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Lovey, the 1955 Eldorado restoration story

Started by David King (kz78hy), December 22, 2020, 01:22:48 PM

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Mike Baillargeon #15848

David, the car is really looking good !!

Of all the 1950s Eldorados'.... I like the 1955 example the best...

It's a combination of both understated and flashy....

Mike
Mike
Baillargeon
#15848

David King (kz78hy)

Quote from: Mike Baillargeon  #15848 on May 22, 2022, 02:48:28 PM
David, the car is really looking good !!

Of all the 1950s Eldorados'.... I like the 1955 example the best...

It's a combination of both understated and flashy....

Mike

Thanks Mike, I'm starting to like it as well.
David King
CLC 22014  (life)
1958 Eldorado Brougham 615
1959 Eldorado Brougham 56- sold
1960 Eldorado Brougham 83- sold
1998 Deville d'Elegance
1955 Eldorado #277
1964 Studebaker Commander
2012 Volt
CLCMRC benefactor 197

Director and Founder, Eldorado Brougham Chapter
Past President, Motor City Region

Rare Parts brand suspension parts Retailer via Keep'em Running Automotive

David King (kz78hy)

#142
Today the seat/window harness was installed, at least roughly.  The seat frame was placed and motors tested, it has to come out to get some paint and lube to the guide tracks.  Some insulation mating was placed in front floor and the jute laid out. 
David King
CLC 22014  (life)
1958 Eldorado Brougham 615
1959 Eldorado Brougham 56- sold
1960 Eldorado Brougham 83- sold
1998 Deville d'Elegance
1955 Eldorado #277
1964 Studebaker Commander
2012 Volt
CLCMRC benefactor 197

Director and Founder, Eldorado Brougham Chapter
Past President, Motor City Region

Rare Parts brand suspension parts Retailer via Keep'em Running Automotive

David King (kz78hy)

I installed the shields and strikers to the top of the rear seat.  These are where the hard boot latches clamp onto when it is installed.  Minor thing, but knocking out some little items.

I made up several extra sets of these impossible to find parts if anyone needs them.
David King
CLC 22014  (life)
1958 Eldorado Brougham 615
1959 Eldorado Brougham 56- sold
1960 Eldorado Brougham 83- sold
1998 Deville d'Elegance
1955 Eldorado #277
1964 Studebaker Commander
2012 Volt
CLCMRC benefactor 197

Director and Founder, Eldorado Brougham Chapter
Past President, Motor City Region

Rare Parts brand suspension parts Retailer via Keep'em Running Automotive

David King (kz78hy)

The rest of the floor got covered in the rubber mat insulator and the carpet is being test fit.
David King
CLC 22014  (life)
1958 Eldorado Brougham 615
1959 Eldorado Brougham 56- sold
1960 Eldorado Brougham 83- sold
1998 Deville d'Elegance
1955 Eldorado #277
1964 Studebaker Commander
2012 Volt
CLCMRC benefactor 197

Director and Founder, Eldorado Brougham Chapter
Past President, Motor City Region

Rare Parts brand suspension parts Retailer via Keep'em Running Automotive

Roger Zimmermann

Quote from: David King  (kz78hy) on May 26, 2022, 08:52:19 PM
I installed the shields and strikers to the top of the rear seat.  These are where the hard boot latches clamp onto when it is installed. 

I made up several extra sets of these impossible to find parts if anyone needs them.
You will certainly sell your extra sets!
1956 Sedan de Ville (sold)
1956 Eldorado Biarritz
1957 Eldorado Brougham (sold)
1972 Coupe de Ville
2011 DTS
CLCMRC benefactor #101

David King (kz78hy)

Today's work was installing the A-Pillar weatherstrip, inner belt seal in the upper door trim, finished the behind the dash stuff and finished the steering column & steering wheel w/horn ring.  Horn actually works and sounds great with all 3 being freshly done.
David King
CLC 22014  (life)
1958 Eldorado Brougham 615
1959 Eldorado Brougham 56- sold
1960 Eldorado Brougham 83- sold
1998 Deville d'Elegance
1955 Eldorado #277
1964 Studebaker Commander
2012 Volt
CLCMRC benefactor 197

Director and Founder, Eldorado Brougham Chapter
Past President, Motor City Region

Rare Parts brand suspension parts Retailer via Keep'em Running Automotive

Mike Baillargeon #15848

That had to be so cool hearing those horns go off for the first time in a long time!!

Mike
Mike
Baillargeon
#15848

David King (kz78hy)

Long day without much to show.  Installed the dome light on the convertible top bow.  Pulled the brake pedal and installed the closeout grommet for the carpet and started fitting that.  The exhaust system was clamped up, took way longer than expected and still not really happy with the result, but it is as good as it can be.  Some windshield header items installed, sun visors, and end receptacles.
David King
CLC 22014  (life)
1958 Eldorado Brougham 615
1959 Eldorado Brougham 56- sold
1960 Eldorado Brougham 83- sold
1998 Deville d'Elegance
1955 Eldorado #277
1964 Studebaker Commander
2012 Volt
CLCMRC benefactor 197

Director and Founder, Eldorado Brougham Chapter
Past President, Motor City Region

Rare Parts brand suspension parts Retailer via Keep'em Running Automotive

David King (kz78hy)

The new heat ducts came today and transferred the metal bits from the originals over to the new ones, one side only.  I think they will work fine.
David King
CLC 22014  (life)
1958 Eldorado Brougham 615
1959 Eldorado Brougham 56- sold
1960 Eldorado Brougham 83- sold
1998 Deville d'Elegance
1955 Eldorado #277
1964 Studebaker Commander
2012 Volt
CLCMRC benefactor 197

Director and Founder, Eldorado Brougham Chapter
Past President, Motor City Region

Rare Parts brand suspension parts Retailer via Keep'em Running Automotive

David King (kz78hy)

Other side of ducts complete.  Installed those parts to the car, what a fiddley ordeal that was.  Nothing lays the way it is supposed to and then the hole ends up being stripped.  This is supposed to be fun.
David King
CLC 22014  (life)
1958 Eldorado Brougham 615
1959 Eldorado Brougham 56- sold
1960 Eldorado Brougham 83- sold
1998 Deville d'Elegance
1955 Eldorado #277
1964 Studebaker Commander
2012 Volt
CLCMRC benefactor 197

Director and Founder, Eldorado Brougham Chapter
Past President, Motor City Region

Rare Parts brand suspension parts Retailer via Keep'em Running Automotive

David King (kz78hy)

More photos and doing the front seat track covers.  I bought used ones and refreshed with new carpet.  I had to make a RH cover retainer bracket.  It is close and should be able to bent to suit when the time comes to install to the seat assembly.
David King
CLC 22014  (life)
1958 Eldorado Brougham 615
1959 Eldorado Brougham 56- sold
1960 Eldorado Brougham 83- sold
1998 Deville d'Elegance
1955 Eldorado #277
1964 Studebaker Commander
2012 Volt
CLCMRC benefactor 197

Director and Founder, Eldorado Brougham Chapter
Past President, Motor City Region

Rare Parts brand suspension parts Retailer via Keep'em Running Automotive

David King (kz78hy)

#152
More photos of the seat track covers and brackets.
David King
CLC 22014  (life)
1958 Eldorado Brougham 615
1959 Eldorado Brougham 56- sold
1960 Eldorado Brougham 83- sold
1998 Deville d'Elegance
1955 Eldorado #277
1964 Studebaker Commander
2012 Volt
CLCMRC benefactor 197

Director and Founder, Eldorado Brougham Chapter
Past President, Motor City Region

Rare Parts brand suspension parts Retailer via Keep'em Running Automotive

David King (kz78hy)

There was a mad push to complete for the GN, but alas, no glory.  There was an engine noise in the valve train that was masked by no exhaust and once the exhaust was completed, the noise was bad.  After an initial scare, valve cover removed and found a short push rod on #8 exhaust valve.  Ordered another push rod and installed and no more noise.  Carbs need to be dialed in as it runs poorly.  Most of the under hood stuff was completed less stickers.

The 55 and 58 had to swap places since the EB needed an oil change and I was finally going to use the lift to make this better.  While the cars were rearranged, Ben (my son) and I cleaned off the blue protective film on the tires while the car was parked in the yard where they get washed.  1st time in the yard.

The 58 Brougham will make another trip to a GN and bar will be open.  Stop by to swap lies and have some fun.
David King
CLC 22014  (life)
1958 Eldorado Brougham 615
1959 Eldorado Brougham 56- sold
1960 Eldorado Brougham 83- sold
1998 Deville d'Elegance
1955 Eldorado #277
1964 Studebaker Commander
2012 Volt
CLCMRC benefactor 197

Director and Founder, Eldorado Brougham Chapter
Past President, Motor City Region

Rare Parts brand suspension parts Retailer via Keep'em Running Automotive

Willbarq

So I spent about 45 mintues skimming the thread on this. You must be exasperated and excited at the same time? Mucho Kudos for sticking in there and still doing the thread!

David King (kz78hy)

#155
No picture this time, but soon there will be more.  I have not posted in a year as I had to take a break from the car.  There were nothing but issues and going backwards that got me so frustrated and upset I could not look at it.  There was an oil & coolant leak at the back of engine, radio antenna, and many other items that should not be a problem, but were.  Yesterday I stopped whining and got some help to assist in sorting out some of the items and will once again work to complete the car, GN Gettysburg bound.  Oil issues have turned out leaking valve covers at the back base and that is corrected, also a leak at the rear of the oil pan, so that has to be removed and resealed.  The major one now is the freeze plugs/water jacket plugs are weeping and have to be replaced on the sides of the block, they were new ones that must not be sealed when installed.  After I get back from the GN in Albuquerque, the engine repairs will start.
David King
CLC 22014  (life)
1958 Eldorado Brougham 615
1959 Eldorado Brougham 56- sold
1960 Eldorado Brougham 83- sold
1998 Deville d'Elegance
1955 Eldorado #277
1964 Studebaker Commander
2012 Volt
CLCMRC benefactor 197

Director and Founder, Eldorado Brougham Chapter
Past President, Motor City Region

Rare Parts brand suspension parts Retailer via Keep'em Running Automotive

Clewisiii

Have a fun trip, and get energized to get back to your car.   
"My interest is in the future, because I am going to spend the rest of my life there."  Charles Kettering

Lexi

Ditto Carl's comment. Sometimes a change is as good as a rest. Looks like you have had both, and can now resume your restoration work. Has happened to most if not all of us, me included. Clay/Lexi

David King (kz78hy)

Going to the Grand National was what I needed.  Rick's 55 Eldo (the one that mine was built along side with) was there finished.  It was marvelous.  It also took Senior Crown, Peoples Choice, and Best of Show.  I think my car is stronger than his, but only details that no one would ever know unless you watched the whole process side by side.

Time to get busy.
David King
CLC 22014  (life)
1958 Eldorado Brougham 615
1959 Eldorado Brougham 56- sold
1960 Eldorado Brougham 83- sold
1998 Deville d'Elegance
1955 Eldorado #277
1964 Studebaker Commander
2012 Volt
CLCMRC benefactor 197

Director and Founder, Eldorado Brougham Chapter
Past President, Motor City Region

Rare Parts brand suspension parts Retailer via Keep'em Running Automotive

David King (kz78hy)

With the help of expert mechanic, yesterday (10 hours) we attempted to repair 2 of the major issues, leaking oil pan gasket and freeze plugs.  Sorry to say, 2 of the 6 plugs replaced are still slightly weeping.  Might try some leak sealer.  this is greatly better than before, but not perfect.  Of course it is on the LH side where the steering box and exhaust take down pipe has to be removed to get access.

Found additional leaks, new oil sending unit is leaking out of the crimped housing and that could be where oil is running down the back of the engine.  New oil pan gasket looks dry after a second tightening at the rear.  Fuel pump is leaking oil through the pump lever shaft opening...so it will have to come off and figure out a way to seal the shaft openings.

Water pump outlet that splits the out lines to the transmission is leaking at the hose.  Stupid wire hose clamp will not compress any tighter, so a band clamp might have to be used.  That is hard area to access.

Car beat us again.  Ordering fuel pump gaskets and a new sending unit and will try again once the parts arrive.
David King
CLC 22014  (life)
1958 Eldorado Brougham 615
1959 Eldorado Brougham 56- sold
1960 Eldorado Brougham 83- sold
1998 Deville d'Elegance
1955 Eldorado #277
1964 Studebaker Commander
2012 Volt
CLCMRC benefactor 197

Director and Founder, Eldorado Brougham Chapter
Past President, Motor City Region

Rare Parts brand suspension parts Retailer via Keep'em Running Automotive