Fixing up a '71 Grand Safari

I can't believe the Chinese haven't jumped all over this opportunity yet? :confused:

 

Well, as I've mentioned it's cold, dark and mostly wet when I get off work so no new news. Also, it's rained the last 500 saturdays in a row that I didn't already have something planned. I was thinking I could take a look at some more work because April invited everyone, and I mean everyone, over for Thanksgiving so while they were all doing what they do it would give me some time but she woke up this morning with a very high fever.

I wonder if I would win worst dad of the year if I just left Rose outside in the 20 degree weather with me and left my sick wife inside to fend for herself? I'd sure she'd look cuter with little ice sickles hanging from her tiny April-nose.

 

A new update, finally.

Among the slew of water issues I've been trying to solve with the tailgate and rear window is this hole behind the inner panel of the tailgate. I'm not sure if this is an access panel or if it had to do with the 1971-only ventilation that GM had developed, and later recalled due to it sucking exhaust fumes into the cabin. This hole was covered with a plastic material similar to a garbage bag, but looked like a factory installation, and over time it had aged. The problem is that the tailgate has a drain hole right over this area and the water drips right out of this hole if it is not plugged.

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In this picture, looking straight down onto the top of the tailgate, arrow A shows the drain hole and arrow B shows the hole in the back of the tailgate where the water is leaking. The water is designed to drain through the tailgate and out drains in the bottom and eventually out through the lower panel the tailgate rests inside when open.

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I didn't want to replace the plastic because I didn't feel that was durable enough for a long term solution. I needed something almost paper thin that wouldn't rust. I eventually came up with the idea of using the aluminum from a Coke can.

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Because of the relief cuts needed to unroll the aluminum from a round can to a flat panel the can would not have worked as a single piece if it had been even 1/16 of an inch smaller. I made a template out of paper and then copied that onto the aluminum. Then I used a new razor blade and scissors to cut it out, making it about a 1/16" oversized so I can use caulk-strip to hold it in place.

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A while back April took a trip with some girls to go to a Church retreat in Indiana. It just so happens that I found a set of the 5x5 bolt pattern Pontiac rallies within 10 miles of where she was going. It took about a year of searching to find a set that was priced within reason. The smaller cars had a 4x4.75 bolt pattern and are very plentiful, but the larger 5x5 rallies are getting harder to find. After talking to the guy on the phone I arranged April to meet him, with escorts at a public location for safety, and she picked the wheels up. After comparing color samples from the powder coater's to the factory rallies on dad's '71 Catalina I came up with colors I was happy with. The powder coater shop agreed to powder coat the base silver and then let me take them back home and tape them off myself. I wanted to spend the extra time myself and cut the edges out the best that I was able.

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I set up shop in the den floor.

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The shop gave me their heat resistant tape. I began by applying it to the spokes on the rallies and cutting out the edges to be close. Then, after thoroughly pressing the tape into the corners and seams for a tight seal, I came back and cut the edges with a series of new razor blades. Here's a picture of the roughed in spokes with the bottom spoke having been finished.

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Each wheel took about 1 1/2 to 2 hours to complete. When I take them back they will powder coat the exposed inserts the darker color and when I remove the tape the tops of the spokes will be the bright silver color. After the 2nd color is applied they will apply a clear coat.

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Nice deal on the Rally II's. I'm still waiting to here from a seller for my set.

Did you know there's a stencil kit to paint the wheels?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pontiac-GTO-Rally-II-Wheel-Paint-Stencil-Kit-for-15-rim-/140738309075

 

The wheels I bought actually came with a stencil kit, but they won't work for the oven at the powder coaters and I've seen some done with a stencil, and maybe it's only the ones I've seen, but I feel I could do a better job with a razor blade and tape.

I may use the stencil kit if I redo dad's wheels in the future.

 

If only you could get the whole station wagon in the living room it would be better!

 

Cat: Do you remember an old tv show with Eve Arden and, I think, Jo-Ann Worley? It was called "The Mothers In Law"? Their kids lived in the two car garage between the two houses. That is what Brandon needs. The Safari would indeed fit in the living room!

 

Thanks for the update, how's April? :confused:

And on even thinking bout taking Rose outside in the freezing cold! I bet Mom would watch her at her house?

 

Good look with fixing the leaking tailgate, my spare tire well is almost rusted through and the inner fenderwells are also starting to rust.
So I have to completely remove the interior and see what we can fix, then when it is out use the garden hose to see where the water comes in.

Oh also just found another Pontiac thread: http://classicmotorsports.net/project-cars/1975-pontiac-catalina-safari/

 

Great thread about your Grand Safari ! i just bought a '73 Grand Safari & hope to fix it up a little at a time. Actually its in great shape right now, except for a couple of items. Top priority is the clamshell window & gate. I'm hoping it just needs to be lubricated but not sure. If I do need parts, such as a cable or belt, where should I go first?

 

figure out what the exact prob is first what is it doing is it even trying to move? and there are no belts a worm gear drive cable and a short speedometer drive cable to drive that. If you have nothing at all from the front or rear switch check the ground, pass side at the bottom of the drive motor there is a VERY THIN piece of metal that grounds the motor to the body and they rot off. does the rear door work at all?

 

Yep, that's me. Vetteman61 and I have already been comparing notes. This site has been a nice resource.

David S. Wallens, editorial director
Classic Motorsports

 

Window moves a little, then stops. I haven't seen motion from the door. Hesitate to mess with it during cold weather next 2 months or so, but would like to get it fixed, not by me but someone who knows what he's doing. Getting info now that might help. Car runs great, but does need attention.

 

check all the electrical connections at the rear of the car

 

Is the cable binding up? That was my problem. You can read about it here: http://classicmotorsports.net/project-cars/1975-pontiac-catalina-safari/rear-window-repair-81-cents/

David S. Wallens, editorial director
Classic Motorsports