How to Restore a 1966 Buick Convertible
- 1). Obtain handbooks and guides that detail the general restoration of Buick vehicles. Find a Buick enthusiast group in your area to join others who can offer assistance. The more information you have on your 1966 Buick vehicle, the easier it will be to successfully restore it.
- 2). Set aside a large workspace that can accommodate your 1966 Buick convertible once it is disassembled, as well as lighting, storage containers and equipment. Keep your work area organized by placing larger parts onto a tarp secured to an area of the floor and by storing nuts and bolts within labeled containers.
- 3). Raise your Buick convertible with the jack, then place multiple jack stands beneath the frame for security. Dismantle the bumpers, fenders, hood, front grill, trunk lid and doors. Remove the hardtop and set aside. Disengage and remove the headlights and taillights, then remove wheels from the wheel assemblies and unbolt the axles to release them. If excessive rust makes removal of any parts difficult, use grease and a large rubber mallet for assistance.
- 4). Disconnect all power components within the engine well, then hoist the engine and similar parts out of the body of your 1966 Buick convertible. Keep track of all components by using your organizational system involving your tarp and labeled containers.
- 5). Remove the interior of your 1966 Buick convertible. Disengage the parts and components of the console, then dismantle any interior trim. Pull up and discard the carpeting. Remove your convertible's seats. Use a Buick specific reupholstery kit to restore the interior paneling and seats separately.
- 6). Examine all parts and components. Remove any damaged or rusted pieces and clean and restore the viable ones. Obtain all replacement parts through authorized Buick dealers, restoration specialists and classic auto parts catalogs.
- 7). Survey the floorboards, main body, trunk lid, frame, hood, fenders, bumpers and doors for damage such as rust, holes and erosion. If the body of your convertible is straight, use a MIG welder to repair the damage by soldering healthy patches of metal onto these sections while wearing protective gear.
- 8). Sand the exterior smooth with a power sander and industrial grade sand paper, then reassemble the exterior. If the panels on your 1966 Buick convertible are aligned, then you can apply a thick coat of primer to the main body. Once this layer of primer has dried completely, apply several layers of paint.
- 9). Restore each power component separately. These include the radiator, alternator, carburetor, engine and transmission. Examine the brake systems, axles, driveshaft and starter for damages and replace components as required. Use the hoist insert the power components into your convertible, then carefully install them to prevent damaging new components.
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Survey all electrical components for damages and replace wiring. Reattach the headlights and taillights, then the brake systems along the wheel assemblies. Attach the windows, windshield and mirrors. Repair any exterior trim with a re-chroming kit. Secure new wheels, then remove the jack stands and lower the convertible back onto the ground. - 11
Install new carpet and the fully restored seats. Keep your 1966 Buick convertible authentic by only incorporating the original factory color schemes of the same materials. Attach the door handles, the console, all power controls and install any interior trim. If these interior pieces are working, then test drive your 1966 Buick convertible to complete this restoration project.