Does any one know if I will be able to upgrade my O visa to an OA visa if I have 'spent' convictions.  I have never been imprisoned for any of the stupid crimes I committed some forty plus years ago . Will I be asked about this if it is to obtain an OA visa as opposed to a retirement visa. Are there any ways around my problem 

Thanking all who reply in advance,      Miner

If you apply for a OA visa at an embassy you will need the criminal background check. Whether it will be a problem is totally depends upon what is on it. Make that the first thing you get that you need to apply.
If you already have a non-o visa you could apply for an extension at immigration that does not require a background check.

As ubon pointed out...if you already have a non o based on retirement, why bother applying for an O-A. 

Effectively after almost 2 years out of the OA you will be in same boat as those that obtained non O. Every 12 months apply for extension of stay. 

There are other extra requirements for OA which can be a pain. 

I assume your in your home country? I'm bit confused.