1968 Lemans Convertible - New to site. Few questions

[Jad99125]

Hello everyone, I just picked up a decent Lemans Conv. I have a few questions that maybe you all can help me with while I wait for the manuals to arrive.

1) How easy is it to replace the convertible top switch? I verified it is indeed the switch but can not get to the connector easily. I am tempted to solder to the existing leads.
2) When the top is down, it does not go all the way. It goes pretty close to getting the cover on but is tight enough to pull the molding up. Is there a trick or something I am missing? Can I drive around without the boot cover?
3) It appears to have horn buttons on the spokes of the steering wheel but they do not work. After checking it appears it may be an aftermarket option as they do not work.
4) There is a bright white light on the dash in the speedo cluster that stays on but no cover over it. Does anyone know what that is for and if I should be worried? Very annoying.
5) Is there any advice or things I should check out to make sure the car is good? This will be my first A-body I will be wrenching on.

I have more but this should last me until my chilton and fisher manual come. I wasn't really looking for this but I think the deal was too good to pass up. What do you all think it is worth with new interior, 2spd, 350 2 barrel? Some minor surface rust underneath but the worst is the front of the rear quarters.

 

[melsg5]

1) How easy is it to replace the convertible top switch? I verified it is indeed the switch but can not get to the connector easily. I am tempted to solder to the existing leads.
Isn't the switch held on to the bottom of the dash with two screws?
2) When the top is down, it does not go all the way. It goes pretty close to getting the cover on but is tight enough to pull the molding up. Is there a trick or something I am missing? Can I drive around without the boot cover?
Recommend you get a copy of the owners manual which would have the instructions for the top.
3) It appears to have horn buttons on the spokes of the steering wheel but they do not work. After checking it appears it may be an aftermarket option as they do not work.
Horn button should be in center of wheel.
4) There is a bright white light on the dash in the speedo cluster that stays on but no cover over it. Does anyone know what that is for and if I should be worried? Very annoying.
Are your high beams on? Is it the brake light?
5) Is there any advice or things I should check out to make sure the car is good? This will be my first A-body I will be wrenching on.
If you don't know the maintenance history, start with a tune-up and fluid changes.

For price information try collectorcarmarket.com
Good luck with your new car.

 

[Jad99125]

1) How easy is it to replace the convertible top switch? I verified it is indeed the switch but can not get to the connector easily. I am tempted to solder to the existing leads.
Isn't the switch held on to the bottom of the dash with two screws?

It is but can't get to the connector. I am trying to think of a way to take the switch apart and clean/replace contacts.

2) When the top is down, it does not go all the way. It goes pretty close to getting the cover on but is tight enough to pull the molding up. Is there a trick or something I am missing? Can I drive around without the boot cover?
Recommend you get a copy of the owners manual which would have the instructions for the top.

Agreed, I am waiting on it.

3) It appears to have horn buttons on the spokes of the steering wheel but they do not work. After checking it appears it may be an aftermarket option as they do not work.
Horn button should be in center of wheel.

It is not in the center. It just has a Pontiac emblem. I found the steering wheel in the OPGI catalog but apparently there was more than one steering wheel that year.

4) There is a bright white light on the dash in the speedo cluster that stays on but no cover over it. Does anyone know what that is for and if I should be worried? Very annoying.
Are your high beams on? Is it the brake light?

Brake is not on and I pressed the high beam switch. Didn't make a difference but I did it during the day so maybe it is stuck on high beams with a bad switch. I will investigate further. I sure hope not because the lights are not very bright.

5) Is there any advice or things I should check out to make sure the car is good? This will be my first A-body I will be wrenching on.
If you don't know the maintenance history, start with a tune-up and fluid changes.

I have receipts for the last 20 years. It has not been driven much in the last 2 years. I will be doing them when I get the manuals to assure I get the proper fluids. I did flush the brake fluid with dot3 because the brakes were not working. There does not seem to be a leak.

Thank you very much for taking the time to answer my questions. Can anyone suggest a high quality - long lasting car cover? Unfortunately, I have to leave it outside of my garage when I work on other projects. I only have a 1 car garage.

 

[melsg5]

See what amesperf.com and opgi.com have for the cover