Ginky Weeds Restoration Project

[cwmcobra]

I guess I shouldn't wait another year for a project update.  Not much new visually, except the convertible top frame has been installed along with the hydraulic pump, cylinders and lines.  I spent most of the summer preparing parts for final assembly.  Cleaning window regulator hardware, painting various bits including the black and silver to the rechromed taillight housings.

I also decided to move away from a “nice driver” fully to a points judged restoration.  So, I’ll now be removing the front disc brakes I had added and reverting to the stock drum setup.  I have all the hardware that I removed from the car and will be cleaning, painting, etc. to install after taking the front end apart.  I didn’t have an original master cylinder or a nice vacuum booster, as I’m adding power brakes to the car.  Thanks to John Evenson, I procured the original master cylinder that he had bought from Yachtsmanbill and had it rebuilt by a local brake company.  I also had a vacuum booster restored, which came out extremely nice.  So I now have all the parts to do the brake swap.

But not until I return home.  My wife and I have been residing in Ohio since the end of October, caregiving for her sister.  We hope to return home in March.  So I haven’t had access to this project for months and have now modified my expected timing for completion.  I planned to have it ready to show at the July BCA Nationals in the Cleveland area.  But I’ve ditched that plan in favor of continuing to do the restoration well and not rushing through it.

So, more updates to come when I have more to show in the coming months!

 

Chuck

[elagache]

Dear Chuck and caregivers to more than mid-60s Buicks,

Thanks for the update.  Sorry to hear about your wife's sister's predicament, but glad that you were able to help.  Interesting that you have decided to return the car to a concourse stock.  It is more of a challenge but probably will be more satisfying in the end.

I hope the project goes as smoothly as such things do and looking forward to your next update!

Cheers, Edouard 

[yachtsmanbill]

What a refreshing twist! Glad to see that M/C being put to a good use, however, and thats a big "H" the safety factor of the dual path brake system needs to be a concern as well. I'd suppose that if the system is absolutely 100% NEW stuff, with a yearly fluid change, it should be OK... afterall it was the system de rigueur in the day. MORE PICS!    Bill

[cwmcobra]

More pics when I return home.  The rebuilt master cylinder is not in my possession yet, but I'll post pictures when it is.

I agree that there is much more safety with the dual MC, but since this will be a show car for a few years, I can add it back later.  The red car has stock drum brakes and stops fine.  Until it doesn't....

Chuck

[red65gs]

Looks Great so far Chuck! Glad you are going the harder road on resto. I'm planning the same for my 3 speed. I know its a long expensive journey but the outcome will be so rewarding.

[cwmcobra]

Looks Great so far Chuck! Glad you are going the harder road on resto. I'm planning the same for my 3 speed. I know its a long expensive journey but the outcome will be so rewarding.

Amen, brother!!

[GS66]

This is going to be a great car! Nice work!

[Rollaround]

Your bride's sister is blessed to have such devoted support.   Life's challenges can create diversions however your car is still way ahead of mine and your project is still the gold standard for 65 Gran Sports. 
 

[cwmcobra]

I guess it's time for an update.  With the time found during the COVID-19 quarantine, I've been able to chip away at a few things.

Conversion back to drum brakes is nearly complete.  I'll pick up the turned drums from the shop tomorrow, will install bearings and be ready to put them on the car and fill and bleed the brake system.  The drum spindles, backing plates, wheel cylinders, shoes and actuation hardware have been installed and are waiting for the drums.  The rebuilt master cylinder is ready for permanent installation on the vacuum booster.  The emergency brake system is all installed and awaiting adjustment after the drums are installed.

I've also made some progress with the convertible top header and A-pillar moldings and seals.  That part was worrisome, but actually went pretty well.  I was fortunate to have the original parts restored so they fit relatively well.

Painted my shocks Delco gray, added rear coil spring cushions, added the glove box arm grommet, etc.

Had a bunch of parts plated and think I'm ready to attach the remaining parts to the car.  It will be slowly though.  Deadlines, such as BCA and AACA meets have evaporated, so I'm enjoying the remainder of the ride without the urge to rush and cut corners.  And that's a good feeling.

All for now. 

 

Chuck

 

[cwmcobra]

A pillar, windshield header and visor mount pictures.

[dsags]

Everything looks really great - especially that windshield assembly. Sweet.

Dan

[GS66]

Yes, looking great!

[Rollaround]

Chuck you're moving along nicely, it looks great.  I just got a door installed, installing it took 20 minutes, getting it alined and adjusted took 8 hours. Nice to have the artesian three steps ahead, when I have a questions I know who to call.   

[35chevcoupe]

Looking very nice chuck . Your on the home run stretch by the looks of it .

[gssizzler]

Yes Sir! That green machine is looking nice!