1961 Series 62 Convertible Restoration

[dbzsjones]

I picked up some metal polish and started cleaning and attaching chrome parts.  Started by making my life easier and getting some exterior door handles on and the edge trim.

Since I was working on the door I may as well add the mirror.


Next, to the Fins!

[Clewisiii]

I keep arguing with myself if I am going to cut holes in my passenger door and install a RH mirror. I already bought one, now just second guessing if I want to use it.

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

If it is anything like the '59 or '60, then they are pretty useless, as positioning them directly opposite the Left Mirror, the Windscreen Post is in the way.

With my '60 CDV, which was converted to RHD, the left mirror is just an ornament, as the screen pillar is totally in the way.

Bruce.

[dbzsjones]

I'm not brave enough to start cutting holes in my passenger door.  I'll stick with left side only.

[Cadillac Jack 82]

We're spoiled by mirrors and backup cameras.  Left hand mirror and rear view is good enough. 

[dbzsjones]

I think most people would agree one of the more iconic parts of a 60s Cadillac is the fins, so I  felt compelled to start there with reattaching the trim.  I had some down time waiting for some engine parts and need to start getting things off the shelves and onto the car.  First problem to solve was what clips do I need.  My searches kept coming up empty until I finally found what I thought I needed on Caddy Daddy and placed the order.  It wasn't until they arrived that I realized what I bought was actually designed for 59 & 60, not 61, but since I had them I decided to test them.
They fit in the trim.


They aren't symmetrical so I tired them on the facing both directions and they seem to fit.



So knowing absolutely nothing about how to properly do this, and appearing to have clips that will work I gave it a try.  Fist challenge, I ordred one set thinking that would be enough for both fins, but it was only for 1.  I had 6 clips and 10 total clip positions.  Since this was sort of a test run, I divided and conquered and used 3 on each side, put the small clip up front that bolts through the top of the fin, that was still on the car.

I tried two techniques.  First, after bolting on the tail light and fin tip, I mounted the clips on the body and then slid the trim from front to back.  This was not very successful.  It deformed some of the clips and was high risk for the paint job.  I now have my first scratch   

Attempt 2, I slid the clips into the trim.  Held the trim along side the fin and lined the clips up with the mounting locations on the fin.  I then pivoted the trim into position and gave each clip location a whack with the palm of my hand.  That worked, so with the help of my son in the trunk we tightened up the front bolt on clip.  Of note, my son is 6'2" so the fact he was in the truck wasn't because he was smaller than me, the trunks are just that big!
Overall I'm pretty happy with the results.



I only have a couple lingering questions.
Did I figure out the right way to do it, or just get lucky?
What is this putty in the trim? 

I removed it because it was only in one side.  I assume it's probably to keep things from rattling so I may find out if I need it after it's on the road.
Where do I get more of the bolt down clips, the drivers side isn't tightening down all the way.  I really need to figure out what I'm doing before I move on to the side trim.

[dbzsjones]

We're spoiled by mirrors and backup cameras.  Left hand mirror and rear view is good enough. 

If I need more visibility I'll just put the top down  

[dbzsjones]

While I had the car pushed out (the fins are actually under a shelf) I decided I'd tackle the trunk trim as well.  One less painted part floating around the shop waiting to get damaged. This was nice and straight forward.  Line it up and tighten the nuts.  I don't think there was any sort of gasket required.


The only thing I need to do is figure out what to buy to replace the 2 clips on the outboard edges that slide.  The studs on those were broken off during removal.

[Caddyholic]

show the data plate on your car. I think my car has the same paint and trim codes.

[Clewisiii]

The putty on the front holes is to prevent water leaks into the body.

[dbzsjones]

I thought I posted this in my first post, but clearly I did not.  Thanks for asking.
Paint 22 Bristol Blue Metalic
Trim 23

[dbzsjones]

The putty on the front holes is to prevent water leaks into the body.

That makes sense, I guess I need to go find a source for it. 

[dbzsjones]

Big weekend, finally got the trans bolted to the engine and the whole assembly installed.  Sure was a lot easier without a front clip in the way.  Waited until the engine was installed to add the valve covers, so I didn't scratch them with the hoist chains.  Hit one small snag.  The brackets on the chain that bolted to the back of the head stuck out just enough that I had to remove the throttle linkage from the firewall to get the engine in the final position.  I love the load leveler for being able to adjust the tilt of the engine and you work it into position.

[dbzsjones]

Minor setback yesterday.  I was getting some accessories, brackets, and pulleys ready for paint and realized I don't have the 3 groove pulleys needed for the AC swap. 
  What's really confusing is I have a 2nd crank pulley, theoretically off the donor car, buy it's a 2 groove pulley.  Is there any configuration for a 1961-1962 Caddy with AC and PS that only uses 2 belts?

[Clewisiii]

I have a spare set. You also need this retainer ring if you do not have it.

[Clewisiii]

I do still have the front bracket with the generator mount bracket. But not the rear bracket.

[dbzsjones]

If you're willing to part with them I'm happy to give them a good home.  PM sent.

[Clewisiii]

I will also get some of the right bolts for the front bracket. They are different depending on location.

I may also throw in a fuel filter wirh vapor return.

[dbzsjones]

Awesome! Thank you!

[Clewisiii]

Parts car bracket was missing bolts. Only got one of the long ones.