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Work is done, changing out the rear brake hose did increase the flow to the rear brakes which is great, but unfortunately the brakes are still not working correctly and I am out of time to mess with it. My mom and I came to the decision to hold off and she will get it to a shop when they get back in town. On the bright side the initial problem with the carburetor is fixed. In adition i did 10 years worth of maintenance and changed out most of the rubber. The engine runs nicely, I just wish I got the brakes fixed in time so I could do a test drive. Such is life... Thank you for all the encouragement and advice. When it is road worthy I will post again.

Some other fun facts, I found DMV registrations as far back at 1978. That may be when I dad bought it. The original owners manual with its protective covering was in the glove box and the second edition Chilton repair manual was in the trunk. I also found a one cent repair to get the courtesy lights to turn off.

Thanks for the encouragement, I forgot how persuasive a torch can be, I took one more shot this afternoon and was able to get the rear brake hose out. Got the new one in this evening and going to bleed the brakes in the morning, fingers crossed.

Thanks for the advice, I have been working on removing the rear brake hose all day. I can't get a line wrench on it and it is not budging with a crescent wrench.  I think I am about ready to throw in the towel and let the professionals have at it. Unfortunately I don't think I have the time to get it done before I head home, so i may leave it up to dad to get it towed to the brake shop, big bummer for me.

Ran out of time to post yesterday's progress, I replaced the wheel cylinders on the rear brakes and bled the system. I am not getting much fluid out of the rear brakes when bleeding, nor am I able to easily push the pedal to the ground when the bleeder screw is open. Is this normal?

Rebuilding the carb did the trick, It now starts great and purrs like a kitten. Tomorrow I am moving on to the breaks.

For a bonus I would love to get the mechanical light covers working again. Any hints or tricks to trouble shoot them or common problem ares to look at?

tribri1, I'm not too far away from so OC , if you need some help let me know

Thanks if i get stuck I may PM you. I am only here until Friday then I head home to Oregon.

Replaced all the fluids, hoses, battery and ignition system today. Was able to start it up with starter fluid and ran it for 10 minutes or so. It idles fine, but when I step on the gas it dies if I ease on the gas it is fine. Tomorrow I am pulling and rebuilding the carb. I am hoping that will clear up the issue. Then I am moving to the braking system...

Early car, 210 hp 327? what area is the car in. is that a tach on the console?
   Victor

The car is in South Orange County, it is a Van Nuys build, so as far as I can tell it have never been out of So Cal. It spent most of its life as a self in the garage. The clock is mounted on the console.

Nope not even getting rid of the Poncherello sunglasses I found in the center console.

Nice looking car and great history..      Does your dad KNOW that you are working on it while he's gone?? OR .. are you going to surprise him? 

Nope he does not know I am working on it. I gave my mom the heads up and she got the insurance going and updated the registration. I don't live in the area so not only does he not know I am working on it, he has no idea I am in town. If all goes well, I will drive it down to the beach and get a photo with all of his surfer buddies in it then sent him the photo.

My dad's 69 RS convertible has not been on the road since 2001. He has owned it since the early 70s, I am spending the week getting it road worthy while my parents are away on vacation. Here are some photos. I am focusing on mechanical and safety hoping that once it is drivable it will kick my dad in gear to get the body work done.

Thanks for the advice, I have a laundry list of work to do to get it running and safe.

I was going to start will replacing all the fluids. Thought I might drop the oil pan too just to wipe out the sludge. Next up was to flush then replace the cooling system rubber and belts. Replace the wheel cylinders, brake shoes and brake springs. New battery, plugs, points, cap, rotor and wires. Pull the distributor and spin the oil pump. Then hopefully fire it up. He said he stopped driving it because the carb was acting up, but I don't know what was going on, so I may be rebuilding the carb as well.

If I can get it running I'll take it to a mechanic for a look over, if not I'll tow it over. Once it is running and safe I am hoping dad will get motivated to get the body work and paint done. If anyone has some advice on a mechanic in South Orange County, CA let me know.

I'll snap some photos and post them up for sure.

I wanted to introduce myself as I see spending a lot of time looking through old posts. In December I am planning a covert mission when my parents are out of town to get my father's stock '69 RS convertible up and running after over a decade sitting in the garage. He has owned it for almost 40 years, I'm fairly confidant he bought it right after I was born as a last grasp of holding onto his youth. At this point my mom wants it shipped to my house, but I thought it would be more fun if he could drive it again. Anyway, that's me. If you have any wisdom to share to get it back on the road I am all ears.