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The resurrection of Rusty, the '59 Sport Fury convertible

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by big M, Feb 21, 2013.

  1. dakcrew
    Joined: May 10, 2012
    Posts: 7

    dakcrew
    Member

    Just went thru the entire thread and all I have to say is your work in saving this car is truly inspirational. My hat is off to you sir!!
     
  2. big M
    Joined: Mar 22, 2010
    Posts: 709

    big M
    Member

    Reassembled the dash using either NOS parts, or ones I tested and reconditioned. Next, I hooked up the wiring harness to the components. Sure is easy with the dash out! The dash pad was made by Dash Specialists in Medford Oregon. Fit like a glove. \'59 SF convertible 005.JPG \'59 SF convertible 008.JPG \'59 SF convertible 006.JPG \'59 SF convertible 008.JPG
     
    s55mercury66, drdave and HEMI32 like this.
  3. big M
    Joined: Mar 22, 2010
    Posts: 709

    big M
    Member

    Installing the dash was simple without the windshield in. I ran into troubles with the windshield gasket, I thought I had saved a good one years ago, but it had a large burned area towards the bottom corner that would have stuck out like a sore thumb. I tried more gaskets I had saved, but none were correct. Aftermarket ones are available, but are in two pieces, and fit poorly. I found a pliable one in a '59 Chrysler hardtop, so I removed the glass and took its gasket. I soaked it overnight in Go-Jo, which not only cleans, but softens the rubber. After applying bedding compound to the gasket, I put it mon the windshield, then applied the compound to the pinch weld groove on the gasket. I had no one around that day to help, but got it installed in less than 20 minutes once it was together. \'9 SF convertible 002.JPG
     

    Attached Files:

    s55mercury66, drdave and HEMI32 like this.
  4. Love the Gojo tip. Thanks for that one!


    Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
     
  5. Yep... That's a new one on me too! I wonder if the Go-Jo has some lanolin in it to help soften things up?
     
  6. Wow. Hello you ! Great update. Dash is beautiful. You do great work, as you already know. Can't wait until it's done.
     
  7. nice looking dash!
     
  8. Squablow
    Joined: Apr 26, 2005
    Posts: 17,388

    Squablow
    Member

    You are the first person I have ever known to successfully transfer an original windshield gasket from an old car. Very impressive work!
     
  9. customizer2024
    Joined: Oct 16, 2009
    Posts: 269

    customizer2024
    Member
    from niles, mi.

    OMG, subscribed!!!! Daw!
     
  10. big M
    Joined: Mar 22, 2010
    Posts: 709

    big M
    Member

    I do believe it is the Lanolin that helps to soften the rubber. Petroleum products would eventually damage it.
     
  11. big M
    Joined: Mar 22, 2010
    Posts: 709

    big M
    Member

    Had to roll the car to the back of the barn too ready for our annual pig roast, but it also got me off my posterior to clean up a bit too. Last weekend I routed the new wiring harness, also installed the bellows brake booster, new master cylinder, and vacuum reservoir. 001.JPG 003.JPG
     
  12. I just found out the '58 Dodge ragtop I sold a guy 7 years ago is now with a big Mopar guy in West Virginia who's going to restore it. I had a couple pieces for it still here and he called me looking for them -
     
  13. low budget
    Joined: Nov 15, 2006
    Posts: 5,566

    low budget
    Member
    from Central Ky

    Cool barn! Took me a minute to notice youve gottem stacked in the rafters too:eek:
     
  14. big M
    Joined: Mar 22, 2010
    Posts: 709

    big M
    Member

    Received my aluminum trim back from the anodizer, all looked good except for one piece that was pretty well destroyed. Began to fit the grill and park light bezels, headlight assemblies, and finally the side moldings and aluminum inserts. \'59 SF convertible 001.JPG \'59 SF convertible 002.JPG \'59 SF convertible 007.JPG \'59 SF convertible 006.JPG \'59 SF convertible 007.JPG \'59 SF convertible 008.JPG \'59 SF convertible 009.JPG
     
  15. Hotrod1959
    Joined: Nov 3, 2007
    Posts: 806

    Hotrod1959
    Member

    Been to your place John. What you have done with that car continues to amaze me.......
     
  16. big M
    Joined: Mar 22, 2010
    Posts: 709

    big M
    Member

    Thanks!
    It will definitely be a treat to actually drive the car once it's done.
     
  17. big M
    Joined: Mar 22, 2010
    Posts: 709

    big M
    Member

    \'59 SF convertible 001.JPG \'59 SF convertible 002.JPG 001.JPG I looked into buying a reproduction fuel tank and sender, as it would save a ton of work, but after weighing the fact of the cost, shipping, and that the tanks are not plated, but painted, I decided to refurbish an old one I had.
    The tank I found was solid, but had a large, but light dent in the bottom, and did have a degree of surface rust on the inside. I removed the sending unit, and proceeded over to our garden hose, and pressurized the tank with just the pressure our well supplied, until I heard a deep 'Thunk'. It did a good job of popping the dent out without any damage. Next, I used a small propane torch to heat the remaining undercoating, and carefully scraped it off, to the original galvanizing. Note of caution- never try this on a tank that hasn't had at least a month to fully dry out, if you can smell ANYTHING, it can explode.
    Next, I used some used lacquer thinner mixed with fresh fuel, poured it into the tank, then dropped a few three foot long chains inside. After swishing the contents around for a half hour, I inspected the results. The chains had scrubbed 90% or better of the surface rust from the bottom of the tank. I repeated this with the tank upside down, then all four sides. The liquid that came out was very thick with rust. I then rinsed the tank multiple times using Super Clean to remove leftover residue.
    Next, after the rust had settled to the bottom of the drain pan, I soaked a rag in the fuel/lacquer thinner mixture, and wiped the tank down to remove the undercoat remains. Looks a whole lot better now!
    I cleaned and painted the two straps, replaced the neck O-ring, and did a solder repair on the sending unit. I then installed it in the car, and fitted the fuel filler door.
     
  18. Amazing that it's not full of gaping holes!
     
    Last edited: Nov 30, 2014
  19. big M
    Joined: Mar 22, 2010
    Posts: 709

    big M
    Member

    Overhauled the carburetor, replating the small parts as well. Next, I went through, re-bushed and detailed the distributor, and installed both. Tech, the Mopar mechanic guru stopped by to be sure I was doing it correctly. \'59 SF convertible 001.JPG \'59 SF convertible 002.JPG \'59 SF convertible 001.JPG \'59 SF convertible 004.JPG \'59 SF convertible 005.JPG
     
  20. Tech looks very happy....thank God the lil' bastard wiped his damned feet....ay Big M ? :) Lookin' good sir.
     
  21. Looking good! I'm amazed you got that tank that clean!
     
  22. Angry Frenchman
    Joined: Feb 12, 2006
    Posts: 1,775

    Angry Frenchman
    Member

  23. WillyNilly
    Joined: Apr 7, 2013
    Posts: 240

    WillyNilly
    Member
    from NorCal

    Fantastic work. People are amazed when I send them this thread. I remember seeing movies of Tech when I was in auto shop and he was old then! LOL!
     
  24. big M
    Joined: Mar 22, 2010
    Posts: 709

    big M
    Member

    Thanks!

    When I was taking auto shop in the early eighties, my teacher for the automatic transmissions class was a Chrysler mechanic during the mid to late fifties, he had all the old Tech training films, awards, etc. Good old fellow, I learned a lot from him.
     
    Randy Routt likes this.
  25. Hotrod1959
    Joined: Nov 3, 2007
    Posts: 806

    Hotrod1959
    Member

    Anything going on John?
     
  26. big M
    Joined: Mar 22, 2010
    Posts: 709

    big M
    Member

    I need to update this thread, as I've done a few more things since. Will do shortly!
     
    Squablow likes this.
  27. I, for one am still subscribed... As a former body repair guy that had to fix a lot of rust in the rust belt for a living, I found this thread very interesting. You get the "Personal Best" award for resurrection of the most rust destroyed car ever (in my book). I look forward to what you have to show us next - it is inspiring that you pulled this off.
     
  28. I just finished reading this thread from the beginning to the end. Your skill and talents are clearly evident for all to see. But as impressed as I am with those, I am even more impressed with your sheer strength of will and continuing determination to bring Rusty back to a new life on the road. Bravo, sir!!
     
  29. big M
    Joined: Mar 22, 2010
    Posts: 709

    big M
    Member

    Found some time for an update on this project.

    I may have someone lined up to look after the car's upholstery needs, but things have to be ready first.

    I had the original rear seat armrest panels that are specific to the convertible, but they were in poor condition. I had an extra that another '59 owner had given me for a pattern, its upper section was much better. I drilled the spot welds and removed the upper section.
    \'59 SF convertible 001.JPG \'59 SF convertible 002.JPG \'59 SF convertible 003.JPG \'59 SF convertible 004.JPG \'59 SF convertible 008.JPG
     
  30. big M
    Joined: Mar 22, 2010
    Posts: 709

    big M
    Member

    On to the rear seat cushions.

    Even though the original seats were decimated by rust, they still worked for patterns. I had always been told that the rear seat cushions were convertible specific, but found it to be part true. I removed the hog rings on a coupe seat lower cushion, and placed it next to the remains of the convertible one. They were the same! This was encouraging, as I was not looking forward to making a new one up.
    \'59 SF convertible 001.JPG \'59 SF convertible 002.JPG \'59 SF convertible 003.JPG \'59 SF convertible 004.JPG \'59 SF convertible 008.JPG \'59 SF convertible 006.JPG
     

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