So, I goes to the yarde to further the pillaging of ye olde '69 Cutlass.
A feller needs seat belts, and some wiring is left. Engine wiring.
I start in on the seat belts by opening the door and attacking the
retractor. Here's the way this usually goes in MI: can barelyu get at the
bolt they generously made with a 1/16th inch high head. Socket rounds it off
right after turning just enough to encourage you to continue. Then you
either give up or chisel/ cut the entire floor pc away to get at it and work
at it later with torch or cutoff wheel.
Ah, but, I have a special socket I made. Short, to fit over the bolt, and
the short cutting sharpened the edge- removed the chamfer- to engage as much
of the 0.010" bolt head that is available. Also, 3/8 drive, so extension
clears the mechanism just above. Need a real strong 3/8 drive tool.
Socket JUST fits in there. Today I am using a 1/2-3/8 adapter on the socket,
1/2 extension, 1/2 long arm ratchet, and MY TORK AMPLIFIER as seen on ebay.
Sorta fits, still hits the retractor mechanism.
Then I notice a springy clip thing on the retractor mechanism... WTH,
depress the springy thing and VOILA' the bulk of the mechanism pops right
off, out of the way, allowing super easy access to the stubby little bolt
head!
Apply the tools again, with NO access problems. Bolt turns about a turn,
then snaps off. SWEET. Less work. Same trick other side, but bolt unscrewed
all the way, fighting every inch of the way.
Maybe that removable retractor thing is a Linden, NJ assembly plant thing, I
have never seen such a thing on a MI car.
Extensifier handle worked GREAT on the rear seat belts, too. PLENTY of tork
to break loose the fastener, and light enough that you don't mind bringing
it along.
HOW COME NO ONE IS BUYING ONE? or more...
So, have most Gold seat belts for that guy... Engine/ Trans wiring- oy was
that fun to extract. There is no separate STARTER piece on the '69 I guess.
and the Jetaway is electrically down shifted, like a TH400. So, I had to
round up a jack and elevate the car in order to 1) get the terminal off the
trans and the CLIP that secures it, and 2) remove the starter in order to
get the S and R wires off the solenoid w/o damage. Sheeesh.
Bench seat and rear seat are now loose. Any need for such parts?
RADIATOR SUPPORT is VERY NICE and not too pricey either. Not rotted away
even under battery.
Guy that bought the door panels has already cleaned one up and dyed it
black, it turned out GREAT. Rear side panels are still available. Glass
too- SOFT RAY = tinted?
Oh, I got the one LH rear qtr window bright trim too.
-----------------------
Chris Witt
*the* Rocket Scientist
1303 W. Miller Rd.
Lansing MI 48911
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Cell 517-449-0432 weekends or short weekday calls or leave message.
Home 517-882-9747 thru 10-11pm MI time most days
