated with DeOxit, glass cleaned, chrome polished, new bulbs installed, script freshened. One of the light adjusters was always loose, the capture was simply filthy with 49 years of schmutz, cleaned and now works properly, nice.
\m/
Laurie
Nice work Laurie! With our cars, there is ALWAYS
something else to do.
Mike
Quote from: Mike Josephic CLC #3877 on December 03, 2018, 12:44:35 PM
Nice work Laurie! With our cars, there is ALWAYS
something else to do.
Mike
Indeed.... now the chrome roof trim mocks me every time I step over it in my den. Its next...
\m/
Laurie
OK, all the roof/rear window trim is cleaned, finally.
All heading to Hyannis Vintage Auto tomorrow, they're going to show me how to use their
high speed bench buffer to get the scratches out. Back home and a good wiping with paint thinner, tape off
the 'halo', spray paint in the shed, then into the house to dry. I won't bothering polishing the 'halo' until its
back on the car and dried from its spring bath.
Now its 14Jan when Paul's Upholstery will take The Ark in for the roof and headliner install. And he's making me a new button for the drivers seat and installing. Good thing I kept all those samples of the 028S interior from SMS, just enough to make a button! Then The Ark goes back to HVA to have the rear window re-installed and all the roof/window trim.
The restored visors are due back from Vinyl Specialties this week.
I really want this phase to be OVER....
\m/
Laurie
"I really want this phase to be OVER...."
;D "The Ark is teaching me patience.The need for patience at times, with everything connected to the car... I was never good with 'patience'. I'm getting better at it... I'm trying." ;D
Quote from: 35-709 on December 18, 2018, 10:03:25 AM
"I really want this phase to be OVER...."
;D "The Ark is teaching me patience.The need for patience at times, with everything connected to the car... I was never good with 'patience'. I'm getting better at it... I'm trying." ;D
grrrrrrrrrrr.........
\m/
Laurie
"fish eyes"
Today we learned about 'fish eyes' class. Happened to one of the pieces of trim I sprayed.
Michael said they all need a 2nd coat anyway, hope it goes away with the 2nd spray or everything
gets washed off with paint thinner, the Frog reapplied, and we start all over.
Sweet.
\m/
Laurie
Fini, nearly 6 hours today, never the F again. And the f'ing HALO will need a light buff with 0000 steel wool in a couple of days to bring the shine back. NEVER AGAIN. Hey, there are people, many are friends of mine, and most of you here, who take great care and pride in spending a week refinishing a clamp on their classic car. I'M NOT ONE OF THEM! I just don't have the patience. My back and shoulder are screaming from this. I want to clean/polish The Ark, fuel it, drive it to shows. THAT'S IT! Past that if Michael Amster and/or Hyannis Vintage Auto can't do it, it ain't getting done. This project has been dragging on for weeks, I'd rather have a root canal. F this. And I still have to paint the interior roof/rear window trim, not even gonna try hand painting, I'll have spray paint mixed in the proper color by the local guy Gary Amster recommended. Those of you who are Facebook friends know I cleaned up this post before I pasted it here. Now I know why the body shop wouldn't do this trim. Never again... SO MUCH RESPECT for those of you who do your own work and sweat the details. You have the time and patience, I have neither. I just want this phase to be OVER. <argh>
\m/
Laurie
Great work Laurie!! Although this kind of work
can be tedious, it does give a great deal of
satisfaction once it's done. At least it does for
me. Congrats!
Mike
Quote from: Mike Josephic CLC #3877 on January 06, 2019, 12:59:45 AM
Great work Laurie!! Although this kind of work
can be tedious, it does give a great deal of
satisfaction once it's done. At least it does for
me. Congrats!
Mike
Thanks Mike... tedious?
TEDIOUS? Waiting for my Keurig to brew a cup of coffee is tedious.
This? I'd rather be water boarded again, and again, and again.
I just noticed I never posted pics of the trim taped and being painted, they're below.
Unless I put them in another post, who knows.
\m/
Laurie
I can relate to the tedious.
Just finished the rubbing down and restoring all the fibreglass side mouldings and installing them on my other car listed below. But, boy, it is beautiful.
Thought it would never end.
Bruce. >:D
Laurie, now that you are well versed in the process, I think you should do this for other car enthusiasts that don't have your skill set. Great way to earn some extra cash and to expand your growing reputation in the automobile community. Think of all the new friends you will make too. This is an opportunity you shouldn't pass up --- trust me!
:)
After this I don't think anyone could pay her enough to do this project. Like this project that the body shop knew they didn't want to do is because the amount of hours and work to do it properly. Good on you for taking it on Laurie!
I know how you feel, I become distressed when my car is all torn apart but it will all be worth it when it comes together. We are all anxiously waiting for the post when its all done.
Thanks guys, and TRUST ME, there's not enough blow in Bolivia to get me to do this again.
I really appreciate the support.
\m/
Laurie
BTW Rajeevx7, I love the blacked out 66. Sexy and sinister.
\m/
Laurie
Quote from: Cape Cod Fleetwood on January 06, 2019, 11:35:00 AM
BTW Rajeevx7, I love the blacked out 66.
8) Many Thx!
That is hard work, especially when it comes to the +100lbs of chrome and stainless trim on these cars! It wasn’t something I relished doing either.....but, for ALL the Bolivian Blow....sign me up >:D
I bought one of those Harbour Freight polishers and some of their grey stainless compound. Polishing isn’t as bad as dent/ding removal. Holy bananas I made some pieces worse after dent ‘removal’, before polishing. Talk about an art skill!
Your pieces look great and were worth the elbow grease.
More pics, how about some music Lexi? \m/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgPqZmrJ380 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgPqZmrJ380)
And the exterior roof/rear window trim is DONE. Almost 40 hours just for this. The *HALO* got a buff with 0000 steel wool then the *HALO* got another polish with Blue Magic. And yes there were still a couple of spots that needed black paint touch up. Never again. Pics of the interior roof trim too, before and after, it will need a 2nd coat. And its gaw-juss! Tried to get this paint rattle canned, fail, being hand painted. These pieces will all be carefully loaded into The Ark's trunk in a couple of days. When The Ark heads to upholstery next week, the remaining pieces of interior roof trim will be immediately removed, I'll bring them home to wash and paint, then return them to that shop for installation. THEN The Ark goes back to the world famous Hyannis Vintage Auto to have the rear window and roof trim re-installed. THE END of Phase 1 of 2.
Never again. BUT if I had to, I would do it differently, I know where I'd make changes in the process.
*BARTENDER*!
\m/
Laurie
Here's a tour of the ceiling of The Ark today, the headliner replacement is not a luxury, its a must.
Also brought the freshly restored visors out to the car to see how the colors will look, along with a piece
of hardscape in the paint I'm using for the ceiling trim..... I think its going to be stunning!
As long as I took the rear view down, it got a good polishing, and the thingy that hangs from the ceiling too.
First pic is the mirror polished on the right side, left untouched yet. Then finished.
Ark therapy...
\m/
Laurie
https://www.facebook.com/laurie.kraynick/videos/2036441616470977/ (https://www.facebook.com/laurie.kraynick/videos/2036441616470977/)
Got the call this morning, The Ark goes into the upholstery shop on January 28th.
Yes.
\m/
Laurie
Praise God with Him everything is possible. I never thought today would come... the HALO painted roof trim and interior ceiling trim for The Ark is wrapped and loaded (ergo OUT OF MY HOUSE) and ready to go to the shop. Along with a small fortune in materials, all on board, ready to GO. Tomorrow! And I have my dining room table back, YES! So excited to have part of my den back with so much product out and loaded, only to have The Ark's jammies in there now. I need to be grateful, and I am, so damn blessed.
Early and quick job in the AM for a beloved commercial client, then home to get The Ark to Paul's Upholstery in Chatham. I can't wait. I've been waiting for tomorrow for a LONG time, so blessed. Hope you all had a wonderful and blessed Sunday.
\m/
Laurie
https://www.facebook.com/laurie.kraynick/videos/2059867200795085/
This seems to be going quickly...
Video of us in transport today -
https://www.facebook.com/laurie.kraynick/videos/2060992477349224/
Got a call around 4pm from the upholstery shop, the long side ceiling trims are off, come and get them. Back to Chatham to fetch them. Wash, paint, dry, paint, dry, back to the shop by Friday. Here'$ pics of The Ark in Paul'$ $hop, getting ready to get all kind$ of pretty. Old headliner is already out, new roof laid out and coming to room temperature.
\m/
Laurie
Paul called today, he needs to get The Ark DONE so he can have his shop back.
So I rushed the yet to be cured final 4 pieces of interior ceiling trim up to him today. He'll be installing them Saturday. The Ark is out of there Monday morning and will be trucked immediately to Hyannis Vintage Auto, they still have to reinstall the rear window and trim. Michael has to replace the power steering pump bracket and 2 new belts, and replace a possible fuse as my interior lights are inop since they did the roof job. I'm guessing one of the 3 wires in either of the reading lights in the sail panels 'touched' and took out the fuse. Everything else electrical still works. AND fix the tranny indicator that idiot driver broke in November, that tow company will be billed. Bucklers Towing will again be chauffeuring The Ark to Hyannis
People are going to be badly hung over on Monday morning, as long as the Patriots win they'll at least be in a good mood. Go Pats! GO ARK! How's that roof trim look with the dang HALO paint job? And all the freshly painted turquoise ceiling trim? Remember I'm a rookie at this... Please be gentle.
Total cost for the job, start to finish - removal of old roof, roof metal repair/welding/paint, installation of new roof, installation of new headliner, purchase of materials (roof, headliner, NOS script for both sides, new shoulder belt covers, restoration of original visors) -$6,000 USD
Doesn't include the time spent (weeks) fretting over the materials for the roof and headliner, time spent painting the dang HALO and interior ceiling trim, and hours/days spent looking for the other parts. Stick a fork in Phase 1, its done. Bartender?
\m/
Laurie
Kudos for taking on the new vinyl roof, and professionally to boot 8) A great vinyl top has the same effect as great wheels, it lifts the entire car up.
Did you say you painted the inside turquoise trim with a brush? Can’t see the texture from any pics.
Quote from: rajeevx7 on February 01, 2019, 01:13:04 PM
Kudos for taking on the new vinyl roof, and professionally to boot 8) A great vinyl top has the same effect as great wheels, it lifts the entire car up.
Did you say you painted the inside turquoise trim with a brush? Can’t see the texture from any pics.
Thank you!
God knows I wasn't attempting that job myself, I want to DRIVE my car, not look at it for months or years in pieces. Let the pro's do the work, hand over your AmEx, drive!
Dang right you can't see any 'texture' LOL! I'm a home improvement contractor, I do a LOT of painting. Used exterior latex Duration after proper preparation and a Wooster brush, taking my time under ideal climate conditions and lighting. You'd need a magnifying glass to see any brush strokes. If there are any.
\m/
Laurie
Another "secret" is to warm up the can containing the paint. Sit it in a container of hot water. Flows better that way.
Bruce. >:D
Quote from: The Tassie Devil(le) on February 01, 2019, 06:00:56 PM
Another "secret" is to warm up the can containing the paint. Sit it in a container of hot water. Flows better that way.
Bruce. >:D
Bruce I'd never advise that with Sherwin Williams Duration or Super Paint, or any SW product, it could start the cure process right in the container. I've noticed on a hot summer day doing exterior painting with these products they can get 'caulky' if they get too warm. I keep the products covered and in the shade on a hot, sunny day. And only pour enough into a bucket than I can use in 30 minutes with constant stirring. Proper preparation is the key, the surface has to washed/scrubbed clean, sanded where necessary, washed off again, completely dry, proper paint applied in the proper climate in the proper manner and with a super high quality brush, this contractor recommends Wooster brushes. I have a HUGE interior paint job in 2 weeks on one of my ocean fronts, all SW Duration and Harmony, all Wooster brushes and rollers. We're booked for a huge apartment thrash in 4 weeks, to the studs, new bath, new kitchen etc. Its an S8 so all Home Depot paint, brushes and rollers.
Oh, if you guys looked at the pictures of The Ark's interior roof when the headliner was removed you may have noticed rust in some areas. They sanded them and painted with POR15 before they added the padding then the new headliner, I just found that out today. You get what you pay for.
\m/
Laurie
Quote from: Cape Cod Fleetwood on February 02, 2019, 12:31:35 AM......Bruce I'd never advise that with Sherwin Williams Duration or Super Paint, or any SW product, it could start the cure process right in the container. Laurie
Okay, maybe it was only with enamel paint, but I know that's how Rolls Royces were painted way back, and these Artisans only used brushes, no spray equipment.
The warm paint took care of the brush strokes.
Bruce. >:D
Quote from: The Tassie Devil(le) on February 02, 2019, 05:28:40 AM
Okay, maybe it was only with enamel paint, but I know that's how Rolls Royces were painted way back, and these Artisans only used brushes, no spray equipment.
The warm paint took care of the brush strokes.
Bruce. >:D
That would make sense with an oil based product. I'm using a latex.
\m/
Laurie
Quote from: Cape Cod Fleetwood on February 02, 2019, 11:45:20 AMThat would make sense with an oil based product. I'm using a latex. Laurie
You have to remember that I am old school, and still like using Duco, Enamel and have a Flip Phone. Still remember when I had a Bag Phone (Brick).
Bruce. >:D
PS. I even used some paint the other day that I got in 1976
Quote from: The Tassie Devil(le) on February 02, 2019, 05:58:34 PM
You have to remember that I am old school, and still like using Duco, Enamel and have a Flip Phone. Still remember when I had a Bag Phone (Brick).
Bruce. >:D
PS. I even used some paint the other day that I got in 1976
Flip phone, PMSL!!!
I remember having a 'car phone', in my '81 Coupe. $1000 USD installed and a buck a minute in or out.
Bruce, even if you seal the paint can properly, with a layer of Saran Wrap between the can and lid, and keep it above 50 degrees, its dead in 2 years, that's a quality paint. Splurge, buy some fresh paint, its cheap, LOL!
\m/
Laurie
The Ark leaving Paul's Upholstery in Chatham today, heading back to the House of Amster a/k/a Hyannis Vintage Auto where it arrived safely. I couldn't believe when I inspected the car Paul failed to reinstall the B pillar cover on the driver's side. Texted him, WTF? He admitted to a brain phart and 'see if Michael can put it back on, other wise I'll come down to Hyannis and install it.' Hey Paul, I paid YOU to do it, see you in Hyannis brother.
Upon arrival Michael inspected the roof, script, my paint jobs on the *HALO* roof trim, interior trim and the new headliner/visors. And the car restoration God smiled and said it was Good. Nice.
He said The Ark won't be done for a couple of weeks, they're busy. And he's busy with The Ark, replace rear window and exterior trim, R&R power steering bracket and new belts, the interior lights are inop, prolly a fuse. And he has to fix the tranny indicator the moron from Silver Cloud Towing broke. Also noticed the negative battery cable was loose, prolly me not tightening it enough after I worked on the headlights. I also gently whined about the belts looking 'funny' when the motor is running. I still suspect when they replaced the water pump they used a NAPA/whatever pump, it doesn't fit. ONLY a 1970 water pump will 'fit'. Also whined about a funny 'smell' don't know if its dripping oil or antifreeze, though both are at their proper level. I guess I'm not happy unless I'm whining about something.
At least its something to whine about that ISN'T my job, my life. And that's the whole idea. Looking forward to having The Ark home when its ready. His dance card is starting to fill for this show season.
\m/
Laurie
"I also gently whined about the belts looking 'funny' when the motor is running. I still suspect when they replaced the water pump they used a NAPA/whatever pump, it doesn't fit. ONLY a 1970 water pump will 'fit'. Also whined about a funny 'smell' don't know if its dripping oil or antifreeze, though both are at their proper level."
If that is a later model water pump on your car, what you are smelling may be the inner PS/AC belt rubbing on the water pump. You probably remember a discussion about this on these forums a short time ago. The water pump you need properly fits through '73 (possibly '74), after that Cadillac went to a single belt system to clear the new HEI system and changed the belt clearance on the pump. Any parts store selling new 472/500 water pumps are the newer version only, they will physically fit but the inner belt will rub. As I remember there are aftermarket pump makers, such as Flow-Kooler, that have the earlier style pump, new. You can get the earlier style at parts stores but only as rebuilts. If what you are experiencing is indeed the belt rubbing, you can remove the inner belt and just go with one but keep it snug and you may have some belt squeal when the AC is on --- maybe not.
Quote from: 35-709 on February 05, 2019, 09:59:28 AM
"I also gently whined about the belts looking 'funny' when the motor is running. I still suspect when they replaced the water pump they used a NAPA/whatever pump, it doesn't fit. ONLY a 1970 water pump will 'fit'. Also whined about a funny 'smell' don't know if its dripping oil or antifreeze, though both are at their proper level."
If that is a later model water pump on your car, what you are smelling may be the inner PS/AC belt rubbing on the water pump. You probably remember a discussion about this on these forums a short time ago. The water pump you need properly fits through '73 (possibly '74), after that Cadillac went to a single belt system to clear the new HEI system and changed the belt clearance on the pump. Any parts store selling new 472/500 water pumps are the newer version only, they will physically fit but the inner belt will rub. As I remember there are aftermarket pump makers, such as Flow-Kooler, that have the earlier style pump, new. You can get the earlier style at parts stores but only as rebuilts. If what you are experiencing is indeed the belt rubbing, you can remove the inner belt and just go with one but keep it snug and you may have some belt squeal when the AC is on --- maybe not.
Great points Geoff. With the broken bracket being replaced and now the pump staying tight, and the proper belts being installed, its possible the smell and wobble I smell/see goes away. We'll see. As always I'll leave it up to Michael to tell me if its safe/OK, etc. Right now that inner belt is flopping on the pulley.
\m/
Laurie
Flopping is not good.
GEOFF :)
Quote from: 35-709 on February 05, 2019, 01:12:17 PM
Flopping is not good.
GEOFF :)
SORRY! editing.... it was late. I've had the Anthrax series, etc.
\m/
Laurie
OK, final pics of the roof, rear window and new headliner.
Power steering bracket and belts replaced. Gary looked at the new belts when it was
running and deduced the issue is the fan, someone replaced it and its wrong, the fan clutch thingy
sticks out too far out. Not dangerous to drive, not a real issue, but that's what's making the belts look
wobbly when the engine is running. The Ark is home, back in its Lair, and its not moving again until April.
I'll add fan replacement to the "everything important is done so lets blow money on this" list.
So glad this is OVER. We're on their schedule for next winter for paint, 2 skirts and a back door, oh jeez....
That will conclude everything I'm prepared to do on the exterior. Interior? If I can find another steering wheel I'd do that if its reasonably priced, which it won't be. But I'm not touching the interior, its fine. I love the gray hairs on a soon to be 50 year old car. I want a right side mirror, and I want it to have some 'funk' to it so it matches everything else.
Been a fun thread, and like an aching tooth I'm glad its been pulled.
Thank you all for posts and most importantly hand holding and encouragement.
Now to get The Ark's 2019 show season finalized....
\m/
Laurie
Looks like a prize winner to me! Still don't get the belt/fan issue, the belts go across the water pump pulley which the fan bolts to. Hard to see the issue there in my mind's eye not being there. Have to ASSume he looked closely at the inner belt where it goes across the lower water pump hose inlet.
Quote from: 35-709 on February 12, 2019, 11:04:41 AM
Looks like a prize winner to me! Still don't get the belt/fan issue, the belts go across the water pump pulley which the fan bolts to. Hard to see the issue there in my mind's eye not being there. Have to ASSume he looked closely at the inner belt where it goes across the lower water pump hose inlet.
Aww thanks Geoff. Gary, the owner/Michael's father, doesn't miss much, he's been doing this forever and owns a few old Caddy's, some original, some restomods. If he says its the fan clutch, its the fan clutch. He's tagged the pax side manifold for replacement, WAY down the road. Its noisy when its cold, get's quieter when it heats up and the metal expands. That can wait.
\m/
Laurie