how do i refurb the metal backs of '66 buckets -- the grain for lack of a better term -- thanks guys

You can strip them or softly blast them but you can't sand them or you will mess up the grain. I'd use paint stripper then a light dusting of primer before the finish paint. You have to keep the paint thin or you will loose the grain. Should be a 60% gloss

If they are metal backs, you should be able to use "Easy-Off" oven spray. Test spray a small area, let stand for a few minutes and spray off with a garden hose. Paint should flow right off.

I'm about to do mine this way.

How did yours come out?

The paint on the seat backs was a little more stubborn that I thought it would be - it took a few coatings of "Easy-Off" and at least 15 minutes each set in the sun before the black started to come off. I used a small wire brush to gentle remove the remainder with some painty thinner before they were totally down to the metal.

See the picts here... http://www.cardomain.com/ride/822091/22

how did you repair the weather stripping area nearest to trunk hinges looks like it had some rotting like on my 66 if you can post some pictures it wood help me on what to do thanks.

johnny5 - sent u a PM. Kinda' off topic for thsi thread....

thanks for the pictures this is a big help.