Retrieving a 59 Fairlane 500 convertible

That is some car!! Can't wait to see it done!

 

X2!!!

 

Only thing better than a wagon is a convertible.
A RED convertible.

 

Agreed.
Interesting thread, thanks.

 

Very nice '59 there!

 

Not much progress to report. The doors, hood and trunk have been painted. Chrome should be done and reassembly will start soon.

The Snow has all melted here and spring is definitely right around the corner, so the itch to get this done is growing stronger.

 

I could live in that garage. The car is looking good!

 

Have you had any problems getting any replacement trim/glass seal parts?

 

Surprisingly, no. All of the parts we have needed so far have been available through various aftermarket vendors. I think it is likely due to the popularity of the retractable hardtop cars FORD produced 57-59.

 

Thanks Denny. It's been slow, but it is coming along nicely. The shop is a small one, but they do great work.

 

I've never hired a body shop to do any work. May have to next time if I want a car finished. But from all the scary stories you are lucky to find a good dependable shop.

 

It's funny you mention that. I was just talking to one of our customer's this morning who happens to be restoring a 66 F-100.
It was his Grandpa's truck and he is finally having it "Done right"
He researched local outfits and settled on one (not the one we're having work done at) He said the guy who owns the shop told him if he prepped it by pulling the nose and bed and trim etc that he could have it done in 90 days. Next month it will be there a year and hasn't hardly been touched.
He gave the shop owner a deadline of march 30th. He doesn't want to give the truck a "Paint shop Birthday cake"

So, yeah, having fellows who do good work and make steady (even if it is slower than you'd like) progress is a blessing indeed.

 

From my experience in visiting body / restoration shops over the years, I've learned that you have to chose wisely.

If you only want the paint done, it's OK to pick a body shop, but if they are going to be responsible for interior, reassembly, etc, pick a shop that actually does complete restorations. Also....
- Before picking a shop, talk to at least a couple of a shop's prior customers. Get their input.
- Draw up a contract, specifying length of time for the job
- Do not pay 100% up-front. Pay in installments after certain steps are completed.
- Be a regular visitor, but don't hang around every other day, either.

 

Splenderful in red & white. The top fabric will be red or white or black ?

 

Thank you. The top will be black. White would look good, but I know it is harder to keep looking nice. This car is going to mostly be driven with the top down, so it won't be up much other than when it is parked in the garage. The interior is tri-tone, red, black and white, so the black top will fit the theme.