71 Convertible Ground-Up Restoration - The journey begins !

[Challenger_7]

Good work on your car!  I recently saw the little dash lenses for sale that were repro's but I think they were for a rallye dash. If I see them again I let you know where they were.

Thanks there buddy. You have one of my dream cars
When I start on my 74 Stingray, I might seek your assistance to finding some parts. Mine does not need much work, some cosmetics and some power steering bits.
Cheers

[426HEMI]

When I reread this thread you heading caught my eye.  How is it going to be a frame off restoration when it does not have a frame.  It does have sub frames but not a full frame.  Just wondering is all.

[Challenger_7]

I suppose you are right 426HEMI, but this is the expression I have always been using as I started off with Mercedes cars. Do you recon "ground up" restoration is more appropriate?

[426HEMI]

Yep that would be more correct.  Just a stickler for detail at times. 

[Challenger_7]

Well, I did change it but it looks like the subject does not change on all the posts so far made?
On the details bit, arent we all? I suppose it comes with the love to restore 

[426HEMI]

Well, I did change it but it looks like the subject does not change on all the posts so far made?
On the details bit, arent we all? I suppose it comes with the love to restore 

So true,  I just love to see a correctly restored E-body. I do love to make them look even better than they did though.  Did you go to the very first post to change the subject?  I think that is how you have to do it well anyway that is how I did on a previous post of mine.

[Challenger6pak]

Looks Great!!!

[JS27N0B]

Just a note* I have used paint pens with excellent results to recolor white letters or bright silver for edges of dash trim.

[426HEMI]

Just a note* I have used paint pens with excellent results to recolor white letters or bright silver for edges of dash trim.

   I have done the same.....

[Challenger_7]

Just a note* I have used paint pens with excellent results to recolor white letters or bright silver for edges of dash trim.

You guys are so lucky, living next door to technology. We, on the otherhand are living in thirld world countries and have to do much improvisation.
By the way, you have a gorgeous looking car. I suppose mine will end up looking close to yours but plum crazy. Can you do me a favor and post a close-up picture of the switches panel (left to the instrument panel). Mine must have received one from a different car and as such is lacking the wording for the convertible top switch, whatever that is, and as I cannot find a new one, will need to improvise again! Please see mine for your information.
One more question, the dimmer switch, is it supposed to light up the interior light too?
Also, should the convertible switch aslo be a round one like the dimmer and wiper or has it been improvised??
Thanks

[hemiken]

If the top is a power top it should have a toggle switch that looks like the light switch but functions differently.  It will be a three way toggle switch, neutral in the middle with up for up and down for down.

[Challenger_7]

I thought as much. The switch itself is correct but probably broke and they stuck the handle of a different switch which was probably available to them...See, more improvisation
These switches are hard to find, so will start looking!!!
JS27NOBOne more question to you. Whilst following up a restoration job for another member, we came up across the issue of vent tube. His car, a coupe and my R/T have it where as in the convertible it is not fitted nor is there a provision for it. See attached photos of his car and mine, and it is the vertical pipe towards the inside of the fender.
Do you also not have it? If so, then I will conclude that convertibles did not have them.
Thanks

[hemiken]

Hey Farouk,

The convertible switches are available new.  and i am not 100% but i think the vent breather tube may have something to do with California Emissions  You will have to wait to find out if i was right in saying this.

[Challenger_7]

Hey Farouk,

The convertible switches are available new.  and i am not 100% but i think the vent breather tube may have something to do with California Emissions  You will have to wait to find out if i was right in saying this.

Yeah? Where can I find one? Can you point me towards a link please?
Vent tube could well be as the convertible was an export model, sold here in Lebanon but my R/T was a USA model. I will check its build sheet to see more details.

[Got JOB]

Pic of a '71 switch panel