56 Assembly Sequence - after painting

[Mark P.]

Cascade green paint is on the 56 and she is looking much better! Next steps are to install various components....all wiring, insulation under dash, cowl vent, gauges, etc. Basically everything as you can see from the attached pictures. I wanted to know if there is a better sequence than another to install some items. I know the windshield assembly should be one of the first items, but beyond that, it's anyones guess. I can kind of figure it out by trial and error, but I'd rather avoid the error part if you know what I mean. Since I didn't take it apart, I can't even go in reverse sequence.

Any basic help or advice on sequence would be greatly appreciated...

Thanks, Mark

[Scott S.]

Re: 56 Assembly Sequence - after painting

Before you go any further, I would suggest that you lift up the body and install the steering shaft onto the frame.
Scott

[Mark P.]

Re: 56 Assembly Sequence - after painting

Thanks for the heads up...I have already installed the steering column. I kind of knew I would get that response from someone. I probably should have posted a more recent picture...

That's what I'm looking for...guidelines as to which should be first in the sequence so I don't have to undo and start over. Like the wiring harness, for instance. I asume it would be easier to install before the gauges go in, but it may not matter. Heater assembly before or after the wiring harness? Stuff like that.

Thanks for the response,
Mark

[Garry B.]

Re: 56 Assembly Sequence - after painting

Mark,
I restored VIN #3241 a few years ago and took pictures along the way. I took pics of almost any angle you can think of for the gauge wiring under the dash before removing the original harness. Electrical is not a strength of mine and I was going to be sure I got it right the first time. I also took pics of all other sections prior to disassembly, so if you get stuck I might have a picture of what you need. Just let me know.

As far as sequence of reassembly, it was learn as you go for me. I seem to recall spending a lot of time under the dash with all of the wiring, heater, wiper and washer system, power top switch and wires. I know that I made several attempts feeding the hoses, cables and hood release cables to get them right. I can't help you much as far as the sequence, but you will figure it out. If I think of any other things that might help I will let you know.
Garry Barnes #18531

[Brooks G.]

Re: 56 Assembly Sequence - after painting

Mark, my '56 is not quite as far along as yours. My body is painted (Aztec Copper and Beige). The engine, transmission, drive shaft, and exhaust system are all in place along with the battery on the chassis. My engine has already been cranked and run so the leaks associated with that have been fixed. My plan is to also have the wiring and several components that go under the hood installed before the body is lowered back onto the frame. The heater, wiper motor, voltage regulator, horn relay, and radiator are among those components. Unfortunately I have not gotten chrome plating done yet and that is going to be my Achilles heal. As a result of this I cannot install my windshield or side glass. I am going to the chrome plater on Tuesday. One of my main concerns is not to scratch the new paint. I hope the steps I am following will keep that to a minimum (scratching of the paint is bound to happen). Having the components in the engine compartment already installed will hopefully keep me from having to lean over the fenders to do this. Putting my car back together I know is going to be a learning process and of course there is always the issue of parts. There is always something you have over looked that is going to hold you up on getting things done. I think your car looks really good! I hope you will share pictures when you are finished. I wish you all the best on your restoration project. Brooks Glover (2141)

[Mark P.]

Re: 56 Assembly Sequence - after painting

Mark,
I restored VIN #3241 a few years ago and took pictures along the way. I took pics of almost any angle you can think of for the gauge wiring under the dash before removing the original harness. Electrical is not a strength of mine and I was going to be sure I got it right the first time. I also took pics of all other sections prior to disassembly, so if you get stuck I might have a picture of what you need. Just let me know.

As far as sequence of reassembly, it was learn as you go for me. I seem to recall spending a lot of time under the dash with all of the wiring, heater, wiper and washer system, power top switch and wires. I know that I made several attempts feeding the hoses, cables and hood release cables to get them right. I can't help you much as far as the sequence, but you will figure it out. If I think of any other things that might help I will let you know.
Garry Barnes #18531

Thanks, Gary. I will probably ask you for a picture or two. As with my 66, I took pictures before and after I replaced the wiring harness and it was great to have those as a reference. Since my 56 had virtually NO wiring in it when I got it, it's all going to be a crapshoot for me. I understand that there will be a little trial an error on this stuff (that's kind of what this hobby is all about), but I'd like to avoid the major re-do's if possible.

For instance, Scott mentioned the steering column installation. I did have to remove the radiator and exhaust manifold on the drivers side to be able to get the column in. FYI, it doesn't have to be done before you put the body back on the car. That would have been nice to know up front, but then it would have been great to have thought it completely through, too. My bad on that one. If nothing else, I'll put a sequence list together as I go so I can help others along the restoration path....

Thanks again,
Mark

[Mark P.]

Re: 56 Assembly Sequence - after painting

Mark, my '56 is not quite as far along as yours. My body is painted (Aztec Copper and Beige). The engine, transmission, drive shaft, and exhaust system are all in place along with the battery on the chassis. My engine has already been cranked and run so the leaks associated with that have been fixed. My plan is to also have the wiring and several components that go under the hood installed before the body is lowered back onto the frame. The heater, wiper motor, voltage regulator, horn relay, and radiator are among those components. Unfortunately I have not gotten chrome plating done yet and that is going to be my Achilles heal. As a result of this I cannot install my windshield or side glass. I am going to the chrome plater on Tuesday. One of my main concerns is not to scratch the new paint. I hope the steps I am following will keep that to a minimum (scratching of the paint is bound to happen). Having the components in the engine compartment already installed will hopefully keep me from having to lean over the fenders to do this. Putting my car back together I know is going to be a learning process and of course there is always the issue of parts. There is always something you have over looked that is going to hold you up on getting things done. I think your car looks really good! I hope you will share pictures when you are finished. I wish you all the best on your restoration project. Brooks Glover (2141)

Brooks,

I appreciate the info and to hear of your progress. From what I have heard, try to get the windshield on as soon as possible after the body is installed to avoid the interferance from all of the components that will hinder your access to some of the impossible to reach attaching fasteners (see Mike M.'s post on tricks to reach the wretched little buggers by the door posts!). The earlier you do that, the better. I think any wiring, heater, ductwork and other components will only make that job uglier. Doable, but not pleasant. Obviously, firewall insulation should come fairly early on, too (before the steering column, since it has to pass through the insulation on it's way in the car. I did that all at the same time (after the body was on but without the radiator and RH exhaust manifold) and it was slick. It is definitely a two-man job to keep the steering column from getting your nice new paint (on the column and the car) scratched up.

Good luck on your project, and let's compare notes along the way. Feel free to e-mail me with any questions or advice. I appreciate all the help I can get.

Thanks,
Mark

[Scott S.]

Re: 56 Assembly Sequence - after painting

Firewall insulation should be your first move inside. JM2CW
Scott

[Mark P.]

Re: 56 Assembly Sequence - after painting

Firewall insulation should be your first move inside. JM2CW
Scott

I agree. So much attaches over the top or through the insulation it has to be first. It doesn't interfere with the windshield installation or access either. Best case scenario, the insulation can also be a tough job...especially with the rubber fasteners being so tough to work with. Better have extras since they tear easily. I heard that they heated them at the factory, then dipped them in oil to make them as slippery as possible and it still took two men to get them installed. Any tips on making this a slick job? No pun intended.

Mark

[Scott S.]

Re: 56 Assembly Sequence - after painting

Mark, I used a screwdriver with the end cutoff flat to push them through. I lubed the end with vaseline. LOL
Scott

[Mark P.]

Re: 56 Assembly Sequence - after painting

Mark, I used a screwdriver with the end cutoff flat to push them through. I lubed the end with vaseline. LOL
Scott

I'll try vaseline next time. Would be tougher to wipe off than oil. I have the screwdriver...it didn't seem long enough. Maybe I'll borrow a neighbor's screwdriver and cut it off longer.

Mark

[Dennis C.]

Re: 56 Assembly Sequence - after painting

Mark,

A # 2 phillips screw drive with a 6" blade works well. I used silicone spray for installing mine and they went right in and the silicone evaporated quickly.

Dennis

[Steven B.]

Re: 56 Assembly Sequence - after painting

Mark, my '56 is not quite as far along as yours. My body is painted (Aztec Copper and Beige). The engine, transmission, drive shaft, and exhaust system are all in place along with the battery on the chassis. My engine has already been cranked and run so the leaks associated with that have been fixed. My plan is to also have the wiring and several components that go under the hood installed before the body is lowered back onto the frame. The heater, wiper motor, voltage regulator, horn relay, and radiator are among those components. Unfortunately I have not gotten chrome plating done yet and that is going to be my Achilles heal. As a result of this I cannot install my windshield or side glass. I am going to the chrome plater on Tuesday. One of my main concerns is not to scratch the new paint. I hope the steps I am following will keep that to a minimum (scratching of the paint is bound to happen). Having the components in the engine compartment already installed will hopefully keep me from having to lean over the fenders to do this. Putting my car back together I know is going to be a learning process and of course there is always the issue of parts. There is always something you have over looked that is going to hold you up on getting things done. I think your car looks really good! I hope you will share pictures when you are finished. I wish you all the best on your restoration project. Brooks Glover (2141)

Brooks and Mark, when I reinstalled the chrome and trim on my '57 after painting I used a combination of toilet paper behind the trim and masking tape to protect the surfaces from scratches. The newer blue painters' masking tape is good because it does not adhere strongly to the paint. The paper and tape is easily removed after trim is installed. I didn't have a single scratch. The front bumpers need alot of attention to prevent scratching of the paint.

Good Luck!

Steve

[Troy P.]

Re: 56 Assembly Sequence - after painting

After windshield I suggest courtesy lights. Then gauges and wiring. Then wiper transmissions. Then radio and its wiring. Then cowl vent lever, heater and ducts. Then ebrake, brake pedal, and hood pull cable. Finally accelerator linkage and pedal. I think that sequence will work.

[Mark P.]

Re: 56 Assembly Sequence - after painting

After windshield I suggest courtesy lights. Then gauges and wiring. Then wiper transmissions. Then radio and its wiring. Then cowl vent lever, heater and ducts. Then ebrake, brake pedal, and hood pull cable. Finally accelerator linkage and pedal. I think that sequence will work.

Troy,

Thanks for the response. Reason why courtesy lights would be next after the windshield? My car doesn't have them, but I'm curious as to why they wouldn't be one of the last items to install. Would you install the heater after wiring because you need the extra space that the heater and ductwork takes up while rooting around trying to route the wiring? I can see why the cowl vent lever whould be later after gauges and wiring and especially after the wiper transmissions. Looks like a pretty good order to follow.

Mark