Re: 56 Caribbean Convertible Rejuvenation

Posted by CarFreak On 2024/12/9 10:44:20

So the caribbean is sitting out here in pittsburgh with me and while I try to get the charger fixed and running I am getting a little time here and there to address some finishing touches on the caribbean.

I was able to remove the rear section of the interior to get to the top hydraulics. I am still running the rubber lines so I should be able to do the pressure tests that are outlined in the FSM. I got the gauge and the fittings all I need to do is get the time to run the test. I still need to do the tests that Leeedy outlined in another thread, again just need the time.

While I was back there I got distracted by the reading light. I had this idea to convert it from a reading light to a dome light since I dont have the switch. I tried snaking wires through the top bow with no luck, I tried both sides. I saw that you could remove the top sections of that bow, but in order to do that the top needs to be off. So I got to thinking maybe I could remove the staples from that section of the top, open the top a foot or two so I can get some room to work on that bow to place the wire in there.

My issue with that idea is whether or not I am opening a can of worms and going to do more harm then good. I know the top is over 30 years old, there are a couple holes and it started to tear at the bottom near the deck lid. so it needs a top. However, I dont know if I will damage the top when I try to remove the staples or re-install them. Because at that point it will need a top. and I currently am conflicted on putting a new top on a car that desperately needs paint, but in order to paint it some body work would need to be redone and the entire car would need to be stripped. That all adds time to the car being off the road which I am currently not wanting to do since we just got it back on the road. But I like lights and want that to work lol.