Cadillac & LaSalle Club Discussion Forum

Cadillac & LaSalle Club Forums => Restoration Corner => Topic started by: Caddy Wizard on March 21, 2022, 01:43:58 PM

Title: Blue Mistress (55 FW)
Post by: Caddy Wizard on March 21, 2022, 01:43:58 PM
I bought this 55 FW several years ago.  It had fewer than 30,000 miles and had been off the road in storage from the late 50s to sometime in the late 90s.  I bought it from the estate of the second owner.  Paint was shot (photos are deceptive in making it look a LOT better in photos than in person).  Interior was beautiful when I bought it, but in the last year or so of my using it, the driver seat is simply falling apart (the fabric is shredding and the yellow foam padding is turning to dust).

I have decided to redo the paint and interior and chrome.  That is pretty much a full cosmetic restoration, in my book (mechanically, the car is tip-top).  I've started tearing the car apart and have removed almost all of the chrome and stainless trim.  Interior will come out too.  Car will go to the body shop in about two weeks.  Chrome and stainless will come back from the plater/polisher in about 3 months.  Looking for an upholsterer to redo my seats and door panels (I have the original fabrics, obtained from SMS after about a year wait).

First four pics are the "before" (the fourth picture is from its appearance in the ABC film "Women of the Movement" about the murder of Emmett Till filmed about a year ago in Mississippi).  Last four are the current state of affairs.

Car will be repainted in its original Ruskin Blue, with a Cobalt Blue Poly top.  All paint will be removed to shiny bare metal.  Then acid-etched and primed with epoxy primer.  Then 2K primers and fillers.  Finally, single-stage urethane (no clear coat).  My hope is that the single-stage will look a smidge more like 1955 paint than a two-stage, base coat/clear coat paint job.
Title: Re: Blue Mistress (55 FW)
Post by: novetti on March 21, 2022, 06:48:00 PM
Big job and budget !

Keep us posted on the progress. Good Luck !
Title: Re: Blue Mistress (55 FW)
Post by: Caddy Wizard on March 23, 2022, 10:24:51 AM
Quote from: novetti on March 21, 2022, 06:48:00 PM
Big job and budget !

Keep us posted on the progress. Good Luck !

Yes, it is a big job and costly.  I have had 21 old Cadillacs and currently have 4.  I hope to keep this particular car until I am in the clay or close to it...
Title: Re: Blue Mistress (55 FW)
Post by: jaxops on March 27, 2022, 07:27:30 AM
WoW Art.  What a nice car.  I never got the chance to start with such a good car.  Mine were all "dogs" except for the '79 Lincoln!  Best of luck!!!
Title: Re: Blue Mistress (55 FW)
Post by: Caddy Wizard on June 23, 2022, 02:16:09 PM
The Blue Mistress is now in the body shop.  It will be there for about 3 months.  Car will be sanded to bare metal, etched, epoxy primed, surface primered and blocked, painted and buffed.  Top will be two stage urethane in Cobalt Blue Poly.  Bottom will be Ruskin Blue (original color of entire car) single stage urethane. 

Interior trim will be painted Bahama Blue Poly (correct interior color).

Upholstery will be redone in original fabrics, colors, and patterns.

Chrome has been off at the chrome shop for three months and I am picking it up next week.  I will polish a number of stainless steel items myself (although I had the chrome shop polish the difficult items, like the rocker panel moldings).
Title: Re: Blue Mistress (55 FW)
Post by: Caddy Wizard on June 23, 2022, 02:20:10 PM
A few more pictures...
Title: Re: Blue Mistress (55 FW)
Post by: Lexi on June 23, 2022, 03:13:30 PM
Very nice Art. Thanks for the update. Clay/Lexi
Title: Re: Blue Mistress (55 FW)
Post by: Caddy Wizard on June 24, 2022, 10:13:29 AM
It is a little hard to see, but if you look carefully you might see that we have removed the rear chromed upright from the front doors and the front chromed upright from the rear doors.  These 55 Fleetwoods do not have a unitary frame around the windows as the regular sedans have.  Instead, one upright and the top bar are part of the door, but the other upright that frames the window is a removable item that is bolted to the door.  It is a casting and is chrome plated.  On the front doors, it is at the back of the door.  On the rear doors, it is at the front of the doors.  By removing these, it allows one better, fuller access to the painted surfaces for stripping and re-painting.
Title: Re: Blue Mistress (55 FW)
Post by: Caddy Wizard on June 30, 2022, 02:26:42 PM
Current state of the Blue Mistress cosmetic restoration.  Paint is off (mostly).  Doors are now off, as are the hood and the front fenders.  Steady progress.

Body looks exceptionally good.  Virtually rust-free and very little in the way of prior body damage.  An excellent starting point for my body guy.
Title: Re: Blue Mistress (55 FW)
Post by: Cadillac Jack 82 on June 30, 2022, 02:39:33 PM
I love the gauge of steel they used for the 40s-50s Cadillacs.  Nice and heavy!
Title: Re: Blue Mistress (55 FW)
Post by: 35-709 on June 30, 2022, 07:47:21 PM
A Toyota in every fender.   :)
Title: Re: Blue Mistress (55 FW)
Post by: Caddy Wizard on May 04, 2023, 05:36:34 PM
The Blue Mistress has been in "body shop jail" for almost a year now.  Body man keeps saying that he will finish soon, says he has been busy.  I've already paid the full amount of the initial estimate and we are not in paint yet.


I'm sure that you all have heard this or experienced this before. 


Here's hoping that I don't have to go get it while still unfinished and finish the job myself...
Title: Re: Blue Mistress (55 FW)
Post by: Lexi on May 04, 2023, 05:57:15 PM
How annoying, especially as you have paid up front and so far have done what is expected of you. Clay/Lexi
Title: Re: Blue Mistress (55 FW)
Post by: Caddy Wizard on May 05, 2023, 02:06:31 PM
Quote from: Lexi on May 04, 2023, 05:57:15 PMHow annoying, especially as you have paid up front and so far have done what is expected of you. Clay/Lexi


Well, I have been paying as he progresses and the total of the progress payments has already equaled the total estimate.  We still have thousands of $ to go to completion, unfortunately. 

I am beginning to wonder if I will end up painting it myself in my workshop.  My workshop is not really set up for paint work, but I guess I could do that.  I am an accomplished amateur painter (my father and younger brother were pro car painters and quite good).  It will really irritate me if I end up painting it myself after paying what I thought was the full price for a proper paint job by the paint and body shop.  Hmmm...
Title: Re: Blue Mistress (55 FW)
Post by: dogbergs on May 06, 2023, 01:30:23 AM
Sorry to hear.. But I can see you've got it all figured out, and already been taking the hit of disappointment. Just do it.

Regards from Sweden
Title: Re: Blue Mistress (55 FW)
Post by: Scott Nellis on May 07, 2023, 01:30:14 AM
   It really hurts me, as a Cadillac lover, to see how this has unfolded for you Art. You love this car and intend to keep it until your death. It is a low mileage, beautiful example. A real easy job for the paint and body shop compared to the rusted-out hulks they often have to deal with. They certainly can't use the excuse that it took a year longer than expected because they ran into all types of problems trying to deal with rotten metal to work with.
   I'm guessing that it was a really tough decision for you to decide to take the plunge and start tearing apart such a beautiful car that really only needed some cosmetic work, but was still a very attractive and mechanically sound classic Cadillac. Now your worst fears have been realized with plenty of unnecessary stress and uncertainty. I guess your only saving grace here is that you have other vintage Cadillacs that you can still enjoy driving while you are waiting. Try to stay positive Art and please let us know how things turn out. I'm certain that your situation is bothering anyone that reads this thread. It is like someone is mistreating and abusing a member of our family.
Title: Re: Blue Mistress (55 FW)
Post by: Caddy Wizard on May 17, 2023, 12:59:32 PM
The Blue Mistress has been in "paint shop jail" for 11 months now.  Happily, I have some progress to report.  This morning the painter was in the middle of painting the interior trim parts. One coat of Bahama Blue is done in these pictures and he was starting the second coat when I left. (BTW, the shop is an hour from my house). Two more coats and then clear coat should be done today. So the interior trim parts should be done today.20230517_101835.jpg

In addition, last night he painted the sides and bottoms of the four doors.20230517_101907.jpg

As for the rest of the body, it appears to be essentially ready for paint.  He had to cut out a strip about 2 inches by 10 inches on each rear quarter directly above the fender skirts -- this is an extremely common issue on 55's, I think because water gets trapped between a double panel in that spot.  We had some very minor bubbling there on both sides, now cut out and replaced with fresh steel.

We went over (again) the break line between the lower (body) color and the upper (roof) color to make sure that he gets that detail right.
Title: Re: Blue Mistress (55 FW)
Post by: Caddy Wizard on May 19, 2023, 11:25:17 AM
Interior trim now has three coats of color and two coats of clear.
Title: Re: Blue Mistress (55 FW)
Post by: Caddy Wizard on July 03, 2023, 04:13:26 PM
Some color going on the "extremities" before reassembly for final paint.  It looks like we are approaching the finish line on the paint work...
Title: Re: Blue Mistress (55 FW)
Post by: Caddy Wizard on July 06, 2023, 03:18:54 PM
Color is now on the "extremities" (fenders, hood, trunk, doors), inside and out and top and bottom, and they are being reattached to the car.  The body of the car has had some color applied too.  Next is to paint the whole assembled car from the outside to ensure that the parts all have the exact same color.  Too many times you see a "restored" car that is painted all apart and not all at the same time (so slightly different mixtures of paint and solvent and different ambient temperatures), resulting in slight tone variations from one panel to the next.  This procedure eliminates that possibility.


The break line between the lower body color and the upper body color needs some corrections around the bottom of the rear windshield and the door openings.  That will be handled this week before final "all over" paint is applied.
Title: Re: Blue Mistress (55 FW)
Post by: Caddy Wizard on September 20, 2023, 07:37:17 AM
For the last 3 months, the painter has been saying that he will paint the exterior all over "next week".  Mostly he ignores my texts asking for an update.

He has had the car in "paint shop jail" for 15 months now...
Title: Re: Blue Mistress (55 FW)
Post by: jwwseville60 on September 26, 2023, 10:01:06 AM
Everyone set their Star Trek phasers on...STUNNING!
Title: Re: Blue Mistress (55 FW)
Post by: Caddy Wizard on September 27, 2023, 04:33:12 PM
Once more, I am  told that the car will be painted "this week". 


I no longer get frustrated by the broken promises (or excited by the promises).  Eventually he will paint it or I will take it back unpainted and spray it myself.
Title: Re: Blue Mistress (55 FW)
Post by: Mike Baillargeon #15848 on September 27, 2023, 06:57:12 PM
Quote from: Caddy Wizard on September 27, 2023, 04:33:12 PMOnce more, I am  told that the car will be painted "this week". 


I no longer get frustrated by the broken promises (or excited by the promises).  Eventually he will paint it or I will take it back unpainted and spray it myself.

I feel your pain Art....

There too many stories like this in our hobby....

I've known customers that give these crooks more money in the hopes of getting them to finish their car....Of course it never ends well...

Mike
Title: Re: Blue Mistress (55 FW)
Post by: Caddy Wizard on September 28, 2023, 07:35:24 AM
Quote from: Mike Baillargeon #15848 on September 27, 2023, 06:57:12 PMI feel your pain Art....

There too many stories like this in our hobby....

I've known customers that give these crooks more money in the hopes of getting them to finish their car....Of course it never ends well...

Mike


I have the advantage that my dad was a car painter and taught me the basics.  I can do a fine job if I have to.  So, one way or another, it will work out.
Title: Re: Blue Mistress (55 FW)
Post by: Lexi on September 28, 2023, 09:29:30 AM
I am inclined to think that I would assign a deadline for completion in the very near future. If not met, then take your car home. Sorry to learn of this Art. Clay/Lexi
Title: Re: Blue Mistress (55 FW)
Post by: James Landi on September 28, 2023, 10:06:20 AM
"The road to HELL is paved with good intentions."  G.B. Shaw
Title: Re: Blue Mistress (55 FW)
Post by: Bob Hoffmann CLC#96 on September 28, 2023, 03:09:56 PM
Hi Art,
If you need a super solid RH rear bumper end, Please contact me directly at bobscads@comcast.net.
Thanks, Bob
Title: Re: Blue Mistress (55 FW)
Post by: Caddy Wizard on September 28, 2023, 03:37:37 PM
Quote from: Bob Hoffmann CLC#96 on September 28, 2023, 03:09:56 PMHi Art,
If you need a super solid RH rear bumper end, Please contact me directly at bobscads@comcast.net.
Thanks, Bob

I have two 55 cadillacs -- the Blue Mistress (FW) and Aunt Dot (coupe).  Both have completely redone chrome.  I even have one extra rear bumper end already rechromed (I forget which side).

Thanks anyway...
Title: Re: Blue Mistress (55 FW)
Post by: Bob Hoffmann CLC#96 on September 28, 2023, 05:02:51 PM
Quote from: Caddy Wizard on September 28, 2023, 03:37:37 PMI have two 55 cadillacs -- the Blue Mistress (FW) and Aunt Dot (coupe).  Both have completely redone chrome.  I even have one extra rear bumper end already rechromed (I forget which side).

Thanks anyway...
Please check what side you have.
Thanks, Bob
Title: Re: Blue Mistress (55 FW)
Post by: Caddy Wizard on October 02, 2023, 01:25:35 PM
I have given the painter until Oct 21 to finish.  Otherwise I am taking the car back as is and painting it myself.  Enough is enough.

Shortly after I sent him this latest message (ultimatum), he sent me some new progress pictures...
Title: Re: Blue Mistress (55 FW)
Post by: Caddy Wizard on October 12, 2023, 02:31:58 PM
Painter says he has finished the painting!  Says that all that is left is to polish it.  Fingers crossed!  I'll post some photos when he sends me new ones.


16 months in the paint shop.  It needed virtually no body work...
Title: Re: Blue Mistress (55 FW)
Post by: Cadillac Jack 82 on October 12, 2023, 03:15:42 PM
Congrats!  Hopefully its done!  I'm surprised it took so long.  I understand that shops can fall behind but 16 months?  Incredible.
Title: Re: Blue Mistress (55 FW)
Post by: Bob Kielar on October 14, 2023, 08:32:10 AM
Congratulations Art long time coming. Hope the paint work is up to your standards.Looking forward seeing those pictures.

Regards,
Bob Kielar
Title: Re: Blue Mistress (55 FW)
Post by: Lexi on October 14, 2023, 09:33:06 AM
Great news. Pics please! Clay/Lexi
Title: Re: Blue Mistress (55 FW)
Post by: Caddy Wizard on October 18, 2023, 11:01:46 AM
It looks like I can retrieve the car in the coming days.  They have painted it and are doing the buffing.  I hope to get it back in the next week or so.
Title: Re: Blue Mistress (55 FW)
Post by: Cadillac Jack 82 on October 18, 2023, 11:04:40 AM
Now THAT is a job well done from what I can tell.  She's going to look amazing once she's finished!
Title: Re: Blue Mistress (55 FW)
Post by: Lexi on October 18, 2023, 04:07:04 PM
She looks gorgeous. Clay/Lexi
Title: Re: Blue Mistress (55 FW)
Post by: Caddy Wizard on October 23, 2023, 12:29:19 PM
The Blue Mistress is really home, after 16 months in "paint shop jail".  Now to the task of reassembling a very complex car...
Title: Re: Blue Mistress (55 FW)
Post by: Bob Kielar on October 24, 2023, 08:14:52 AM
That's awesome Art good to see her home. Now the fun begins. Are you pleased with the results?

Regards,
Bob Kielar
Title: Re: Blue Mistress (55 FW)
Post by: Caddy Wizard on October 24, 2023, 09:29:24 AM
Quote from: Bob Kielar on October 24, 2023, 08:14:52 AMThat's awesome Art good to see her home. Now the fun begins. Are you pleased with the results?

Regards,
Bob Kielar

Mostly.  There are some minor issues.  Overall the car looks fantastic.


There are some places where "trash" (dust or dirt) got in the paint while wet and those haven't been adequately sanded out and buffed.  Then there is an issue on the trunk.  Many years ago, someone must have added a nameplate or something to the lower left part of the trunk and drilled two holes for the nameplate.  Later, someone must have removed the nameplate and filled in the holes with body filler and then painted the trunk.  My painter stripped the whole car to bare metal.  They removed the filler from the two non-factory holes and then left the holes intact when they painted the car.  So the trunk has two little holes that need to be filled and the paint touched up.  I would add a photo, but the Forum is not letting me do that right now... 
Title: Re: Blue Mistress (55 FW)
Post by: Caddy Wizard on October 25, 2023, 10:58:20 AM
First picture shows a pair of non-factory holes in the lower left part of the trunk lid.  Those will have to be dealt with.


Paint is Cobalt Blue Poly over Ruskin Blue.  A factory color combo for 55, although this particular car came in all Ruskin Blue from the factory.  Very pretty color combo to me.  The top is painted in two-stage urethane (base coat with clear coat) to protect the metallic paint.  Bottom is single-stage urethane for ease of making minor touch-up repairs for scratches and door dings.
Title: Re: Blue Mistress (55 FW)
Post by: Cadillac Jack 82 on October 25, 2023, 11:20:11 AM
Art she's beautiful!  As for the two holes...why not find a cool vintage dealers plate to place there.  Gives the car character.  My 66 has one from Davenport, IA that looks like its almost new.
Title: Re: Blue Mistress (55 FW)
Post by: Lexi on October 25, 2023, 12:20:49 PM
Quote from: Caddy Wizard on October 25, 2023, 10:58:20 AMFirst picture shows a pair of non-factory holes in the lower left part of the trunk lid.  Those will have to be dealt with.

Lovely colour combination. Those non-factory holes would bug me non-stop until fixed. Clay/Lexi
Title: Re: Blue Mistress (55 FW)
Post by: The Tassie Devil(le) on October 25, 2023, 07:03:01 PM
Aren't those lower holes part of the V emblem?

Bruce. >:D
Title: Re: Blue Mistress (55 FW)
Post by: Cadman-iac on October 25, 2023, 07:20:41 PM
Quote from: The Tassie Devil(le) on October 25, 2023, 07:03:01 PMAren't those lower holes part of the V emblem?

Bruce. >:D

  He's referring to the holes on the lower left corner of the lid, typically where the dealer would attach their name plates.

 Art,
 How are you going to cover those? Or are you going to attach a name plate as well?

 Rick

 PS, that's going to be a beautiful car, wish mine was that far along.
Title: Re: Blue Mistress (55 FW)
Post by: The Tassie Devil(le) on October 25, 2023, 07:23:21 PM
I thought that those holes would be for chrome pieces that are factory.   The holes don't look like simple drilled holes.

Bruce. >:D
Title: Re: Blue Mistress (55 FW)
Post by: Cadman-iac on October 25, 2023, 09:04:29 PM
Quote from: The Tassie Devil(le) on October 25, 2023, 07:23:21 PMI thought that those holes would be for chrome pieces that are factory.  The holes don't look like simple drilled holes.

Bruce. >:D

I'm not sure, but I think you aren't blowing up the picture far enough, or you're looking at the wrong holes.
Here's his picture with the holes circled. They are really small.
The reason they don't look drilled is because the lid was painted after the holes were made. At least that's what I think you meant by your comment.

Rick

Screenshot_20231025_175936.jpg
Title: Re: Blue Mistress (55 FW)
Post by: The Tassie Devil(le) on October 25, 2023, 09:58:30 PM
Thanks Rick,

Thanks for the clarification.   Definitely didn't see those.

A real pity they weren't "fixed" before painting.

Bruce. >:D
Title: Re: Blue Mistress (55 FW)
Post by: Cadman-iac on October 25, 2023, 10:10:56 PM
Quote from: The Tassie Devil(le) on October 25, 2023, 09:58:30 PMThanks Rick,

Thanks for the clarification.   Definitely didn't see those.

A real pity they weren't "fixed" before painting.

Bruce. >:D

 I would agree, but maybe he's got a dealer tag/label that will fit the holes. Otherwise it's a good place for a bumper sticker, lol!

 All joking aside, Art, how will you fix this without having to repaint the lid again?
 Best of luck to you with your reassembly.

 Rick
Title: Re: Blue Mistress (55 FW)
Post by: Caddy Wizard on October 26, 2023, 10:57:59 AM
Quote from: Cadman-iac on October 25, 2023, 07:20:41 PMHe's referring to the holes on the lower left corner of the lid, typically where the dealer would attach their name plates.

 Art,
 How are you going to cover those? Or are you going to attach a name plate as well?

 Rick

 PS, that's going to be a beautiful car, wish mine was that far along.
The holes are so small that I think I can take a tiny amount of the leftover paint, add some hardener to it, and apply one drop at a time to the holes.  It should fill in.  Then sand and buff.  Essentially, using some hardened paint as a tiny amount of filler. I think one or two drops of paint should be sufficient for each hole.

To do it, I'll open the deck lid so that this surface is horizontal so that the drop of paint won't run down the panel.  I'll put some masking tape on the back side (assuming I can get to that from behind) to keep the paint from just dripping through.
Title: Re: Blue Mistress (55 FW)
Post by: Cadman-iac on October 26, 2023, 05:01:32 PM
Quote from: Caddy Wizard on October 26, 2023, 10:57:59 AMThe holes are so small that I think I can take a tiny amount of the leftover paint, add some hardener to it, and apply one drop at a time to the holes.  It should fill in.  Then sand and buff.  Essentially, using some hardened paint as a tiny amount of filler. I think one or two drops of paint should be sufficient for each hole.

To do it, I'll open the deck lid so that this surface is horizontal so that the drop of paint won't run down the panel.  I'll put some masking tape on the back side (assuming I can get to that from behind) to keep the paint from just dripping through.

 Very ingenious idea, I like that! Gotta remember that one if I ever run into the same situation. Most clever indeed!
 Thanks for sharing that.

  Rick
Title: Re: Blue Mistress (55 FW)
Post by: The Tassie Devil(le) on October 26, 2023, 06:59:57 PM
Yes, very ingenious.   But, don't remove the masking tape too soon as it could pull the filler out backwards.   Let is simply degrade off over time.

Bruce. >:D
Title: Re: Blue Mistress (55 FW)
Post by: Roger Zimmermann on October 31, 2023, 06:00:54 AM
The idea may be good, but too risky. You must have a solid base, otherwise you may have disapointment with temperature changes.
Why not glue two tiny brass (or steel) plates at the lid's back and then apply the paint? If you are gluing the plates with bondo, a bit bondo in the holes will not harm. On the contrary, less paint will be needed.
Title: Re: Blue Mistress (55 FW)
Post by: Cadman-iac on October 31, 2023, 08:06:28 PM
  Something else to consider is the shrinkage of the paint over time.
 I'm not sure if the newer products are less susceptible to this or not.
 And wouldn't you have to at least scuff the paint within the holes in order to get better bondage to the existing paint?

 Rick
Title: Re: Blue Mistress (55 FW)
Post by: Caddy Wizard on November 13, 2023, 08:40:37 AM
The Blue Mistress has come home from the paint shop after 16 months. Now comes the big, tedious task of reassembly, which is tougher on a Fleetwood than a regular Cadillac.

Have cleaned up the underside of the rear half of the body. Have started polishing the 24 rear hash marks (I didn't rechrome these to save about $1200). Reassembling the rear bumper.

Lots of work to go...
Title: Re: Blue Mistress (55 FW)
Post by: Caddy Wizard on December 10, 2023, 11:21:40 AM
Working on installing and adjusting the rear bumper assembly.  It is more complicated and subtle than you might imagine.  I have already installed the thing and removed it a few times.  Probably have a couple more installs to go before I have it adjusted just right.


First, we roughly installed the rear bumper. Left bumper end fit nicely against the body, while right one was jutting out laterally. Removed and installed the bumper a few more times and tried different adjustments, to no improvement. Finally determined that the right bumper end was not the original. It was an extra. So we swapped the original one for the extra and voila', the end fits snugly!

It makes me wonder if bumper parts were matched to one another to achieve the best fitment.

You can adjust the orientation of the bumper ends relative to the center bar, a little bit. And because the top and fronts of the bumper ends are a long way from the pivot point (the 4 bolt semicircle attachment of the ends to the center bar), even slight rotation of the ends relative to the center bar makes significant changes in how the ends line up with the quarter panel.

I'm planning to pull the bumper back off and loosen those 4 smallish bolts and reinstall the bumper. Then I will get the bumper ends in the best position and tighten the big bolts on the diagonal braces. Then remove the bumper and tighten the 4 smaller bolts. Then reinstall. I think this will give the best results.

BTW, before sending the bumper off for replating, we welded in new plates inside the ends.  The plates hold the rubber grommet that the tail pipe extends through. These plates are often rusted to nothing.  I also cleaned up the stainless inserts (trumpets) that push in from the outside of the bumper end and are held in place by a rubber donut secured by a sheet metal ring with inwardly pointing teeth.  While someone holds the trumpet in place, you slip the rubber donut over the trumpet and up against the inside of the bumper end.  Then push the toothed plate in tight (it works like a giant speed clip).



Title: Re: Blue Mistress (55 FW)
Post by: Caddy Wizard on December 10, 2023, 11:23:22 AM
More rear bumper pics...
Title: Re: Blue Mistress (55 FW)
Post by: David King (kz78hy) on December 14, 2023, 11:10:51 AM
I had a mystery rubber part when I bought stuff for my car.  In Sept. I helped Rick Payton retrieve a parts car that had been stored inside for 50 years.  A very solid car.  I  noticed this bumper shield and how it was supposed to go so I took some photos so I could remember.  I thought I would post here for reference as well.  Seems an odd execution to me.
Title: Re: Blue Mistress (55 FW)
Post by: Roger Zimmermann on December 14, 2023, 11:39:17 AM
Those rubber parts are in the parts list under group 11.0804; in your case 55-6267SX #1463316 2 pieces, rear bumper ends.
Title: Re: Blue Mistress (55 FW)
Post by: Caddy Wizard on December 14, 2023, 03:25:03 PM
Quote from: David King  (kz78hy) on December 14, 2023, 11:10:51 AMI had a mystery rubber part when I bought stuff for my car.  In Sept. I helped Rick Payton retrieve a parts car that had been stored inside for 50 years.  A very solid car.  I  noticed this bumper shield and how it was supposed to go so I took some photos so I could remember.  I thought I would post here for reference as well.  Seems an odd execution to me.


Yes, my original car (the Blue Mistress -- about 30k miles when I acquired it) had the same rubber splash shields screwed to the back of the rear quarter panels to keep mud and dirt from accumulating in the ends of the rear bumper ends.  Just like in your picture.  Mine were in good enough shape to re-use them, although i did add a second layer of rubber sheet to reinforce them, as they are getting old and tired...