new to the forum starting a off body rebuild of a 69 convertible 442 was my fathers been sitting in a garage for 20 plus years. anything specific i should look for that is notorious for problems with something that has sat this long? i'm open for suggestions.

 

First off, Welcome to the site and I think its pretty cool you have you dads car.

To answer your question, the brake system will need a complete overhaul. You probably know this. And of course anything suspension related. Just keep safety in mind and everything will come out ok.

Second is rust. How much you got? The lower front fender area and of course the rear fenders and trunk area. Floor pans too maybe?

Tell us a little more about your project and plans. We like pictures...a lot!

 

Welcome, post some pictures when you get a chance.

Since the car was sitting for a long time, if there was any fuel in the tank, do not attempt to start it. Drop and drain it, send it out and get it cleaned. Blow out the fuel lines, replace the fuel pump/ filter, and rebuild the carb.

Then move on to safety items next. You may be able to get away with just flushing the brake system with new fluid and repairing any leaking components.

 

already had that in mind to replace the brake lines and was going to put disc brakes on the front. suspension is also on the list.

the rust on the car is minimal. its been garage kept and climate controlled for the past 15 plus years. as the 442 sits right now its gray in color "not original color but real close to it" the entire body is ready for the frame off job its literally just sitting on the chassis.

my father had the interior reupholstered prior to 1982 with red cloth from a 76 tornado.

he also had to junk the original engine in the car because it had a crack in the cylinder wall prior to 1982. the motor currently in the car is out of a 1969 olds cutlass (my parts car). it has the 400 cubic inch big block with aftermarket cam, pistons, intake, carb, headers, air cleaner. It should have well over 400 horsepower the way it is now.

still would love to have pictures to you, but i'm currently out of the states for a few months. then i'll be resurrecting the old beauty as soon as i get back.

 

Welcome to CO, sounds like a great project.

 

thanks, looking forward to it

 

these are from 1982 with my mom and dad! enjoy!