59 Convertible

[INTMD8]

The car is certainly worthy of a fresh motor. 

And this is the route I'm taking.

I removed the heads and there was a fair amount of rust and dirt. Once I cleaned it all out and oiled the cylinders again it turns freely. Some corrosion in the bores so it's getting a complete rebuild, new pistons/etc.

[D59seville2012]

Thanks Jim,
My concern was the flex plate, but if you dit your this way ,I can try on mine if I can't unlock the engine.

[INTMD8]

Engine is torn down completely and machine work has begun. Builder found a valve guide that will allow the use of late model LS1 valves (and we'll use LS1 springs/retainers as well).

I removed the rusty exhaust today and took a few pics of the undercarriage. Dirty and some surface rust but overall very nice.

The top pump was locked up so I took it apart. Cleaned all the gel'd fluid out of the gerotor and now it spins freely but I've yet to try it. One of the hydraulic rams has some pitting on the chrome so I don't have much hope for it.

[INTMD8]

After re-assembling the pump and re-installing surprisingly it works great. No signs of leakage or problems yet.

[N Kahn]

This car is looking like a bigger bargain than ever.

[INTMD8]

Thanks, I think it was good. She's a keeper! My main concern is always rust. I don't like cars that need to be cut up and metal worked, just never seem the same afterwords.

I started cleaning the interior. Normal leather cleaner did almost nothing. I tried a small spot with Castrol super clean and a toothbrush and it's an amazing difference. (and is not pulling off any dye, at least as far as I can tell on a white towel).

Also I was happy to see the electric antenna still works perfect. At first I didn't think it worked because it didn't go up when the radio was turned on but then learned you must operate it with the right button.

Seats with just leather cleaner-



Other side with super clean-



Left side with super clean, right side with just leather cleaner. Center speaker grille and white surround also with super clean-

[INTMD8]

Cleaned up the dash and instrument panel a bit.  A bit of wear and the horn ring is broken but good enough to drive for now.

[Blade]

Jim, are you also going to restore the transmission? I just got a 59 Sedan a few months ago, this car was barely driven since the late 70s and the transmission is slipping in it. I drained the fluid and it was almost like honey mixed with mud. Took the pan off, cleaned it and for now just going to try to refill it and see if it runs. If it doesn't than I'm going to rebuild it this year, otherwise I'll postpone it till next year sometimes.

So let me know if you're planning to rebuild the transmission, we could exchange ideas.

By the way anyone knows what's the choice for transmission fluid for the 59s?

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

The fluid is Dexron 3.

Bruce.

[INTMD8]

I won't attempt the trans myself, going to have a local guy go through it.  Clean red dexron drained out of it but I figured may as well check it while everything is apart.

[Blade]

I was just looking at your production number, you're not much off from mine: 59K118886

[Blade]

The fluid is Dexron 3.

Bruce.

Thanks Bruce!

[INTMD8]

The right rear window didn't work. Turns out the frame was broken and laying at the bottom of the 1/4 panel. Somewhere online I saw that someone made a support brace for this so I stole the idea and made one myself out of stainless plate.  With this temporary repair I now have all power windows operational.

[INTMD8]

Even though the car is pretty banged up I decided to high speed polish the paint.  Quite a difference. Still need to finish the decklid and the hood.  I decided to put some cheap tires on it just to get it on the road for now but will change to www's in the future.

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

She is looking a million Dollars now.

Bruce.

[52Cadillac]

Very nice Jim. Did she come with a boot?
Mike

[INTMD8]

Thanks guys.

It came with a vinyl boot (no hard boot) but it seems to have shrunk quite a bit over the years as I can't get it snapped on.

[52Cadillac]

Jim, The boot I bought for my car seemed a to have shrunk also so we wiped her down, cleaned it with I think Zydol leather cleaner, then applied Zydol conditioner. Then we hand stretched a little, and snapped into place to dry. She is still a little tight, but a lot easier to put on. May work for yours.
Mike

[INTMD8]

Thanks Mike I will give it a try!

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

Plus, leave it out in the hot sun for a while, and while it is supple, try fitting it.

Mother Nature does come in handy.

Bruce.