I set out on converting the hard top power window set up to suit the CVT. The front window set up was obviously the same, but the rears were different. Luckily enough I had a mate of mine who is also undertaking a restoration of his 59 CVT and was able to compare my electric window lifts with his.
Turns out that the mounting plates were the same but there were slight differences between the plate and arm and the fact that the right turned out to be the left and visa versa.
Ended up taking the arm & plate coil off, flipping them around, extending the toothed plate, slightly extending the length of the arm and slightly bending it out to give the same throw as the CVT
My coach builder has also set out on re-fabricating the header bow, centre bow’s and other misceallanious brackets,clamps and CVT frame parts that are missing. I have to take my hat off to this guy as he is a magician. He is 80% thru making the header bow and its coming out a treat. He has tacked welded a majority of the bottom half of the bow and is now working on the top half.
Luckily enough the ends are still solid and he can cut and weld these onto the new frame/ He has spent almost 100hrs so far measuring up and fabricating moulds etc to get it spot on. He is worth is weight in gold.
I am also in the process of sending my steering wheel to Koch’s. I have heard of him thru Roger Howard and also read a few forums on the Forward Look Web Site and have been in touch with him and ran thru what the process is. He only does the clear and coloured handle grips. The re platting and centre horn ring need to be done elsewhere (or by you). He is currently charging $600 as compared to the others that are in the $1200 range. Makes a big difference when you need to send it from Australia.
I touched base with George Laurie, but he is a while away and needs a good wheel to make a mould from.
I will post some more pic’s once the header bow is nearing completion
Cheers
Vic
(I always like to take this opportunity to say a special thanks to Roger as he has been a reliable contact, source and mate that has been trustworthy and always a pleasure dealing with. thanks Roger)
Hi Vic,
I was unable to “open” your latest photos, but I know the work is time-consuming and expensive.
What is the name of your Aussie friend who is also restoring a convertible?
Having another peroso restoring the same model car has got to be motivating!
The ability to compare notes and all, and the moral support as well.
Thanks for staying “in touch”.
Roger
Just got my steering wheel sent back from the US. Had it done by Kosch’s. Service was great and end product pretty good. The only downer to the whole exercise was that I sent it over to the US when the currency transfer rate was almost dollar for dollar, but got stung when it was shipped back.
Vic, I was looking thru your Convertible header photo’s and they helped me out a lot, I am working on my Header piece right now in stripping it and painting. The only part that was bad on mu Header was the channel that held the first material to tack down the canvas, I had half the tacking channel gone and only one of the spears left that are folded down over the tack point and the top material.
After looking at your re-creation of that channel piece I now know what to do to repair mine. None of this header pieces are shown in the Factory Manual so I just had no idea on what it looked like to recreate. How many of the spears/tabs are on that channel piece you had made? And also what is the spacing of the same spears/tabs from each other?
Hello All (back again) apologies for not posting regularly ( I keep reading everyone else’s progress so as to keep inspired over the long haul)
Things are finally starting to move along again. The car is in the workshop and every time I go there more panels seem to come off than go on. This being said its all for the better. Trying to take off as much surface rust in those hard to get places rather than just wire brushing tight areas, if I can take the panel off its off and then totally stripped and cleaned e.g. base of front screen panel, rear parcel shelf panel etc
Will be starting work on the motor soon also. It will be a 361 with dual carb set up also. Other points of interest are that I will be trying to make a automated rear parcel shelf that will house a rear mount a/c and speaker system. The intent is to limit as much alteration to the main body panels but to try and achieve a closed rear parcel shelf when the top is up. Will keep you posted on that one.
Other plans are to link the door handle to the power windows so that when the door handle is opened slightly the window drops 1/2 inch or so, so as to not catch on the weather sill to the top rail
I can’t figure out a way to enlarge those update photos, but if I squint really hard I can see the bottom half of door skins were removed, as well as teh rear quarter panels. Your bodyman is being thorough, that’s for sure! And his talent is evident. Top notch work! (that car came to Chuck from southern California…the car must not be originally from socal, or maybe the owners drove it into the ocean!
Vic - God bless you and your body man. Some of your pictures are scareing the hell out of me but at the same time are very encourging, I have a belvi. convt. basket case on the way to Florida from California, while I know the floors are not good I’m praying I’m a lot luckier than I usually am. I posted some pictures of it. Keep your pictures flowing I’m going to need them. With you, John Q., Tom Fox, Rogers and everybody elses help, I can’t miss.
Dick.
Thanks for the words of encouragement. Given you recent restorations I believe that you will be more than capable of bringing your new purchase back to life.
Every time I see another panel come off, my coach builder smiles and says, don’t worry its only a piece of metal, we will just make another one, and he does.
If you can get your hands on a donor car (like Big M did) that would help you heaps. I have been finding out that the replacement panels arent all they are made out to be.
Lookin fantastic Vic!!!
Will have to catch up with ya to check out your ride in person.
Love youor progress pics mate. Will try to start my Belvy soon but
still doing house renovations so money and time are tight!!
after 15+ years. But the brighter side is that I now get to spend $$$ on my CVT.
