Are the front trim pieces on the correct position?
Looks like they hit the eyebrown trim and should be moved a bit towards to the rear
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.
I had a set of hardtop panels that were in relatively good condition, metal-wise, so I modified these sections to duplicate the lowers used on the convertible. Next, I cut out the weak or rusty areas, and butt-welded new metal in. These will be upholstered later.
Next, the upper sections were re-welded to the lowers, and surface rust has Ospho applied to remove it. After neutralizing and drying, a coat of protective paint was applied. These are now ready for the upholsterer.
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.
The upper seat back was a different story. It shared nothing with either a coupe or sedan seat.
I was able to salvage the rear backing by welding sections in from another seat cushion, and repairing any rust through. Next, I gathered up enough good springs from a selection of seat cushions, and secured them to the repaired backing. The front frame was pretty much gone, but I used one from a coupe, and modified it to match the rusted sample. Next, all the small springs and securing bands were added, and Voila! Now I have good seat cushions!
Doesn’t look like I’ve accomplished much lately, but got the aluminum disc for the sport deck and trunk V from the anodizer, and was able to assemble and install the ‘Toilet seat’. Also, installed the rear Plymouth script, as well as drilled holes for the gold V. Thanks to Austin for the V, somehow I had misplaced the one I had saved.
Quarter windows also installed and working, but will need adjustment after the top and door glass is installed. Funny thing about these, about ten years ago there was an ad on E-bay where the seller had no pictures, just a brief heading something like '59 Sport Fury convertible, parting out. Barn collapsed on the car years ago, cleaning up. I was skeptical, as there were no photos, so I didn’t act on it. The ad stayed up for a few weeks, then disappeared. I had saved the guys e-mail address, so sent him a message saying I would buy any convertible specific parts he had left. He said he had the quarter windows, their guides and tracks and regulators, plus some other parts, I could have for $200 plus shipping. I was quite surprised when I opened up the bubble wrap, as the chrome was like new, the regulators didn;t even have surface rust, and there were quite a few other pieces he threw in, all like new. This car must have been stored away when it was only a few years old, for the parts to be in this good of a condition.
Engine bay closer to finished, recored radiator fitted with new transmission lines, higher output generator also installed. Had to make a custom adjuster bracket, as this generator was originally from a Chrysler poly engine.
Looks like I found someone to do the upholstery work- I had a rear clip that I had promised to get down to the port of Long Beach for a customer, my friend Jim in Bakersfield usually would transport things like this and charge the customer, but, sadly, he passed away last month. Dean may remember Jim, as he helped inspect and deliver his Plymouth to the port. R.I.P, Jim, you’ll be missed!
I was committed to bringing the rear clip down for my Swedish customer, so I arranged the trip with other deliveries as well to help pay for it. I delivered a '57 Cadillac transmission to Visalia, a '62 Galaxie front clip to Burbank, three bumpers to the Bumper shop in downtown Los Angeles, and finally, a front seat from a '62 Dodge 880 to Orange, Ca.
Next, I drove down near the Mexico border to San Diego, I had a set of '57 Savoy seats that a good friend asked me to drop off at his friend’s place there, he has a private collection of cars, and his own upholsterer that does top notch work. I made arrangements to drop my door panels, and seats for the '59, and they would be upholstered in the original patterns with the original material I had supplied. Joe will bring them back up to me in April.
Oooooh, lookin’ good, John! How about you switch up plans and bring the '59 to Carlisle? 
The nice summery weather allowed me to complete some more sandblasting and painting, but found a few more things to repair first.
The header bow after blasting revealed multiple pinholes, so I cut the weak metal out, fabricated a patch panel, carefully welded it in and metal-finished it.
The rearward bow was a bugger, I never could find a replacement, so weak sections had to be cut out and replaced, thin metal was brazed back together to regain rigidity.
Heavy primer was then shot on both pieces, then sanded off with 600 grit paper. This will fill the remaining pits in the metal for a better finish.
After sandblasting, the swivel seat frame and five wheels were painted argent.
Seat tracks, convertible top components and some other pieces were all painted black next.
I’m trying hard for that goal, Dan. Waiting on an order from Gary Goers, the upholstery, and some chrome parts yet.
—John
Great work! Really hope you can bring it to Carlisle.
Did you already swapped the heater hoses at the heater control valve?
John - Looking good, you are a lucky guy, you header bow looks brand new compared to the one I had to work with.
Dick.
I can’t say it was the original, Dick, as it was rusted into two pieces. This one took a year and a half to locate, and cost more than the car!
I wouldn’t doubt it. With your contacts that was quick, the only other person in the world that has one is Matthew.
Dick.
The top framework is all fitted now, aside from some minor adjustments. Next will be the hydro-electric lift system.
John - I’m curious, did you use the shoulder bolts I sent you.
Dick.
I used nearly all of them, Dick. You pretty much saved my butt with those! So much easier than trying to refurbish the rusty junk I had.
—John
Got the Goodyear Super cushions mounted and balanced, and on the car.
Last Saturday I fired the engine up, Sunday I hooked up the shift selector cable and keyboard, installed the driveline, and took a short drive on the property, using a milk crate for a seat. Sprayed off some of the dust over by the well.
Beautiful John, what color have you picked for the interior, red or blue.
Dick.