Saving a 65 GS 3 speed

[red65gs]

Thanks for the info Walt. I did buy exactly that seam splitter, supposed to arrive today.

I've been disassembling the parts car this week. I'm trying to get to just the shell so I can start drill and removing body panels. Once all those parts are catalogued, then I'll go back to tearing down the GS and getting those bad panels removed.

[gssizzler]

Another method I used is to drill a hole in the center of the spot weld and drill trough the pieces you are trying to separate! I then took a stepper bit and drilled through the panels! This doesn’t work for all areas but is another tool that can be used! Take your time the less distortion and ripping of panels that you have is less work to repair and prep that is needed to attach the panels!Good luck with your project and keep the updates and questions coming!

[red65gs]

Thanks, I did see a you tube video of that method. There is really a wealth of knowledge here from everyone. My heartfelt thanks to all.

After some help for everyone here and some research, I'm planning to have 2 drills ready. One with a small center drill and the other with my Blair spot weld cutter. I'll start a small hole to keep the spot weld bit from walking. This is more time consuming but that should keep the hole and distortion to a minimum. I may change my mind after beginning this task and see how it plays out.

This began because I looked at the cost of replacing all the flooring, inner and outer rockers, rear quarter, inner and outer wheel wells, rear trunk channel, and lower fender panels. I found a nearly rust free skylark for much less money than buying all the panels. Plus it's the original type sheet metal not thinner reproduction metal. Not to mention, all the things that aren't reproduced.

[red65gs]

I haven't made much progress on the 3 speed, as my convertible's transmission went out. I had to focus on that car for a bit. Anyway, I was able to remove all the manual transmission brackets and linkages. Here is a photo of the frame brackets with etching primer. I'm near the point where I can remove the body from the rusted frame and start R&R the panels. I thought I might record dimensions of these brackets for posterity if nothing else. That compound radius would be hard to duplicate but probably not needed to be perfect for mounting since it is welded to the frame.

[elagache]

Thanks Don for the update!

Sorry that you have been busy with other car projects.  However, the driving season is drawing to a close.  Perhaps you'll have more time to work on the 3 speed this autumn.

Cheers, Edouard 

[red65gs]

Made a little progress on the parts car. I'll use the floors, rear wheel wells and trunk floor as well as any other patches I need. I had forgotten how nice the trunk and wheel wells were.

[cwmcobra]

Good work, Don. Keep us posted on progress!

 

Chuck

[35chevcoupe]

looks like a nice solid trunk . Ya don't find those everyday .

[Jim]

Now that snow is approaching  iits time to dust off the tools and have a different  type of fun.Jim

[elagache]

Thanks for the update Don!

Edouard

[GS66]

Should be really nice when done!

[option B9]

  Don, please post some photos of the restoration.

            Tony