Ok Ladies and Gents....
After several false starts, it now finally appears that the rebuild/restoration on this 85 GSL-SE is going to happen. Working with a couple of guys stepping into the restoration business. They both formerly owned 1st Gens and agreed to take on my project.
Step 1 - Getting the car mechanically sound

1. New master brake cyclinder
2. Bleed the brakes
3. Install front steering components
4. Replace oil pan gasket
5. more to come

Step 2 Body Work
Thus far we we have started stripping down the car in preparation for many hours of body prep.
I'll be reaching out for tips on how to restore components coming off - rubber gaskets, side trim, etc.
I'm feeling optimistic that this start will culminate with my fun ride on the streets by early next year. I'll do my best to post pics as the project progresses.

 

Tail light assembly box.

When pulling the lights, you'll have a couple of electrical couplers. Once removed be sure to pull the rubber gasket.


I think the gaskets can be clean and made new possibly, If not, then I have something else for the scavenger-hunt.

Bumper disassembly begins at the bottom. To remove bumper and cover in effort simply unbolt the two (2) main bolts on either side.

All the other bolts will remove the bumper cover from the actual bumper core.



Picture of bumper and bumper cover removed.


Back at it :
Removed the back bumper and bumper cover.
Removed the rear hatch hinges
Removed the windshield wiper nozzles
Began removing molding and quarter glass glue.

Next job: remove all interior items:
roof liner
chairs
carpet

Once all this is complete we will begin masking off the inside so we can begin sanding.

 

You're doing excellent work thus far!! Are you going to paint the car the original brown color? How is the car mechanically? Does it run and drive well?

 

Unsure about the final color. Unless I decide to change everything inside, I will pick a colour that compliments the current brown interior. Right now Golds, Sands, and Beiges are being considered. The current colour was custom and when clean was unique.

I see you've had many versions. Any idea how to safely remove the interior roof liner?

 

The headliner comes down easily if I remember correctly.. You have to remove the sunroof, sunroof welting, sunroof crank, sun visors, a-pillar trim, the side trim aft of the a-pillar, the b-pillar trim,coat hook, and rearview mirror. After that there are a few fasteners on the headliner and its ready to come down.

 

Making progress. We have finally removed paint down to the metal from the driver's position rearward.
Still working to remove all paint. This weekend we will begin the front half of the car.

Back end is come down to metal. However in the picture where we show "RUST" we have some issues and questions for the group.

Roof and rear panel have been taken down to metal.

Front end will get attention this weekend.


Closer look at the rust in the hatch drain rail.






We have a problem with the rear hatch water draining areas in the frame that seats the rear glass.
Appears we have some rust on both corners. Collective first thought is simply cut out the part marked by blue paint.

Soliciting any thoughts on that approach?

1. guesses of the cost of getting a rust free back end
2. difficulty of cutting the frame and welding in a new one
3. other suggestions on you might handle the same situation

 

Looking for some insight on how to handle this rust issue. Any info is good info.
Water from the drain tubes over time created some rust to materialize. Thought is to cut/remove everything outlined in blue tape and weld in a non-rusted pieced from another vehicle.

Thoughts?
Is this only approach?

Thanks.

 

lot of that rust looks like mostly surface rust.. sand the snot out of it and see where you end up... also get some rust converter gel/spray stuff and start treating it.. see where it ends up

 

great deal that this 5 letter is getting some love and saved