Meet Buttercup, a 1972 New Yorker Brougham 2-door Hardtop

[oliver]

Beautiful!

 

[david hill]

Turning your neighborhood into a 70s scene, I like that

This is definitely a classic car neighborhood. Additional unseen cars include a 1970 SS Chevelle, 1978 Cadillac Coupe De Ville, 1956 Chevy 210 and a 1978 Trans Am, plus a variety of motorcycles.

 

[david hill]

As stated previously Buttercup was dropped off to be taken and have a vinyl top installed. While driving to the destination it was generating undetermined differential noise. After the top was install it was determined that the pinion and carrier bearings were the source of the noise. As seen in the photos below the amount debris run through was excessive.

 

[david hill]

If you look at the diff carrier housing you can see where there is is a small impact at the carrier cap area. This caused the outter race miss-alignment and eventual bearing failure. The rear gear ratio is 2.76 as seen on the pinion gear. I was pleasantly surprised the was no abnormal ring gear or pinion wear.

 

[david hill]

The rear axles were treated to new axle bearings and inner seals. Although some purists may disagree Dr. Diff Green bearings were installed. Have had no failures and have proven reliable. Filled w/ Valvoline 80/90 gear lube. Test drive reveals all is quiet again. A carb adjustment to the Edelbrock carb and choke made cold starts much better.

 

[ayilar]

I am happy to report that Buttercup is back in Illinois. Here she is getting on the enclosed transport in Indy (to protect the new top before moldings got back on), thanks to @david hill's help:

After getting her back following the "spa" time in Indiana, @71Polara383 took the front seats to a local upholsterer recommended by @sixpkrt who redid Medina's front seats, and he'll pick them up tomorrow. I got the vinyl directly from SMS, and Bruce did a "a total rebuild and reinforcement on the cushions and back rest in the face (...) using brand new, top-of-the-line foam" -- I will post photos after Wyatt gets them back on Monday.

 

[ayilar]

The weather is superb in Illinois this week, so @71Polara383 went to get the seats back from the upholsterer. Here they are on his truck, headed toward re-installation.

 

[LocuMob]

The weather is superb in Illinois this week, so @71Polara383 went to get the seats back from the upholsterer. Here they are on his truck, headed toward re-installation.
View attachment 484873

Ram 1500 Brat!

 

[JBR MA]

They look great!
Can’t wait to see the new pictures with them installed.
Much left to finish the “punch list “?
Really appreciate your documentation and allowing us to follow the progress.
Buttercup looked nice to start and is being transformed into a real beauty

 

[ayilar]

@JBR MA -- thank you for the positive comments!

The idea of this thread--like those I have for my other cars--is exactly that: to allow members to see exactly what was being done so that (i) there is a detailed record of Buttercup before/during/after her restoration, (ii) folks with experience can comment on the work and everyone else can see those reactions, and (iii) owners of similar cars can save time -- as the thread makes clear, it takes quite a bit of time to identify the right spare parts / suppliers / specialists.

Not much left to be done till I start driving to make sure that I would trust Buttercup as a long-distance driver (think IL to PA for Carlisle 2022). With a bit of luck, I might be able to swap Buttercup and Medina at the CATL next Sunday. That would be great. BUT, I'd rather @71Polara383 finish some of the things I want done -- power window motors, window seals, and possibly the shocks.

 

[ayilar]

They look great!
Can’t wait to see the new pictures with them installed.

Thanks! Here you go!

 

[73Coupe]

Is that a boar grain or similar on them front seats? Mine (same style seats) are unique material from the door panels and rear seat. three vinyl patterns in the car....

 

[ayilar]

Is that a boar grain or similar on them front seats? Mine (same style seats) are unique material from the door panels and rear seat. three vinyl patterns in the car....

Vinyl top is indeed V1G boar grain, seats I do not know. I ordered the top and seat materials from SMS. The samples they sent were a perfect match for the originals, and the actual shipments too.

 

[ayilar]

As the vinyl top trim goes back on, it seems that the clips for the trim moulding next to the Dutchman panel need replaced, too.

I need two sets of items. One is plastic clips, which are not an issue -- @71Polara383 found replacements on eBay:

1. original:

1b. replacement (note the similar "WF" marking and the Chrysler logo:

 

[ayilar]

The problem is with the second set of clips:

2a. original (5/16 width):

2b. replacements: there are some "universal" replacements on eBay -- kinda close but no cigar. An example is here, they look "inverted":

--> any and all suggestions would be highly welcome.

PS: @Big_John I know that you have recommended Clips and Fasteners, and they seem to have similar items -- but I have not been able to find the exact replacement for the spring clip.
Moulding Clip -Chrysler
Moulding Fasteners #10-24 X 3/4 Bolt 5/16 Width

 

[73Coupe]

Were all the little clip mounting studs intact?

 

[ayilar]

The old ones came off intact and we thought we'd be able to reuse them - but a few aren't grabbing.

 

[ayilar]

Looking good! Still no skirts on the rear?

How does this look? Correct center caps, too (Photo courtesy @71Polara383)

 

[JBR MA]

That is a wow for me. All together and ready to roll. Great looking car!

 

[ayilar]

Here’s a side bonus of redoing the seats. Got a build sheet! Thanks to @71Polara383 for the photos.

Here are the sewing labels, for records.