Carl 61 Fleetwood Phyllis

[Clewisiii]

Someday I would like to get a tig welder. The mig works well. But I would like to get nicer welds on the sheet metal.

But that is three patch areas done today. Two to go, then remove and reinstall a fender skirt bracket.

[Clewisiii]

From the outside, this corner looked like it was in better condition.

On the inside it is worse then the first. I will need to determine how many of these layers I will dig into.

[Clewisiii]

My inner patch will be easy to make. A little harder to cut out the original.

[Clewisiii]

Not long now I am looking forward to primer and sanding.

[Clewisiii]

My original dealer data book arrived today. I already had one of the reprints. But now I have 1961 dealer data book. 1961 color and upholstery data book. And 1961 aftermarket upholstery data book.

Dan LeBlanc told me there is a Fleetwood specific upholstery book. I have never seem it. But I would like to find one. I also need to hunt down an original parts book and maybe service manual.

[Clewisiii]

I think I am going to remove this forward panel to get better access to that box section below.

I also have a section of outer rocker patch panel. So I may cut some of that out to get more access in rear. 

[Clewisiii]

My tubing straightener arrived today. I had one Nasty spot in my stainless steel brake line. Even with this tool the stainless is hard to reshape. But it is straight enough to lay flat on the frame now.

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

The way to get it straight is to create a mandrel consisting of two pieces of steel, with a pair of grooves on either side that are the same diameter as the tubing, and then with strong clamps, squeeze the mandrels together.   This will straighten the line, without deforming the tubing.

Bruce.

[Clewisiii]

So many of us have had problems with discontinued air filters recently.

The filter for 61 has been discontinued. I have been stopping by random small and independent parts stores trying to see if anyone has old stock.

Well surprisingly one popped up as available on Rock Auto. I bought it quick so now I have a future spare that I will not need for over a decade.

[Clewisiii]

I need to get some type of narrow extension for my new spot weld cutter to get into these upper locations.

[Clewisiii]

Well of course I have a nice long extension.


But the spot weld cutter is not the normal 1/4 inch shank. So it does not work.

But I was able to pop the lower section loose. I am feeling more confident in what I need to do for the rest.

[Clewisiii]

And necessity is the mother of invention.

It fits a 7mm socket, that then allows me to use a 1/4 inch extension.

I will try it a little later. Had to switch to doing laundry.

[Clewisiii]

Success.

Now I need to remove a section of the rocker panel.

I have a small piece of rocker patch panel to repair.


Then I need to cut out at least the lower half of the box section. Then the back flat panel.

[Clewisiii]

I do need to find another small piece of steel to use to make at least two of these inner patches.

[Clewisiii]

Cut open a little more. The inner rocker is solid behind this front corner.



So I need to cut off the front section of inner, then a flat section behind it.


I will work on this through next week.

[James Landi]

Thanks for posting these pictures Carl, as they detail the serious RISK of purchasing an old car that appears to be structurally solid yet is highly compromised by hidden pockets of rust.  James

[Clewisiii]

A Chevy parts seller listed 61-62 hood crests on ebay for Chevy prices. For the price I bought one to see if I am happy with the quality. A few Cadillac sellers on Facebook tried to discredit tge purchase since they sell these for 2-3 times the price.

In the end I am fine with it.

[David Greenburg]

I think I have purchased some stuff from the same guy. If he has what you want, the prices are pretty reasonable.

[Clewisiii]

I found one NOS P1090 shock. First I have seen in 7 years. So I guess I am half way there. I beleive p1038s for the rear are easier to find.

[Clewisiii]

I talked to Karla Maxwell from Maxwell Enamels on having two of my Fleetwood fender crests restored. She said $300-500 each depending on needs.

I really wish the reproductions were still available. But I will do what I must to get some restored. If I can find better cores I will still purchase those for restoration.