1971 GS 350 Convertible

[Smartin]

Sweeeeeeet

[EmTee]

She's lookin' fine! 

[sebastienbuick]

BEAUTIFULLLLLLL    

[lancemb]

A few weeks ago my new exhaust came in earlier than expected, and I couldn't resist installing it asap because the old exhaust was growing new holes daily.

 

Unfortunately, despite soaking down then heating the manifold connections, both bolts broke on the passenger side.

 

I had a very hard time drilling them out and the metal just kept hardening with the heat.  Then when I got up to 3/16" on the blind hole the bit snapped off and nothing would get it out.

 

I have had limited time to work on it since then until yesterday except a few sporadic hours, so I tried working at here and there, with minimal progress.  I was determined to get them drilled out entirely without removing the manifold because that would introduce a high probability of one of those bolts breaking.

 

I knew that the heat was causing problems and wearing the bits down, but I had no good way to control the heat so I did some looking and found this product.

 

I also found a spike punch that would fit into the hole with the broken drill tip, and decided I'd try beating on it to crack it into pieces since drill bits are brittle.

 

Having some time finally yesterday, I started with trying to remove the broken bit.  To my joy, my new plan worked great, and I was able to crack apart the broken bit and the fragments fell right out!

 

Next I had to work on the holes to get them big enough to tap.  Cautiously optimistic, I started with a new cobalt bit and dipped it in the Brute Lube.  It's kind of waxy and coats the bit and sticks in the flutes.  I was hoping for at least a little improvement.

 

I started in on one of the holes.  As soon as the bit got moving the waxy lube melted and coated the hole, and something even more magical happened - the drill quickly tore away at the hole and in seconds I'd drilled it out to the next size!  I was amazed but still skeptical.  I inserted the next size bit, dipped it in the lube, and tried again.  Same results!  I had both holes drilled out completely in about 30 minutes.

 

I can't say enough about this product, and lament that I didn't find this years ago.  It would have saved me many, many hours.  But, better late than never I guess.

 

With that done I was able to install the exhaust finally, and go for a ride, and now it sounds great!

 

Edited August 27, 2023 by lancemb (see edit history)

[EmTee]

What did you use to break-up the broken drill bit?  Small punch, chisel?

[lancemb]

38 minutes ago, EmTee said:

What did you use to break-up the broken drill bit?  Small punch, chisel?

[lancemb]

Several weeks ago I made a journey (5.5 hours each way) to get an NOS grille, and was hoping to score some other parts as well as the seller says he had a garage full of parts.  I didn't inquire more deeply than that, as I figured the grille alone was worth the trip and anything else would be a bonus. 

 

Upon arriving and inspecting the grille, I immediately discovered it to be aftermarket.  This was obviously a huge disappointment, especially since I specifically asked him if he was sure it was OEM and he assured me it was.  In addition, the garage full of parts amounted to one corner with not much worth hauling back. 

 

Not wanting to come home empty- handed, I made an offer on a small pile of things but the seller thought he had a pile of gold.  After some haggling, I left with the aftermarket grille.  I got a good deal on it, but I wouldn't have driven 11 hours for it.

 

Well, roday was the day to install my consolation prize.  From a distance the original grille doesn't look bad, but it's been cracked and repaired and cracked again, and badly repainted.  Looking at the 2 side by side the contrast is obvious.

 

It looks great installed I think, and was a great fit! 

 

Edited August 31, 2023 by lancemb (see edit history)

[EmTee]

41 minutes ago, lancemb said:

...I immediately discovered it to be aftermarket.

Your secret is safe with us! 

[lancemb]

I finally got the trunk presentable and functional.  Unfortunately I realuzed I didn't take any "before" photos.  However, the original mat was filthy and stained and a bit torn up, the spare tire hold down bolt was too short for use with a rallye wheel, and the board that goes on top of the spare was gone. 

 

I removed the trunk mat, cleaned it up as best as I could, repaired the tears and holes as best as I could, abated some rust that had started from something having been spilled at some point (luckily not rotted through) , and put everything back with a new, longer hold down and new tire board. 

 

Not perfect, but I'm happy enough with it for awhile! 

 

[JohnD1956]

The manufacturer really didn't spend much to dress up the trunks on the A body cars. My 69 GS is just like yours. 

[lancemb]

On 9/8/2023 at 7:32 AM, JohnD1956 said:

The manufacturer really didn't spend much to dress up the trunks on the A body cars. My 69 GS is just like yours. 

Nope!  No cardboard sides to mess with though!  Plus trunks are so small in these you may need every available nook!

[EmTee]

Lance, that trunk mat looks great - just enough 'patina' so that the trunk as a whole looks like it matches the rest of the car.  I figured you had found a nice used replacement.  Great job bringing your original back!