[jamesq]

So while the back seat and all the hard cargo area parts are at the upholsterer, I decided to tackle the cargo floor area of my 63 Bonneville wagon.

First problem - I didn't have all the skid strips and couldn't find originals (big surprise). I ended up using polished stainless pickup bed strips, cut to size.. No engine turning in the flat parts, but you use what you can get!

Second problem - I was missing some of the 1/2" stainless border strips. Again, no luck finding originals. I ended up at a local sheet metal shop who cut me 40' (5x8') of polished 1/2" stainless with a 1/4" lip for $100. I thought it was a good deal!

I will have used almost three running yards of carpet when I finish the back of the back seat. An experienced person would probably have used less.....

This is the finished cargo area floor:

[3fastgtos]

Looks great, I just did the same thing. You’ll love it when it’s done.

[ben3843100]

Originally Posted by jamesq

So while the back seat and all the hard cargo area parts are at the upholsterer, I decided to tackle the cargo floor area of my 63 Bonneville wagon.

First problem - I didn't have all the skid strips and couldn't find originals (big surprise). I ended up using polished stainless pickup bed strips, cut to size.. No engine turning in the flat parts, but you use what you can get!

Second problem - I was missing some of the 1/2" stainless border strips. Again, no luck finding originals. I ended up at a local sheet metal shop who cut me 40' (5x8') of polished 1/2" stainless with a 1/4" lip for $100. I thought it was a good deal!

I will have used almost three running yards of carpet when I finish the back of the back seat. An experienced person would probably have used less.....

This is the finished cargo area floor:

Looks great!


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[pfilean]

Looks nice. Great solution to the problem. Most people will never notice the difference and those who do already know the problems you face working the old stuff.

[mgarblik]

That looks very nice. Is this a Bonneville wagon? My 66 Catalina 9 passenger wagon had a hard embossed vinyl material in the areas you have carpeted. Your car is much nicer.

[jamesq]

Originally Posted by mgarblik

That looks very nice. Is this a Bonneville wagon? My 66 Catalina 9 passenger wagon had a hard embossed vinyl material in the areas you have carpeted. Your car is much nicer.

Thanks, it is a Bonneville. I guess the trimmed-out cargo area was part of the price difference between the Catalina and Bonneville. The bodies are the same.
There is a 63 Catalina wagon on Ebay right now, the rear cargo area is much more plain.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/11505792880...wAAOSwT3dhchlP

[mgarblik]

Originally Posted by jamesq

Thanks, it is a Bonneville. I guess the trimmed-out cargo area was part of the price difference between the Catalina and Bonneville. The bodies are the same.
There is a 63 Catalina wagon on Ebay right now, the rear cargo area is much more plain.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/11505792880...wAAOSwT3dhchlP

That E-Bay wagon has a nice body. Not crazy about the interior color, but a nice car overall. My Catalina wagon, (66), had a similar vinyl interior, better colors IMO. The cargo side of the interior panels where your are carpeted, had a very thick vinyl/rubber, deeply embossed and very tough material.

[jamesq]

Much has been accomplished since the last update:

1. Rear end rebuilt and resealed by a friend who's a former racer. He also completely replaced the rear brakes and put in new axle bearings.

2. New wheel bearings on the front end.

3. Door panels from SMS received and installed.

4. Painted the hood, upper front fenders, and rt rear quarter with a different buddy. This was a very frustrating experience, but came out ok in the end.
Shout out to Lashley Paint in Shreveport LA for a very close match to the existing paint!

5. Professionally detailed and ceramic coated.

The only thing I have left is to install the tri-power unit I have on the bench.

My plan is to drive it a bunch and make sure I haven't missed any mechanical issues before I put the 3x2's on.

James Q

[hurryinhoosier62]

Originally Posted by jamesq

Much has been accomplished since the last update:

1. Rear end rebuilt and resealed by a friend who's a former racer. He also completely replaced the rear brakes and put in new axle bearings.

2. New wheel bearings on the front end.

3. Door panels from SMS received and installed.

4. Painted the hood, upper front fenders, and rt rear quarter with a different buddy. This was a very frustrating experience, but came out ok in the end.
Shout out to Lashley Paint in Shreveport LA for a very close match to the existing paint!

5. Professionally detailed and ceramic coated.

The only thing I have left is to install the tri-power unit I have on the bench.

My plan is to drive it a bunch and make sure I haven't missed any mechanical issues before I put the 3x2's on.

James Q

Very nice!

[brucee70]

Looks Great James !!

[webfoot]

Nice job!

[jamesq]

I got all my upholstery back!

This is everything installed, including the console, carpet, windlace, and all the garnish moldings.

Not having taken it apart, it was a bit of a learning experience to get the rear seat to attach to the floor and fold correctly, but three tries later, I was successful.

You'll notice there are no door panels....Paid for 15 months ago from SMS and still waiting...

No headliner yet, after fighting the windlace, I will have the headliner installed by an old school trim shop.

Thanks for looking,

James Q

[Keith Seymore]

Originally Posted by jamesq

I got all my upholstery back!

This is everything installed, including the console, carpet, windlace, and all the garnish moldings.

Not having taken it apart, it was a bit of a learning experience to get the rear seat to attach to the floor and fold correctly, but three tries later, I was successful.

You'll notice there are no door panels....Paid for 15 months ago from SMS and still waiting...

No headliner yet, after fighting the windlace, I will have the headliner installed by an old school trim shop.

Thanks for looking,

James Q

Man! That interior is just beautiful - but I didn't bust into a smile until I saw that exterior shot.

K

[jamesq]

Here is the PHS copy of the build sheet for those who are interested.

James Q

[brucee70]

Very Nice !!!

[JSchmitz]

That is B.A.!

[misterp266]

Lookin’ good!

[ben3843100]

Looks great! I ordered a custom vinyl top from SMS for my ‘66 2+2 but luckily received it in 3 months or so. Hopefully they’ll get your door panels back to you soon.


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[421mike]

Great looking car. As to the door panels, good luck, they will eventually get them to you if you live long enough. When you do get them they will be beautiful. Only took them 2+ years to get my 61 Bonneville panels done. Mike

[omarsphatt]

Looks great!