Thought it was time for an update on this project.
After many hours of troubleshooting wiring problems, installing the exhaust system, rebuilding the carb, etc. I got the engine to start without much effort.
Of course that showed me some problems with the gauges and instrument wiring. Someone had cut the ignition plug off the wiring harness, spliced wires into a homemade turn signal system (see picture), the headlight switch was bad, ignition switch was bad, turn signal switch destroyed, etc. etc.
Once I had this mess straightened out I went to work on the tail lights only to find the power lead had been cut in the middle of the harness and taped off. Fixed that only to find that one of the lead wires was cut off at the connector plug and on the story goes.
Installed the hydraulics for the convertible top. (yes, I spilled some fluid.
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Then installed the top frame work:
You can see its pretty rough and the old weatherstripping is shot:
Cleaned out the old tack strip material:
I am sure someone is wondering why I didn't clean and paint it off the car so I'll explain. Nothing on the car was complete or working when I got it and I felt it safer to leave as much intact as possible until reassembly so that I could "figure out" what it was supposed to do.
This is my first convertible so no past experience to draw from.
Sanded, cleaned and painted:
Everything on this car needs work so it is a constant waiting game for new parts. Still need a steering wheel and rear bumper for the car so if you can help please let me know.
I'll try to post some pictures of the Convertible top installation once I get the new parts in.