Lovey, the 1955 Eldorado restoration story

[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

[David King (kz78hy)]

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 (kz78hy)]

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 (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 (kz78hy)]

The rest of the floor got covered in the rubber mat insulator and the carpet is being test fit.

[Roger Zimmermann]

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!

[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.

[Mike Baillargeon #15848]

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

Mike

[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 (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 (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 (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 (kz78hy)]

More photos of the seat track covers and brackets.

[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.

[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!