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I have this car in this exact Red (with Red interior, if it matters). I decided to put out the money and get a new top and there are choices. Looking for some opinions - what color looks best, Black or White and texture, gloss or sailcloth?
Well, that’s interesting. . . . . . . .!!
I would have bet most would say Black top. It’s White presently. Up close looks dirty after trying everything I could think of to clean it. The spine that is about 5” above the rear glass has lost it’s stitching, that’s about it. Hate to spend $2,000 on a new top if it could be fixed up. Btw, White is fine by me, I matched the new boot cover with the Red interior - looks good!
Yes. Unlike most people, I always restore any short comings that bother me, even though it’s for sale. It makes for a smoother sale when a buyer is not making their “perfection list” to me.
For instance, I don’t like the exhaust sound it makes. It doesn’t leak, not rusted out, just sounds like a pickup truck. My thoughts are it might have bad baffles in the mufflers. I have a brand new, never installed exhaust intended for a ‘67 GTO I had. It will fit perfectly, and it will get an “X” pipe cross-over under the trans tail. Just need tail pipe extensions, but I’ll be very happy with it when done. In many respects GM shared many parts within their platform sizes.
The last big thing, I don’t care for the carpets. Ames makes a beautiful OE carpet with optional “Mass” backing for insulation and heat barrier. I’ll be ordering that exact fit, molded carpet on Monday. Then the interior is perfect, no wear, no tears, no stains and nothing is broken.
The paint: No cracks or chips, no crazing, no peeling, no bubbles- just great gloss. My best guess is the paint is about 10 plus years and the condition is testimony to a really good job. I know it will continue in this condition for many more years to come. The floors (trunk to firewall) are solid and rust free, body is rust free, frame is rust free.
The rear was replaced with a 8.75” posi w/3.73:1 ratio (Eaton)have pictures of internals. Trans is a TH400 that was rebuilt by Meenan 1200 miles ago.
Engine: #s matching 400. Runs perfectly. I believe it was rebuilt a few years before I bought it, but I don’t have any more information.
I have a short list of items to make everything perfect. All parts are in hand, I’m just waiting for some cooler days and feeling a bit better.
Missing windshield washer hoses and squirters, missing washer bottle, AC belt, Ebrake cable and front pass side turn signal lens.
The 14” tires and wheels were replaced w/15” Pontiac wheels and wire hubcaps from a ‘70 Cat. The battery was relocated to the trunk because the battery tray under the hood was corroded (likely by battery acid). Removed aftermarket radio and free standing, non mounted speakers, factory radio is troublesome.
Beautiful glass all around, AC was just serviced
My original plans for this car was to turn it into a 2+2 Hurst equipped Catalina, but I’m never well enough, long enough to complete my projects any more. If anyone wants to do this, I can source all the parts needed.
Note* Whenever I offer any car for sale, you are invited to see it up on my 2 post lift and bring your best auto inspection. Unlike anyone you ever dealt with before, I always guarantee the car is exactly as I have represented it to be. I will disclose everything I can find (and I’m a stickler for the finest details), but that doesn’t mean you should skip a detailed inspection. This is the lowest priced car I’ve sold in over 20 yrs, and I’ve sold a few dozen cars since 1998. I’m offering this car for $14,500 You can drive it as fas as you need, or I can flat bed deliver up to 200 miles free (based on AAA club rules).
This is not my formal info sheet, so if you have any questions please ask.
Rich
Side note. Almost installed a color matched, hood mounted tach as the Hurst equipped cars have (many pics) but my luck, it might turn a buyer off so I didn’t do it. I’m surprised that this car with a full tank weighs only 4000 lbs (see scale)
I had a 68 Impala with a white vinyl top. Always looked dirty and it was garaged every night. I’ve had several convertibles since, and whenever I’ve had to replace the top, I have always gone with black canvas. BTW, I’d check with a top installer or upholstery guy to see if the current top could be cleaned and repaired.
08-14-2020, 12:00 AM
Black or White top?
