Do we have any progress updates yet?
Yes, I have been spending a little time here and there while I work on other projects as well.
To date, I now have it running very well and had to replace the starter and I used the smaller high speed/torque starter type that I don't care is not original, I just like them a lot better than the originals and they are not so obvious to see.
I also changed the coolant which was pretty good already and changed the dirty oil with some Valvoline VR1 20-50 racing oil and anti-drain back filter, and changed out the fuel.
I also replaced all the brakes/lines as needed for now on the car so I now have full working brakes and replaced the brake light switch with a new one.
I fixed all the oil leaks as well which included replacing the front shocks (I have never had one of those leak before!) and also replaced the input shaft and lower sector shaft seals on the power steering gear - no more leaks - nice.
Cleaning the interior was also a priority since it was very dirty and there have been mice in it in the past, so now I don't have to grimmace when I get in the car.
The sunroof tracks were also cleaned out and some graphite grease was used to lube the tracks and chains as well. It works just like new now, and better than the one on my 71 New Yorker. I do have to replace the headliner but that can wait until I do the full restoration.
I also had to replace one of the window regulators so now it works properly and the windows go up and down easily, like new after cleaning and greasing the mechanisms and while I was at it, I put on the correct outside review mirror - I couldn't stand looking at the incorrect one a previous owner put on the car.
I also found a build sheet in good condition under the rear seat!
The transmission was replaced somewhere along the line but when I took it out for a spin, it worked fine. The steering is precise and tracks nicely and there are no squeaks/rattles or other significant issues. The engine is original. There is no doubt this car is its original 41K miles though.
I also located and bought the last piece of NOS driver side rear quarter molding in existence that I could find so all the trim is now present and accounted for.
Here are a couple photos of what it looks like now, but not too much different on the exterior since it will be fully restored later, but I did put the trim piece in place so it looks normal, but did so only temporarily until the body is restored and when I will have all the clips on so it aligns correctly with the door trim.
So that is all I will likely do for now until the full restoration is started. I just wanted it to look OK and the interior clean and have it running nicely before storing it for awhile.
After messing around with this car for a little now, I really love it and will enjoy restoring it. I can't thank ayilar, Matt and Wyatt and others who helped so much in my being able to get it.
Thanks for asking!
