Gut Job

After getting the engine and transmission out, it was time to gut the interior and get it down to the bare metal. This included taking out the seats and seat belts, the door panels and interior trim, carpeting, and the convertible top assembly and hydraulics.



The seats are held in place by 4 bolts each that you reach thru 1 1/2" diameter holes from underneath. I had to go to the hardware store and pick up a extra deep 1/2" wrench socket to get at them. 4 of these 8 bolts were so rusted they just broke off instead of loosening.





One of the most important pieces of equipment in a restoration is a shop vac. After ripping out the carpet, scraping as much ratty old carpet pad and rust layer from the interior sheet metal, and then vacuuming it all out, you could clearly see the extent of the rust and deterioration, along with what metal truly needs replacement.





A few more minor things to dissect and then it's time to call the tow truck and the restoration shop.