I am seriously looking at finding a 69' convertible to sit along side my 70' SS Hardtop. My wife has decided that she would really liek a convertible, and has also decidedthat she likes the 69' body the best. I know nothing about 69's, so I am curious about how many were made, and if there are any special considersions to look for when looking over one. Do they pretty much rust out in the same spots on the body and frame as the 70' models. Also what is the going price for a 69' convertible in restorable condition. I am not going to be real picky when looking for this car. I am planning on building it to my preferences, so completeness or orignality are of no concern to me. This will be my first convertible car, I am looking forward to joining the club. Thanks graemlins/thumbsup.gif

Let's see..... mine was a 65000 mile car in storage when I bought it. Look for rust in the following areas: Trunk floor, Under rear seat cushion, Footwells and at the junction of A pillars and dash. You will need to remove rear seat cushion, raise carpet and remove A pillar 'covers' (padded on the inside) to see everything. Poke around with a screwdriver or punch even if it looks "ok". On the exterior its the usual spots, bottoms of front fenders, doors and rear quarters (behind wheel opening) Another area is underneath the large stainless panel behind the wipers at the windshield base. My frame was in very good condition but the car was stored inside for 12 years or so. And one thing almost guaranteed to be rusted beyond repair will be the top's front header bow. Good luck in your quest, I love '69s also.

Thanks for the help. My wife basically fell in love with a Cortez Silver 69' convertible. So being the good husband that I am, I told her that I would consider selling my 62'Impala and finding her a car. Plus it will look really good in the garage next to my 70' ;)

as bradley stated, the rear under seat floor pans usually get trashed by leaking top pump pistons and hydraulic hoses, so its a good idea to check that as well. even if they are trashed a full floor rear seat floor pan can be had for a 115 bucks and is an easy replacement if you can cut and weld. and will take a huge chunk of change out of the asking price of the car, and is worth it in my opinion. convertible header bows often are bad, as stated above. look at the floor seat wells also, as leaking tops tend to rot floors. quarters are not available in full versions, and reproduction coupe panels have to be molded to accomodate the different outer wheel houses found on convertibles not to mention needing to cut off sail panels and work the metal to look like a correct convertible. look for the gutter sill under rear of top so water can drain, this part is often missing. let me know if I can be of further help. a decent restored non SS car anywhere from 12 to 19k, look at production numbers as I believe there were close to 2000 SS converts built. average cars bring 16k and up. NADA rates a pristine convert loaded with options at 65k for the 69 model year.

NADA rates a pristine convert loaded with options at 65k for the 69 model year. YIKES :eek: , guess I need to adjust my insurance......

Stopped at a classic car dealer in Warrensburg, MO (http://www.happycarz.com/) and this guy has some outstandging Chevelles. Without taking seats out, or climbing under the car, they appear perfect. Number matching 69 SS 396's were priced in the high $50k range. Made me droul...

ELLI,

I have a 69 Cortez Silver convertible (silver is not the original color). Mine was in decent shape when I got it, so I can't tell you much about rust. However, I have fiddled with about everything on it. I will be glad to share info if needed, but Email me. I ain't the worlds best at checking the posts...

Great car, I am redoing a 69 convert. as we speak. Bought a new malibu convert cortez silver for my wife in 1969. 35 years later, she wants another one. So, that's the game plan