Getting my 1969 442 convertible back on the road
#1
Getting my 1969 442 convertible back on the road
Day 1
Got the engine out and on the stand. Started to degrease so I can paint, going to be a job. Also got a bunch of parts from Rock Auto today.
i also started making my own blast cabinet. It might just work.
Got the engine out and on the stand. Started to degrease so I can paint, going to be a job. Also got a bunch of parts from Rock Auto today.
i also started making my own blast cabinet. It might just work.
#3
Thanks Jeff, i might take you up on that if I get stumped. I have the assembly manual too. Hopefully I can figure it all out.
#4
Day 2
Got to work on her again today. Got the engine all cleaned and started to paint. My son worked on replacing suspension rubber. I also finished my blast cabinet, works great other than air pressure. Does anyone know if smaller tip on the gun makes any difference?
#6
#7
Another day of fun!
Started replacing all the old rubber, decided to order new drums after a closer look. Thanks to my uncle the rest of the brakes are all new, although 20 years old.
Engine clean up and paint complete
Convertible top repair. Just trying to keep it dry inside until I can get it in the garage.
Ready for all the new stuff
Started replacing all the old rubber, decided to order new drums after a closer look. Thanks to my uncle the rest of the brakes are all new, although 20 years old.
Engine clean up and paint complete
Convertible top repair. Just trying to keep it dry inside until I can get it in the garage.
Ready for all the new stuff
#8
. I also finished my blast cabinet, works great other than air pressure. Does anyone know if smaller tip on the gun makes any difference?
Lots of variables to that question. A lot is going to be determined by the cfm rating of your compressor. A typical 5 Hp shop compressor will deliver 15-17 cfm @ 125 psi. A large nozzle will give more flow @ less pressure. Conversely a small nozzle will yield a higher pressure but less flow. If your compressor is loosing pressure with the nozzle you are using it is too small for the application and you will need to go to a smaller nozzle. Here is a link that helps explain.
http://www.hironsmemorials.com/NozzleSizeChart.htm
Lots of variables to that question. A lot is going to be determined by the cfm rating of your compressor. A typical 5 Hp shop compressor will deliver 15-17 cfm @ 125 psi. A large nozzle will give more flow @ less pressure. Conversely a small nozzle will yield a higher pressure but less flow. If your compressor is loosing pressure with the nozzle you are using it is too small for the application and you will need to go to a smaller nozzle. Here is a link that helps explain.
http://www.hironsmemorials.com/NozzleSizeChart.htm
#9
. I also finished my blast cabinet, works great other than air pressure. Does anyone know if smaller tip on the gun makes any difference?
Lots of variables to that question. A lot is going to be determined by the cfm rating of your compressor. A typical 5 Hp shop compressor will deliver 15-17 cfm @ 125 psi. A large nozzle will give more flow @ less pressure. Conversely a small nozzle will yield a higher pressure but less flow. If your compressor is loosing pressure with the nozzle you are using it is too small for the application and you will need to go to a smaller nozzle. Here is a link that helps explain.
http://www.hironsmemorials.com/NozzleSizeChart.htm
Lots of variables to that question. A lot is going to be determined by the cfm rating of your compressor. A typical 5 Hp shop compressor will deliver 15-17 cfm @ 125 psi. A large nozzle will give more flow @ less pressure. Conversely a small nozzle will yield a higher pressure but less flow. If your compressor is loosing pressure with the nozzle you are using it is too small for the application and you will need to go to a smaller nozzle. Here is a link that helps explain.
http://www.hironsmemorials.com/NozzleSizeChart.htm
#13
#14
pro tip:
dont discard any old parts until you make sure the new parts fit and work correctly !!!
also see the thread parts that just dont work !
dont discard any old parts until you make sure the new parts fit and work correctly !!!
also see the thread parts that just dont work !
Last edited by RetroRanger; July 25th, 2018 at 06:01 PM.
#15
pro tip:
dont discard any old parts until you make sure the new parts fit and work correctly !!!
also see the thread parts that just dont work !
dont discard any old parts until you make sure the new parts fit and work correctly !!!
also see the thread parts that just dont work !
#16
Making progress!
From your New User post
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...nvertible.html
you said the engine was not original. But the before pictures sure look like the correct bronze color for a 400. Is it and F or a G block? Appears to have C heads? J
From your New User post
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...nvertible.html
you said the engine was not original. But the before pictures sure look like the correct bronze color for a 400. Is it and F or a G block? Appears to have C heads? J
#17
Making progress!
From your New User post
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...nvertible.html
you said the engine was not original. But the before pictures sure look like the correct bronze color for a 400. Is it and F or a G block? Appears to have C heads? J
From your New User post
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...nvertible.html
you said the engine was not original. But the before pictures sure look like the correct bronze color for a 400. Is it and F or a G block? Appears to have C heads? J
bob
#19
Ugh day
Been working the last few days on my control arms. Been frustrating and full of lessons learned. Got stopped trying to remove the lower ball joint to replace the dust cover. I am not even sure the replacement in my kit is correct. No luck getting it out. Took it out on some poor parts guy when I had to buy the tool, then return it. I know that's how it works, but the 48 hr limit or you buy it was all I could gear today. Petting the dog, and having a drink, maybe I will be in better spirits tomorrow. But here is what I got done the last couple days.
Rims cleaned up nice, only 3 more to go
My son took the trans from the trunk and started cleaning it up.
New springs and a coat of POR 15 on the control arm.
POR 15 gives it a heck of a shine.
Ugh
Rims cleaned up nice, only 3 more to go
My son took the trans from the trunk and started cleaning it up.
New springs and a coat of POR 15 on the control arm.
POR 15 gives it a heck of a shine.
Ugh
#20
Been working the last few days on my control arms. Been frustrating and full of lessons learned. Got stoppedj trying to remove the lower ball joint to replace the dust cover. I am not even sure the replacement in my kit is correct. No luck getting it out. Took it out on somje poor parts guy when I had to buy the tool, then return it.
Rims cleaned up nice, only 3 more to go
My son took the trans from the trunk and started cleaning it up.
New springs and a coat of POR 15 on the control arm.
POR 15 gives it a heck of a shine.
Ugh
Rims cleaned up nice, only 3 more to go
My son took the trans from the trunk and started cleaning it up.
New springs and a coat of POR 15 on the control arm.
POR 15 gives it a heck of a shine.
Ugh
#21
Good looking progress. Stop fretting over those control arms. Take them to to the local parts,house that still does machine work and have them press the old out and the new in. Mine was done by NA PA but there are plenty of others. Keep up the good work!
#22
Another update
Well i managed to get the ball joint out. Broke it, but got it. Works out, i have a paper to write, and it is my wifes birthday this weekend. I am better off not being tempted into the garage. I think once the ball joint comes I will be ready to put one side back together and then start the process all over again.
bob
bob
#23
Top down
Got my baby in the garage finally. I was also able to get the top down with some advice from classic olds members. I have to admit, i got in and grabbed the wheel for a little dream time.
I am waiting on a replacement ball joint so I can get my suspension back together. I still think I can get it going before its too cold.
I am waiting on a replacement ball joint so I can get my suspension back together. I still think I can get it going before its too cold.
#24
Front end going back on
Finally got the control arm rubber all changed out and back on. I think they turned out great. Got the steering linkage off and in the parts washer.
Here it is all back together and mostly new.
Both arms on
Spring in! That was much easier than I thought.
Lower arm on
New parts that are going on today
Here it is all back together and mostly new.
Both arms on
Spring in! That was much easier than I thought.
Lower arm on
New parts that are going on today
#25
Other side off.
It is amazing how much faster the second side goes. It also helped that my bushing sleeves were rusted almost in half. Came out really easy.Hopefully I can get everything cleaned up and painted so it can all go back in this weekend.
It is amazing how much faster the second side goes. It also helped that my bushing sleeves were rusted almost in half. Came out really easy.Hopefully I can get everything cleaned up and painted so it can all go back in this weekend.
#26
Look good, if you don't know wait to tighten the control arm fasteners until the engine is in and the car is assembled. Otherwise the new parts get preloaded when the car is assenbled and can lead to bushing failure and rougher ride.
#27
I have seen posts that mentioned that so I am waiting to torque, but never knew exactly why. Your explanation makes perfect sense, thank you.
#28
I can see light
I believe I got everything on the front suspension cleaned up and painted. I probably missed a few bolts. If I do not hit too many snags I should reach my goal of driving it before its gets cold. Dropped the wheels off to be blasted, what too tedious in my cabinet. For 10 buck a corner its worth it.
#29
Just an Olds Guy
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
Ahhh, the dreaded front end rebuild. Been there done that in 2011. Soooo much fun but worth it. Looks like you have a handle on things. I took plenty of before and after pictures to validate the work. With the front springs - yes they go in easy, but I hope you indexed them to the lower CA stamping.
BTW, nice job making your own blast cabinet. When I had trouble with air pressure I just went and bought a new 5 HP compressor that gave me 18.5 CFM at 100 psi. You probably already found out that you need to dehumidify your air line or the nozzle will clog up after a short while.
BTW, nice job making your own blast cabinet. When I had trouble with air pressure I just went and bought a new 5 HP compressor that gave me 18.5 CFM at 100 psi. You probably already found out that you need to dehumidify your air line or the nozzle will clog up after a short while.
#33
for now because its what I have. I want to get it on the road and enjoy it while I work on odds and ends. I eventually want to repaint and go to torque thrust or cragers. One of the rims i grew up loving. I grew up dreaming of having a 1st gen camaro convertible. I also like unique and different. Luckily this 442 found me and she has all the lines I love in a car.
#34
Just an Olds Guy
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
Just to be clear, SSII and SSII are the same style of wheel. Only difference is that SSII is painted pewter, which is what you have done. SSIII is painted body color. Be sure to let us know when the new wheels go on. I also like the torq thrust - what size and color;or chrome, are you thinking of?
#35
I liked the look of the pewter better than body color. Especially since I am not a fan of the current color anyway. As for the next ones, probably pewter also with the torque thrust, or chrome if I go classic cragers. I will probably wait until its all painted and the chrome is back on before I decide. Have to find that balance.
bob
bob
#37
#38
Just an Olds Guy
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
Good color combo. Just remember the wide stripes were just on the hood, not the deck lid. The deck lid had the pinstripe on the lower deck lid that framed the tail lights. When it's done you'll have a really cool looking car.
Kind of like this?
Kind of like this?