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My 1967 Belvedere Convertible Plans and Restoration (aka - Mad Scientist Build)

Got a special delivery today . . . got my pockets delivered from my friend - for my custom door handles . . .

Got (2) pockets and a template . . .

sm_doorhandle01.jpg


This will go inside the door and the handles will be recessed . . .

sm_doorhandle02.jpg


This template is to allow me to cut the hole in the door - to the size of the opening for the handle . . .

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Time to start getting some work don on the hole cutting now ! ! ! YAY ! ! ! !
 
More goodies - picked these up from the powder coater today . . .

Here was the first attempt, but as usual, Titus is trying to get into the picture and check out my new parts . . .

sm_backingplates01.jpg


So I had to do a do-over to get a better picture for the forum . . . these look sweet . . .

sm_backingplates02.jpg
 
Another trip to the Mopar Nationals with 747Mopar in his 69 Charger . . . Great trip ! ! !

Saw the first 67 Belvedere Convertible at a car show . . . ( this one was sporting a 426 Hemi to boot )

sm_67convertible.jpg


Very nice job was done on this truck . . . I'd drive it anyday, anywhere . . .

sm_truck.jpg


And I picked up my replacement u-bolts for my rear axle ( was told not to reuse the old ones . . . )

sm_ubolts.jpg
 
I've been reusing the originals for 40 years but only if they are still in good shape. Usually have extras since I used to part out cars in the 70's.....
 
Another trip to the Mopar Nationals with 747Mopar in his 69 Charger . . . Great trip ! ! !

Saw the first 67 Belvedere Convertible at a car show . . . ( this one was sporting a 426 Hemi to boot )

View attachment 501121

Very nice job was done on this truck . . . I'd drive it anyday, anywhere . . .

View attachment 501122

And I picked up my replacement u-bolts for my rear axle ( was told not to reuse the old ones . . . )

View attachment 501123


That truck was built and owned by Dwight of Dwight's place near me. The guy is a virtual genius with mopars around here and races a 68 hemi cuda! He's a great guy to deal with.

Dwight_Vorsteveld_web_1.jpg
 
It was 91 degrees in the shop when I got started on glass removal on the passenger door tonight . . .

BTW . . . the glass removal is a royal PITA ! ! ! ( I will be running the deburring tool over all the edges on the metal on the door ! )

Got all the nuts and bolts removed, and got the vent window "started" on it's way to getting out ( per the service manual - put main glass down and remove vent window track - yeah - right )
And - being that this is a convertible, wouldn't you know that it means it has to be built much more sturdy ! !

passdoorglass01.jpg


Got the glass out, got the felts out ( hope I can get replacements as they were in pretty bad shape due to rust )

passdoorglass02.jpg


And the full view of the door . . . glassless . . . and a load of work for me to do now . . .

passdoorglass03.jpg
 
So one question I have is.....does Devins car run as good as it looks????:steering:

Looks like you have some cool custom features up your sleeve!!!
 
So one question I have is.....does Devins car run as good as it looks????:steering:

Looks like you have some cool custom features up your sleeve!!!

Oh no - hell NO . . . It runs even better than it looks, and he's more than willing to give me some seat time
( I've requested that he, um, move the seat back a little so I can fit "properly" - shhh, don't tell him - LMAO )

Now you know why he calls me Sasquatch ! ! !

My "fear" of driving his car is that I'm going to get antsy to get my car done and on the road ( so I guess that's a great motivator ! ? ! ? ) . . . boy is it FUN to drive ! ! !
 
hope they make window felts for your vert Larry, I couldn't find any for mine. I figured the hard top cat whiskers would work for the doors, but I had to modify the rear window felts.
 
hope they make window felts for your vert Larry, I couldn't find any for mine. I figured the hard top cat whiskers would work for the doors, but I had to modify the rear window felts.

OH GREAT - Welcome to my World . . . parts for the 67 have all been somewhat hard to find . . .
No biggie . . . I've fabricated many of the other things that I needed, just add one more thing to the list of fabrication parts . . . I'll get it done !

After all . . . this is the Mad Scientist Build ! ! ! ( SMILE )
 
OH GREAT - Welcome to my World . . . parts for the 67 have all been somewhat hard to find . . .
No biggie . . . I've fabricated many of the other things that I needed, just add one more thing to the list of fabrication parts . . . I'll get it done !

After all . . . this is the Mad Scientist Build ! ! ! ( SMILE )

Well if there's anyone that can Larry, you the man!
 
It was 91 degrees in the shop when I got started on glass removal on the passenger door tonight . . .

BTW . . . the glass removal is a royal PITA ! ! ! ( I will be running the deburring tool over all the edges on the metal on the door ! )

Got all the nuts and bolts removed, and got the vent window "started" on it's way to getting out ( per the service manual - put main glass down and remove vent window track - yeah - right )
And - being that this is a convertible, wouldn't you know that it means it has to be built much more sturdy ! !

View attachment 502706

Got the glass out, got the felts out ( hope I can get replacements as they were in pretty bad shape due to rust )

View attachment 502707

And the full view of the door . . . glassless . . . and a load of work for me to do now . . .

View attachment 502708

They are a real PITA, assembling them goes way better since you can see how they go together now.:thumbsup: Amazing how light the doors get with everything gutted, feels like 50% of the weight is gone.
 
So one question I have is.....does Devins car run as good as it looks????:steering:

Looks like you have some cool custom features up your sleeve!!!
We actually had the opportunity to do a donut this time:lol:, yes I'm immature!!
 
I've been reusing the originals for 40 years but only if they are still in good shape. Usually have extras since I used to part out cars in the 70's.....
Wish I had known that a week ago, just spent $40 on new ones too.
 
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