Chevelle updates [Archive] - The Supercar Registry

VintageMusclecar

11-27-2007, 01:11 AM

[ QUOTE ]
If this thing turns out like his carbs, it will be one large chunk-o-jewelry!http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif
Dave

[/ QUOTE ]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Thanks Dave. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

I don't think any of the resto pro's here have anything to worry about from me just yet. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Again, this is my first-ever frame off resto, and I'll be the 1st to admit the learning curve is STEEP! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif

I hope to have some more updates posted before Christmas, namely I *hope* to have the body and the chassis reunited again by then. I'll post back in this thread again with further updates.

Thanks http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

Eric

VintageMusclecar

02-21-2008, 01:07 AM

[ QUOTE ]
I just finished putting up 3 more pages of updated pics & info...here's a sneak peek:

http://www.vintagemusclecarparts.com/wheel_and_tire.JPG

Eric

[/ QUOTE ]

Finally making some significant progress with this project despite innumerable delays courtesy of incorrect, or outright <u>JUNK</u> reproduction "restoration" parts. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif

(now that I've got that off my chest...)

The body and frame are once again reunited. What you see in the above pic now looks like this:

http://www.vintagemusclecarparts.com/A.jpg

Here's what the other end looks like now:

http://www.vintagemusclecarparts.com/B.jpg

Yes, that's snow the car's sitting in, but only for a moment as I had to push it outside to have enough light to take a somewhat-decent pic.

Anyhow...more parts are on their way in this week, and I still have a few more to order before the engine and trans are installed. On the "to order" list is a Stef's oil pan to replace the stocker that was exhibiting obvious oil control difficulties on the dyno, and a clutch kit to connect the mill to the Autogear-cased M20 Muncie.

With a few more parts crossed off the list before summer arrives, hopefully...hopefully this thing will be making noise once again. I'm hoping to have the mechanicals done by summer so the car will be road-worthy, but I strongly doubt the bodywork and paint will be done this year...too many other things in life taking up precious time, not to mention finances.

I'll have some more updates posted on my website in the next few weeks, I'll post up here once they're done.

Eric

ORIGLS6

02-21-2008, 01:11 AM

"...too many other things in life taking up precious time, not to mention finances."

Something MANY of us can relate to. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

Xplantdad

02-21-2008, 01:46 AM

Looking great Eric! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

VintageMusclecar

07-11-2008, 09:47 PM

Well, it's finally alive. After sorting out some minor electrical gremlins in the ignition system, I got it lit up today, and I have to say that the Torque Tech 3" x-pipe exhaust system and Walker mufflers sounds absolutely fantastic...very quiet, but with a definite "note" to it.

No pictures to add right now, but I'll try to have some more updates on the website in the next few weeks or so as time permits.

Next on the list is to get the car back to the frame shop for a few minor tweaks to the RF frame horn. It's still slightly out of location, which is causing some minor core support & bumper bracket alignment issues. Once that's addressed, the front end will be aligned and the car will get a little road time to work out the bugs before the body work & paint begins.

Eric

SS427

07-11-2008, 10:58 PM

Congrats Eric. You sounded excited when I talked to you yesterday. FYI, Your "package" went out today. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

CC Rider

07-12-2008, 01:14 AM

Looks great!

VintageMusclecar

09-23-2008, 05:33 AM

Got the car back from alignment today. All that's basically left now (save for a few relatively minor details) is to get tags on it and call my insurance guy to activate my coverage so I can get it out & about and start working out the bugs.

Once I have the mechanicals and a few remaining interior details all dialed in, it's off to the body shop. (still trying to locate a better pass. side fender w/o having to go repop)

I keep trying to convince myself that this isn't as cosmetically challenged as it really is, but that it's really a "period correct vintage patina"...it isn't working http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Ah well...I've driven uglier. (besides...ugly can be forgiven if a car hauls @$$ http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif )

http://www.yenko.net/attachments/358854-Align1.jpg

VintageMusclecar

09-23-2008, 05:35 AM

I'm really diggin' on the Dog Dish caps.

http://www.yenko.net/attachments/358856-Align3.jpg

(my GF HATES THEM!! LOL!) http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

VintageMusclecar

09-23-2008, 05:37 AM

Please pardon the dust, the dirt, and the GARBAGE repop dash pad, which will be replaced while the car is in the body shop with a restored original.

Tach's coming out too...can't even come close to keeping up with the engine.

http://www.yenko.net/attachments/358858-Align5.jpg

VintageMusclecar

09-23-2008, 05:39 AM

Again, please pardon the dust. Everything will be clean and detailed by spring.

http://www.yenko.net/attachments/358859-Align8.jpg

Xplantdad

09-23-2008, 05:47 AM

Looks great Eric! Get out and have some fun with it. We need some video as well! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

VintageMusclecar

09-23-2008, 05:53 AM

I had planned to have it out today, actually, but it turns out that our recent windstorm and resulting power outage debacle put a fatal whammy on my refrigerator. (I just got the word today from the `fridge repair dood about an hour after the car came back from alignment...figures!)

SO...until the `fridge gets replaced, (read: "$$$"), the Chevelle is on hold again.

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

Xplantdad

09-23-2008, 05:58 AM

That's okay...we're patient...and can wait! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

scuncio

09-23-2008, 06:48 AM

Looks great, the sleeper image is the most fun!

mockingbird812

09-23-2008, 06:54 AM

Lookin' good Eric. Those bias plies and dog dishes look oh so back-in-the-day! Bring it!!!!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

MosportGreen66

09-23-2008, 07:42 AM

Eric that looks awesome... I actually dig the patina-ed look. I bet it is set off by that awesome wheel/tire combo. Engine compartment looks great along with that clean frame. Keep it up!

ORIGLS6

09-23-2008, 07:59 AM

http://www.yenko.net/attachments/358856-Align3.jpg

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

ANDY M

09-23-2008, 05:57 PM

Eric, just think "Rat Rod", and drive it like one. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

VintageMusclecar

09-23-2008, 08:19 PM

That look wasn't so bad 25 years ago, but I don't want to leave it looking like that any longer than I absolutely have to now. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/no.gif

I'm going to put a 30 day tag on it (while I'll be waiting for personalized plates to come in), and the goal is to have it dialed in before the 30 day tag expires. Besides, it'll be scheduled for de-uglification soon anyhow, so no matter how I slice it, any road time this year will be severely limited.

Were it not for several delays in getting some parts in and a significant amount of time which was wasted trying to re-engineer several garbage repop parts (`gennies could NOT be located), I would've been at this point in the project at least 3-4 months ago.

Eh...such is life. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Eric

VintageMusclecar

09-06-2009, 12:26 AM

Since it's been almost a year since I last posted about the car, I figured it was time for another update.

Despite several valiant efforts to get my ducks in a row, the de-uglification of the car has yet to take place. So rather than let this expensive hunk of cosmetically challenged garage art sit any longer, I finally broke down and admitted defeat...I bought new tags and reinstated the insurance and got the car road-legal.

Up until today, I had driven the car for but one brief lap around the block. Needless to say there were numerous small glitches that were revealed in that little jaunt, but as of today all but three relatively minor issues appear to be resolved. (too-fast speedo, mis-adjusted shifter and the wipers aren't working for some reason)

To summarize;

It's been a while since I've driven a car that has this kind'a steam. Whew! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

540-ish HP combined with bias plys, manual steering, a wide ratio Muncie and a 4.56 screw in the back makes for some lively jockeying in the front seat even during around-town driving. My daily driver ([`95] Sub)urban assault vehicle has apparently left me somewhat spoiled.

Smooth take-offs from an intersection are somewhat difficult to perform w/o chirping the tires through 1st gear...even moreso when going around a corner. Gonn'a take some practice there.

Once on the road and settled down at 35 mph or so, it rolls along quite pleasantly considering the archaic rolling stock and squishy CE drag shocks.

In the interest of keeping both the car and my drivers license intact, I only lightly got after the throttle one time. A quick 1st gear rolling blip to ~1/2 throttle immediately sent the tach to 6K and the L60's up in a haze, and a quick shift into 2nd resulted in more of the same.

Traction??? Pfffttt....yeah, right. I've got my work cut out for me in that department. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

In a nutshell, this thing's an animal. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

As of now the battery is on the charger getting topped off and I'm on the hunt for a solution to the speedo issue. I may take it out again some tonight or tomorrow, and there's a local cruise-in on wednesdays that I haven't been to in ages, so I might take the car out to that.

But it'll get parked on the outskirts of the parking lot. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif

More eventually...
Eric

markinnaples

09-06-2009, 12:28 AM

pics? or does it look exactly the same?

sounds like a fun and exciting ride.

VintageMusclecar

09-06-2009, 12:29 AM

Go back one page, there's several pics there.

Xplantdad

09-06-2009, 03:26 AM

Good deal Eric...get out and drive it! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif

72-SS-L48

09-06-2009, 05:14 AM

Eric,

Looking great. Keep us posted. BTW I love the Stef's oil pan. Joe is a family friend.

-Dave

x Baldwin Motion

09-06-2009, 05:59 AM

[ QUOTE ]
Good deal Eric...get out and drive it! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

yup, you've got to drive 'em !! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

427.060

09-06-2009, 06:17 AM

How much is the speed-o-meter off? A lot of the driven gears are still available at your local Chevy dealership parts department.
James

VintageMusclecar

09-06-2009, 06:45 AM

The speedo reads about 50 at an actual 35. I have a speedo reduction box that my trans builder gave me with the trans, but I don't have the keyed stub shaft to drive it. I'll dig into it and try to find the right gear(s) tuesday.

VintageMusclecar

04-30-2010, 02:35 AM

Well, I guess it's time for another update.

The car is essentially de-bugged save for the speedometer issue which will hopefully be resolved within the next few days. The L60 Goodyears went bye-bye last year since there was no friggin' way they were going to cope with the 496 and were in all honesty a dangerous liability.

In their place now resides a set of Hoosier 275/60/15 Quicktime street tires. I can now give the car more than 1/2 throttle w/o sending the rear tires up in a haze, and I can pull away from a stop w/o unintentionally chirping the tires. I'm sure the neighbors (not to mention the local constabulary) will appreciate that.

There's still a minor bit of carb tuning to to in order to rid the car of a final little bit of lean "lurch" during in-town ~1500 rpm driving in 4th gear.

(...who said you couldn't run a 256°/264° @ .050 cam on a 108° LSA on the street with any manners?...)

As to when the next update will be and what news it will consist of...who knows. At this point I just plan to drive it whenever I can and enjoy it as much as "life" permits. Paint & body probably aren't going to happen...at least not any time in the forseeable future. I do hope to get it to the track sometime soon, but again it all depends on what life brings.

Even if this is the end of the road for progress on the car, at least it was fun getting there. I hope some of you enjoyed the journey with me.

mockingbird812

04-30-2010, 05:52 AM

Eric - it sounds like you are making some good progress. Thanks for the update, but...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/mockingbird812/Icons/needpics.gif

VintageMusclecar

04-30-2010, 02:04 PM

The car still looks the same...like the south end of a north-bound mule.

It just has a pair of these on the back now (sans the shiny wheels).

http://static.summitracing.com/global/images/prod/large/hoo-17110.jpg

VintageMusclecar

10-02-2010, 04:27 AM

Well gang, it appears another update is in order.

As of today, the car is scheduled to go to the body shop early next week for de-rustification. The actual de-uglification is still a ways off, but more on that in a moment.

Long, boring saga condensed down to the essentials...the car which was advertised by the dealer as "no rust <span style="font-style: italic">ever</span>" turned out to be a tetanus infection on wheels waiting to happen.

There wasn't an intact panel on the entire car...if it wasn't rusty, it looked like someone had went at it with a ball peen happer and filled the voids in with Bondo afterwards.

Don't ask me how I got to the point, but as it turns out, the car needs everything from the doors back. The filler panel between the windshield and the cowl panel is shot as well. Luckily the dash appears to be OK, but we won't know for sure until the old panel is out.

At this stage in the game, I would've been better off if I would have bought a totally rusted out P.O.S. for 1/3 of what I paid for this "rust free" example...I would've wound up replacing most of the same panels anyways. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/rolleyes.gif

Live and learn I suppose.

At any rate, the car will be going into very capable hands next week to begin the panel replacement process. As of now, the car will be receiving a new 1 piece trunk floor, inner & outer wheelhouses, rear body panel, drop-offs, quarters, and a deck filler panel along with the previously mentioned cowl repair panel.

Due to budget constraints (among other things) I'm unable to complete the bodywork & paint part of the job at this time, but at least the car will <span style="font-style: italic">actually</span> be "rust free" once this part of the job is finished. My hopes are that by next spring I will have enough saved back to finish the bodywork & paint and finally wrap this project up.

No promises, but I'll try to post a few progress pics as the panel replacement job is performed if my schedule will allow.

Something to consider--when this job is done, the only panels originally on the car when I bought it that will be remaining will be the roof, firewall, inner interior structures, the rockers, and about 75% of the front floorpan (the doors are still an unknown at this point).

Not too bad for "rust free", huh. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/thumbsdown.gif

One thing's for certain...this frame-off restoration will be a 2-in-one for me...my first, and my last.

More details as they become available.

Eric

mockingbird812

10-02-2010, 05:00 AM

Thanks for the update Eric. Keep a stiff upper lip and keep us posted. Good luck!! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif

Xplantdad

10-02-2010, 05:19 AM

I feel for you Eric...that never should have happened. Glad that you have the right frame of mind about all of this... <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif

Ngtflyr

10-02-2010, 06:43 AM

Eric,

Glad I could contribute to the cause!! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif

Dave

njsteve

10-02-2010, 01:22 PM

It's "rust free". You just didn't see the comma between the word "rust" and the word "free".

"guaranteed rust, free"

But seriously, you're doing a great job. Keep up the progress. It will be worth it one day. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif

lwkitt427

10-02-2010, 10:10 PM

HANG IN HERE BUDDY WE ALL HAVE BEEN WHERE YOU ARE AT ONE TIME OR ANOTHER, BUT WHEN IT IS FINALLY DONE AND YOU CAN LOOK BACK AND SAY I SAVED ONE, JUST DO THE MISTAKE THAT ALOT OF US DO ID SELL IT IN A WEAK MONMENT ONLY TO WANT IT BACK 6 MONHTES LATER, ONLY SELL IF YOU ARE GOING TO LOSE YOUR HOUSE OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT OR IF YOU TRADING UP FOR A CAR THAT YOU KNOW HAS BEEN DONE AS NICE AS YOURS

VintageMusclecar

10-20-2010, 07:29 PM

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/cut.jpg

al8apex

10-20-2010, 10:38 PM

!!!!!!

scuncio

10-20-2010, 11:39 PM

No caption needed on that one...that's one way to turn a project into a BIG project!

VintageMusclecar

10-22-2010, 10:48 PM

Sorry for the fuzzy pics.

Trunk floor trial fitting

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/trunkfloorin.jpg

Trial fitting R inner wheelhouse

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/rinnerwheelhousefitting.jpg

Body guy was tweaking R outer to fit when I left.

More later.

Xplantdad

10-23-2010, 03:49 AM

Keep the pics coming Eric!

427TJ

10-23-2010, 06:28 PM

This is going to be fun to follow. I would have cried like a baby when I discovered that much rust in a car that I was led to believe was solid. I am looking forward to more progress pictures on this one, especially now that NJ Steve is finished with his Trans Am!

VintageMusclecar

10-23-2010, 09:40 PM

Oh, trust me...I had an "emotional" reaction...but it wasn't crying.

[Forrest Gump]<span style="font-style: italic">and that's all I've got to say about that...</span>[/Forrest Gump]

SS427

10-23-2010, 10:15 PM

Based on the phone call we had, I got a pretty good visual in my head as to what that looked like........

Glad it is working out now.

VintageMusclecar

10-30-2010, 10:27 PM

The trunk floor and inner wheelhouses are welded in now, and the outers have been rough-fitted but will not be final welded until they can be checked with the quarters in place. The quarters will be here next week. (The surface rust on the inner structures will be wire brushed and treated with POR before the quarters go on)

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2010_10300008.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2010_10300009.jpg

Nice to see parts going back onto the car instead of coming off.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2010_10300011.jpg

When the back of the headliner was dropped, a rather large mouse nest was discovered. Here are the remains of the nest.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2010_10300010.jpg

Odd bit of irony...this is the second time a mouse has been evicted from the Chevelle...here's the first one:

http://www.vintagemusclecarparts.com/images/projects/Arrival_Transporter_2.jpg

(Here's the Rat that was <span style="font-style: italic">supposed to be</span> in between the fenders when I bought the car...but that's a subject for another time...)

http://www.vintagemusclecarparts.com/images/projects/Beginning_1_DF.jpg

More later.

m22mike

10-30-2010, 10:57 PM

Eric
Keep hammer'n on that sucker and git er done.
Question for your de-uglification, ever consider Regal Red for the color... <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/dunno.gif
It is Kick Ass if done right... <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/drool.gif
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b107/m22mike/DSCF0604.jpg

Keep those camera batteries charged... <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

Mike

427TJ

10-30-2010, 11:55 PM

Dang, that Regal Red does look good.

VintageMusclecar

10-31-2010, 12:01 AM

Mike;

Nice `66! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

How much work did that one take?

I do have a color picked out for the car already, but I'm keeping it under wraps until (if?) I get to the point where it's ready to squirt some color on it.

I have decided to go with a factory `67 Chevrolet hue--while the car was originally Marina Blue (and that's a beautiful color), I just wanted something different.

m22mike

10-31-2010, 12:34 AM

That Red 66 was a Buddies car his Dad bought him while he was still in HS. It was mostly raced, and was a zero corrosion car. I think it has 17K miles on it.
Cant' wait to see the 67 color you have chosen, ther are a couple I really like in 67.

Mike

x Baldwin Motion

10-31-2010, 01:15 AM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: VintageMusclecar</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Mike;

I do have a color picked out for the car already, but I'm keeping it under wraps until (if?) I get to the point where it's ready to squirt some color on it.

I have decided to go with a factory `67 Chevrolet hue--while the car was originally Marina Blue (and that's a beautiful color), I just wanted something different. </div></div>

There is a Tahoe Turquoise Metallic (LL) 67 near me, it is absolutely stunning in full sun. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/headbang.gif

VintageMusclecar

11-02-2010, 10:43 PM

The new quarters arrived today. We loaded them up and dropped them off at the body shop. For once during this debacle, I can honestly say I'm <span style="font-weight: bold">very</span> happy with the quality of the panels upon initial inspection. Nary a dent nor blemish was found, and all the lines were very clean and crisp.

If the quarters fit as good as they look, they will definitely be one of the high points on this project.

(One of the two body shop gurus inspecting a quarter)

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2010_11020001B.jpg

Most of the remnants of the old quarters have been removed; the only remaining sections were the door striker panels as we weren't sure where they needed to be trimmed until the new quarters were on hand. There is a reinforcement plate which will need to be retained from the original quarters.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2010_11020002.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2010_11020003.jpg

More "rust free"....er.... "free rust"

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2010_11020004.jpg

Just for the sake of a peek; the `73 Challenger below belongs to the body guy above who is inspecting the quarter. It runs the factory 360 with a 4-speed and an 8 3/4" rear end. It's been restored from the ground up, and my barely marginal photography skills do this car absolutely no justice. This thing's sweet.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2010_11020006B.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2010_11020010.jpg

More later when the quarters are being test fitted.

Xplantdad

11-03-2010, 02:29 AM

Looking great Eric...please keep us updated!

VintageMusclecar

11-06-2010, 10:36 PM

The passenger quarter being trial fitted; there are a couple of issues the body guy pointed out that will need to be addressed.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2010_11060014.jpg

There are some ripples on the window side of the C pillar that weren't spotted on initial inspection.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2010_11060019.jpg

Body guy says he can hammer and dolly this out, not that big of a deal. Issue #2 isn't going to be as easy to address, but body guy assures me he can handle it. There was also an issue with how the quarter panel trunk gutter rail was lining up with the gutter on the rear body panel, but a small relief cut alleviated the issue.

Note where the quarter extension meets with the trunk edge of the quarter; the trunk edge starts out nicely from the C pillar, but once it gets to the quarter extension, it is rolled out towards the outside of the quarter panel which leaves about a 1/16" to 1/8" gap.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2010_11060018.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2010_11060021.jpg

The panels line up nicely in the door jambs.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2010_11060017.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2010_11060016.jpg

There are also some fitment issues with the rear deck filler panel, but until the drivers side quarter is trial fitted, we won't know exactly what is causing the issue. Again, the body guy says it's nothing he hasn't battled before.

This is all the further it will go into place w/o somewhat excessive "coercion".

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2010_11060020.jpg

On the "plus" side, the body guy states that the drop-offs fit the quarters perfectly. On the not-so-plus side, he says they're off pretty far from the trunk floor and wheelhouse.

Again on the "plus" side, the quarter fit at the roof on the C pillars appears to be very good.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2010_11060015.jpg

The outer wheelhouses also fit the quarters very well.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2010_11060023.jpg

There were some issues with the fit between the rear body panel and the trunk floor, but after bringing up the center of the trunk floor, the panel appears to line up fairly well.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2010_11060026.jpg

So here's the informal assessment from the body guy so far:

<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="text-decoration: underline">-Trunk floor:</span></span> So-so. There are apparently two different trunk floors being made for these cars, and naturally I inadvertently wound up with the lesser-quality of the two. Tip for anyone looking at buying one of these trunk floors--look for the one that has the spare tire hold-down bracket and jack mast brackets welded in place already.

<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="text-decoration: underline">-Inner wheelhouses:</span></span> Decent. Fit nicely with the trunk floor and the outer wheelhouses.

<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="text-decoration: underline">-Outer wheelhouses:</span></span> Decent. Fit the inner wheelhouses and the quarters well.

<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="text-decoration: underline">Drop-offs:</span></span> Fair. Fits the quarters well, trunk and wheelhouses, not so much.

<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="text-decoration: underline">-Deck Filler:</span></span> Fair.

<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="text-decoration: underline">-Rear body panel:</span></span> Decent so far, will know more as more progress is made.

<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="text-decoration: underline">-Quarter Panel:</span></span> Fair. The outer portion of the panels are very nice with no flaws and very crisp lines, but the issues at the C pillar and quarter extensions really needs to be addressed by the manufacturer.

Overall assessment from the body guy so far--he's worked with far worse in regards to aftermarket panels, and there haven't been any <span style="font-style: italic">serious</span> unexpected surprises so far, which is encouraging at this point...and at this point, I'll take all the encouraging news I can get.

More later.

Xplantdad

11-07-2010, 01:40 AM

Good deal Eric!

olredalert

11-07-2010, 03:47 PM

----Eric,,,I found exactly the same issue with 69 Camaro rear quarters in relation to the trunk-lid gap. Im pretty sure the same company pops out these quarters. Wonder why they cant get that right. Surely they are apprised of this situation. I complained, and you should as well, as its at least marginally possible that they will listen and future quarter attachers will benefit.....Bill S

scuncio

11-07-2010, 04:48 PM

Great info Eric. Thanks for taking the time to write it up.

VintageMusclecar

11-08-2010, 11:46 PM

Quick update, no pics today though;

Got a phone call from the body guy this afternoon. He "fought" the drivers side quarter into place, but he apparently managed to get it where he's reasonably happy with it.

Unfortunately the same can not be said for the deck filler panel.

In a nutshell, it's almost unusable...but since it's the only thing we've got to work with (I'm told that panel is only reproduced by one company, and that everyone else buys from them and re-boxes it), we're stuck with modifying this one to fit.

Two steps forward, one step back.

More eventually.

Dave Rifkin

11-09-2010, 01:36 PM

Couldn't you locate a clean factory rear filler panel from a salvage yard?

VintageMusclecar

11-09-2010, 04:55 PM

Dave;

I've pretty much given up hope of finding any rust free bone yard `66-`67 Chevelle sheetmetal. Maybe I just don't have the right contacts, but nearly every time I've searched for solid original panels, I've came up empty handed. Besides, even if we were to find a serviceable component, by the time we cut it out, shipped it in and dressed it for re-installation, we'd be into it for the same time invested in getting the re-pop to fit.

It's not the first time a re-pop component has had to be modified (or even completely reconstructed) to fit the car, and I'm sure there's even more obstacles ahead.

VintageMusclecar

11-10-2010, 12:14 AM

Body guy calls me today to have me bring the back glass out so he can see where he's at on the quarter/deck filler issue.

Again, my apologies for some fuzzy pics, it's not easy to get decent shots when you're scrambling to try to stay out from under foot while the body guy is zooming back & forth trying to eyeball the body lines.

Quick pic of the drivers side quarter temporarily in place.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2010_11090001B.jpg

Drivers side quarter is better than the pass. side in the trunk gutter rail, but it's still going to require some attention.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2010_11090002.jpg

Back to the deck panel issue; here's another shot of the pass. side (non) fitment.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2010_11090005.jpg

Drivers side.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2010_11090003.jpg

As you can see in the above pic, the gap is waaaay out at the window edge of the filler panel. The actual problem appears to be on the pass. side, where the panel needs to move forward at least 1/4" as evidenced by the discrepancy in the body lines in the following pic. (some trimming is obviously required here)

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2010_11090010B.jpg

Only problem is, once the flange in the trunk gutter area is trimmed and the panel is moved forward into position, it appears it may leave a gap in the gutter which will have to be filled, and it will likely throw off the gutter alignment as well.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2010_11090011.jpg

However, once the pass. side of the panel moves forward, this *should* tighten up the gap at the deck filler/quarter junction on the drivers side...but it appear it's going to throw the drivers side gutter rail alignment off in the process as well.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2010_11090004.jpg

At least it's starting to look like a car again, even if it's only temporarily.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2010_11090009B.jpg

VintageMusclecar

11-10-2010, 12:15 AM

Going back to the pics from a few days ago, here's 3 quick shots to show how well the inners & outers meet up with each other and with the quarters.

Pass. side forward edge:

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2010_11090007.jpg

Center:

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2010_11090006.jpg

Rear:

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2010_11090008.jpg

Body guy commenced to mumbling to himself after we temporarily sat the deck lid back in place, so I took that as my cue to let him get back to work w/o me under foot.

More later.

VintageMusclecar

11-29-2010, 11:45 PM

Well, for all intents and purposes it's back together and in one piece. There is still a little final welding to do, but the panels are all now permanently in place. Body guy was in the process of grinding down some welds when we arrived today.

Yet again, apologies in advance for the blurry pics...stupid camera just doesn't want to cooperate with me for some reason (at least that's what I'm telling myself...yeah, that's it...it's the camera's fault...)

Pass. side quarter in its new home:

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/1-1.jpg

Drivers side:

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/9.jpg

Body guy said that aside from having to seriously re-work the deck filler panel, everything actually went together surprisingly well. The only other serious hurdle was to get the trunk drop-offs fitted, but thankfully they were long on material instead of short.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/7.jpg

Look ma, it fits!!!

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/3-1.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/4.jpg

<span style="font-weight: bold">THAT'S</span> more like it.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/5.jpg

There's still some more fitting to do in order to get the gaps where body guy wants them, but they're not too bad all things considered.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2-1.jpg

Still some tweaking to do to get the trunk gaps on the quarters dialed in, but body guy is already on the case.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/6.jpg

Some of the excised remnants.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/8.jpg

Body guy says the back half of the car will be finished and in primer ready to block out in the next week or so. Once the back of the car is done he'll get the windshield filler panel taken care of.

More later.

69 Post Sedan

11-30-2010, 01:42 AM

It looks great Eric.... <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

mockingbird812

11-30-2010, 01:59 AM

Great progress Eric. Thanks for the blow by blow!! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif

kwhizz

11-30-2010, 03:23 AM

Look'in Good!!!

Xplantdad

11-30-2010, 03:38 AM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kwhizz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Look'in Good!!! </div></div>

Agreed!

VintageMusclecar

12-22-2010, 10:23 PM

A quick update with a few pics and some very sad news to report:

The back of the car is essentially finished save for one more coat of primer on the DS quarter and a little more blocking on the deck filler panel. The deck lid and pass. side quarter are basically finished as is the rear body panel, and bodyguy says everything's turning out great.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/D-1.jpg

Remember what a mess this was??

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/A-1.jpg

The issues with the rolled edges on the quarters at the trunk channel have been fixed as well.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/C-1.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/B-1.jpg

Now for the sad news;

Last Thursday, Dale Robbins, who was the owner of the shop where the work is being done, passed away unexpectedly. I only knew Dale casually, but he was always extremely pleasant and professional with me, and I am sincerely saddened at his loss.

In light of this development, this raised the question of whether or not my bodyguy was going to be able to continue to use Dale's shop, but bodyguy informs me that Dale's widow has no problem with him continuing to use the shop as he needs, which provided a bittersweet (and quite awkward) relief for both he and I.

Along those lines, bodyguy and I have tentatively worked out an agreement to go ahead and have him finish the rest of the car, including paint. I am now in a quite precarious situation as a result, but given the circumstances (and out of courtesy) I don't want to risk over-extending the car's stay there any longer than necessary.

Bodyguy says he should be able to have the car done somewhere around April or May, which means that <span style="text-decoration: underline">hopefully</span> I'll be able to finally wrap this phase of the project up once and for all.

There may be a few more updates in the next few weeks, so stay tuned.

kwhizz

12-22-2010, 10:31 PM

Looking good!!........Keep us posted......

Ken

Xplantdad

12-23-2010, 12:04 AM

Yep...what Ken said!

ORIGLS6

12-23-2010, 03:24 AM

Perseverance pays off Eric. Sounds like you found a body man with the same work ethics you have. Hard to do these days, eh?

Hope everything works out for you, him and the shop owner's wife.

Great shots of the progress. Thanks for taking the time to post. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif

Mr. Chevy

12-23-2010, 04:55 AM

Eric, looks good!! Make sure you stay on top of the body guy so he doesn't "forget" about his work or put it off and get involved in something else.. Sometimes some of these body guys have a tendency to do that unfortunately...

Rich

m22mike

12-23-2010, 02:42 PM

Looks good Eric.. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif
Always a nice to see some freash primer go on a job like this. Love the thread too.

Mike

VintageMusclecar

12-23-2010, 05:05 PM

I'm not really worried about bodyguy getting side-tracked, he's been pretty spot-on in regards to his stated time lines so far. Besides, I'm sure he wants to get the car done almost as much as I do, if for no other reason than to get it out of his face.

The mechanical aspects of automobiles have always came to me naturally, but when it comes to bodywork...let's just say I couldn't sand a panel flat even if you had a gun to my head. Admitting that I don't know my a$$ from my elbow when it comes to the finer points of bodywork has always left me with a strong respect for those who do and do it well.

At this stage of this project, ("debacle" is more like it right now) that sense of respect has been expounded exponentially...not only in regards to the knowledge and skill that it takes to do this work, but the dogged patience and perseverance that it requires...not only from the craftsmen who build them, but for the owners who manage to see the jobs through.

I've read more threads than I can count where I've watched some of you start with bigger piles than mine and in a matter of months transform them into better-than-new condition, right down to the OE style spot welds and inspection marks. Cubic $$$ obviously comes into play quite often, but even so, cubic <span style="font-style: italic">talent</span> is still required.

To those of you who can do this, you have my profound respect.

mockingbird812

12-23-2010, 05:32 PM

Good on YOU Eric. We are enjoying the ride that you are taking us on. This is my favorite part of these forums: watching projects evolve back to life!

mockingbird812

12-23-2010, 05:36 PM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: m22mike</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Looks good Eric.. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif
Always <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic"> <span style="color: #3366FF">a nice </span></span></span>to see some freash primer go on a job like this. Love the thread too.

Mike </div></div>

Hey Mikey, your Italian heritage is coming thru! You are one <span style="font-style: italic">freash</span> dude! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/naughty.gif

m22mike

12-23-2010, 05:58 PM

Talking to Eddie to much.... <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/dunno.gif...picking up some bad habits.. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/naughty.gif

Tracker1

12-23-2010, 10:11 PM

Arrggh bodymen <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/rolleyes.gif

looks like you got a good one - nice car.

Mr. Chevy

12-23-2010, 11:34 PM

I give you credit Eric for taking on this project... Don't think I would... Nice Job!!

Rich

VintageMusclecar

12-24-2010, 01:49 AM

That's the whole thing...If I had known the car was as bad as it was, I wouldn't have bought it. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/frown.gif

That said, I do sincerely appreciate the kind words and the encouragement. I can use all of that I can get at this point.

*edited out a pointless rant*

x Baldwin Motion

12-24-2010, 12:19 PM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: VintageMusclecar</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
*edited out a pointless rant*

</div></div>

Eric, you rock <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

Enjoy the holidays, in the long run, it's just a car and it's only money. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif

njsteve

12-24-2010, 02:04 PM

"pointless rant" ? I don't think so.

He'll, I have 114 pages of my own. Part of my court appointed anger management sentence.

Nice progress by the way. You're five years ahead of my schedule.
<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif

SS427

12-24-2010, 06:46 PM

Looks great Eric and glad things are looking up on the Chevelle. It will certainly help with whats going on in your life to have this car looking more complete every day. Have a great Christmas!

restore-z28

12-27-2010, 03:54 PM

cars is looking good.

VintageMusclecar

01-01-2011, 08:39 PM

Back again with another progress report.

The back of the car is done; it's now in DP90 and ready for final prime & blocking.

MAN is it an encouraging sight to see the back of the car in one piece again!

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2011_01010001.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2011_01010002.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2011_01010010.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2011_01010003.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2011_01010004.jpg

The previous issues with the mis-stamped trunk gutter on the 1/4's and the deck filler panel are taken care of as well.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2011_01010005.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2011_01010006.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2011_01010008.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2011_01010007.jpg

kwhizz

01-01-2011, 08:50 PM

Wow!!.......Great job Eric..........And......my hat is off to the people who have the talent and patience to get your car back into that condition.......

Ken

VintageMusclecar

01-01-2011, 08:54 PM

Next on the dossier are the pass. side door and front fender.

It turns out that the door is actually rust free save for some surface rust below the lower body line, but it's a non-issue.

It does have plenty of dents, however. It also has a lovely little bulge at the fender edge, I'm sure which was the result of the car's stuffed nose during an earlier life.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2011_01010011.jpg

Unfortunately, the news is not as good for the fender.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2011_01010012.jpg

Again...where there aren't any dents, there is rust. Where there isn't any rust, there are dents. Where there were rust holes, they were stuffed full of Bondo and covered over...see the lower rear edge of the fender for reference.

Gott'a love it. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/rolleyes.gif

The fender is structurally sound, so at this point Bodyguy will attempt to resurrect said fender. After what he's done with the rest of the car so far, I have faith in him.

Lastly, a quick pic of the cowl filler panel; more "rust free"...er..."free rust".

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2011_01010014.jpg

I'll be checking in with Bodyguy next week for another update, so be sure to stay tuned for the next nail-biting episode of <span style="font-style: italic">"As Eric's Stomach Churns."</span>

Xplantdad

01-02-2011, 03:44 AM

Keep it going Eric! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif

VintageMusclecar

01-08-2011, 10:24 PM

Brief update;

We arrived today just as bodyguy was finishing up DP90'ing the trunk, hence the haze in the 1st two pics.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2011_01080001.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2011_01080004.jpg

The pass. door is finished and ready to block.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2011_01080003.jpg

You can see how far the contour was off on the front of the door here. Now to get the fender to match the contour of the door.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2011_01080008.jpg

The drivers door was in even worse shape, but repairs are now in process.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2011_01080005.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2011_01080006.jpg

The rust and Bondo has been excised from the bottom of the PS fender so repairs can be made.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2011_01080002.jpg

Speaking of fenders...turns out that "cherry" DS fender I sprang for wasn't quite so cherry after all...not a huge issue, but still.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2011_01080007.jpg

That's all for now. More next week.

VintageMusclecar

01-15-2011, 10:25 PM

Plodding right along...

Body guy was hard at work when we arrived today having just <span style="font-weight: bold">RE</span>-straightened the front of the frame that was <span style="font-style: italic">supposed to be </span> repaired a couple of years ago. The issue was revealed when he attempted to start aligning the fenders and doors and they wouldn't come in line. I noticed this issue when I put the nose of the car on myself but figured it was due to my non-expertise as a body and fender guy.

After a couple of hours of tugging, bending and pulling, the frame is now back where it's supposed to be and the fenders are lining up where they're supposed to be.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2011_01150001.jpg

The door lines are coming in quite nicely.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2011_01150002.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2011_01150003.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2011_01150004.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2011_01150009.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2011_01150008.jpg

Turning our attention back to the passenger side for a moment, compare the alignment now to the pics in the post above pre-re-frame-tweaking: (the fenders are still loose here so the lines aren't exactly where they're supposed to be just yet)

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2011_01150006.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2011_01150007.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2011_01150005.jpg

Body guy #1 and #2 in conference discussing the alignment of the lower drivers side fender to the rocker panel. (flattering view, isn't it?...sorry guys)

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2011_01150010.jpg

Inching forward with the progress one day at a time.

More later.

m22mike

01-15-2011, 11:20 PM

The panel fit is lookin good Eric, can't wait to see some <span style="font-size: 20pt"><span style="color: #FF0000">RED</span></span> on her. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

Mike

kwhizz

01-16-2011, 01:17 AM

Looking Good Eric!!

Donnie

01-16-2011, 05:09 AM

Looking real good Eric.

I wish mine was at the body shop.

Alss

01-17-2011, 03:36 PM

Looks awesome eric..

Shevelle

01-18-2011, 05:21 AM

You've come a looong way Eric. She's looking great!

Plowman

01-18-2011, 07:03 AM

Looking good.

SuperNovaSS

01-18-2011, 07:09 AM

Looking great Eric. Great to see that you are getting the body work all done in one shot. I know it wasn't planned that way but sometime thing work out better when not as planned.

Jason

napa68

01-18-2011, 04:13 PM

Red. No kiddin? That thing is going to be an awesome car. What wheels?

VintageMusclecar

01-18-2011, 05:13 PM

Nope, not gonn'a be red, Mike's just rattling my cage a little bit. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif

The color is a secret for now. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

Sticking with the steelies and the dog dish caps.

m22mike

01-18-2011, 06:44 PM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: napa68</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Red. No kiddin? That thing is going to be an awesome car. What wheels? </div></div>

Tim
Go back to page 6 and look at the 66 I posted, I figured I would give Eric something to think about.... <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

Xplantdad

01-19-2011, 03:58 AM

Awesome Eric! Thanks for keeping us all in the loop! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif

VintageMusclecar

01-22-2011, 10:20 PM

Just a brief update for this weekend; Body guys were both hard at work pretty much all week trying to get the fenders back into a usable condition. DS fender...not so bad...PS fender...not so good...but they've managed to save it.

The previous patch job at the bottom of the fender is fixed, and the dents have now been smoothed out.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2011_01220002.jpg

There was a nice crease about 1/4 way back on the fender that had been stuffed full of Bondo, and the forward edge of the fender had been jammed back and stuffed full of Bondo as well. At least there wasn't any more rust to contend with. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/rolleyes.gif

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2011_01220003.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2011_01220004.jpg

Body guy #2 hard at work

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2011_01220001.jpg

Another skim coat of filler goes on the DS fender.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2011_01220007.jpg

QUICK!...somebody call Ghost Hunters!...we've got orbs! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2011_01220006.jpg

As we were getting ready to leave today, bodyguy #1 mentioned that we're not too far away from needing to order paint.

Putting aside the nervous shiver those words sent down my spine... <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/crazy.gif

As fate would have it, it appears I now must let the cat out of the bag; I had planned on keeping the color choice a secret, but after doing some research on the color of choice, it's been revealed that what is currently being offered by the paint suppliers isn't considered to be very accurate.

So here's where I need to ask for some help.

I've decided to paint the car in Deepwater Blue in homage to the now-deceased `67 SS396 Chevelle that first turned me on to Chevelles as a youngster (those who've taken the time to read "The Chevelle Project" on my website will know the car I refer to).

In researching reference pics, it's become obvious that there are several different "Deepwater Blue" variants out there, and I need to know which is correct. I've read where one well-known paint manufacturer isn't even close, and where several people have had to have the color custom-mixed to attain the correct results. I had hoped to resolve this on the sly in order to make the final reveal a little more entertaining, but I've struck out so far and time is now becoming an issue.

So if anyone reading this has any information regarding this issue, I would <span style="font-style: italic">greatly</span> appreciate any info you might be able to share.

More later.

Jonesy

01-22-2011, 10:36 PM

<span style="color: #3366FF"><span style="font-weight: bold">Deepwater Blue</span></span> <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/headbang.gif

budnate

01-22-2011, 11:25 PM

not sure what was used for product but Denis DWB 67 Z has to be the most accurate color I have seen of all the variations.

B.

VintageMusclecar

01-29-2011, 09:30 PM

Only a brief update for this week.

Bodyguy #1 wound up flying solo this week as body guy #2 has been out of town for his work. Still, he (#1) managed to get the pass. side fender done and ready to block out and was hard at work on the drivers side fender when we arrived today.

Here he is blocking out the "Icing" finish filler coat.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2011_01290005B.jpg

Pass. side fender back in place.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2011_01290006.jpg

Still amazes me how he got these lines back so well.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2011_01290007.jpg

Bodyguy says the DS fender should be in DP90 tomorrow and he'll be starting on the windshield filler panel repair and getting the hood dialed in next week.

More later.

VintageMusclecar

02-05-2011, 11:57 PM

Not much to update for this week.

Body guy #2 had surgery on one of his hands so he's out of commission for a while. That and the winter storm and resultant power outages pretty much put the kibosh on any significant progress for the week.

Current status: the fenders are basically done, and the A pillar covers are off now so we could assess the dash channel rust issues. Turns out there are a few small rust holes at the base of the dash itself on the drivers side, while the pass. side appears to be OK for now. The windshield filler panel should be out in a few days, so hopefully I'll have some more pics shortly afterwards.

njsteve

02-06-2011, 12:25 AM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: VintageMusclecar</div><div class="ubbcode-body">http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2011_01290005B.jpg

</div></div>

That's an amazing set of stands the car is bolted to. Are they vintage bodyshop equipment or are they available commercially? I'd love to get a set of those. They'd be perfect for detailing/cleaning the underbody.

VintageMusclecar

02-06-2011, 12:32 AM

I'm not sure. I'll ask Bodyguy the next time I see him.

427TJ

02-06-2011, 08:31 PM

Great choice on Deepwater Blue.

VintageMusclecar

02-08-2011, 12:21 AM

Back at it again.

To wrap up the last update, may I present one drivers side fender ready for final prep.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/1-2.jpg

Bodyguy called today to let me know the windshield channel filler was out and ready for me to photograph. We arrived just as he was pulling the steering column for a little additional working room.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/5-1.jpg

As was noted during the last visit, there was some rust at the DS corner of the dash, but all things considered, this will be an easy repair.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2-2.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/3-2.jpg

The passenger side was in good shape.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/4-1.jpg

It's so encouraging to see how thorough Bodyguy is when it comes to making sure everything is right. Since he was already this far into the job, he went ahead and pulled the dash chassis all the way out so it can be fully repaired and prepped.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/6-1.jpg

Here are the remnants of the old windshield filler panel, and the new replacement beside it.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/8-1.jpg

More "rust free"...er..."free rust."

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/7-1.jpg

Upon initial fitting, the replacement panel *appears to* fit pretty well.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/9-1.jpg

I'll be calling the glass guy tomorrow to get a new windshield delivered to the shop so the filler panel fit can be verified before they start welding things back in place. Bodyguy says he has 1 1/2 days worth of cleaning to do before anything can start going back into place anyways, so things should time out OK.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: njsteve</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
That's an amazing set of stands the car is bolted to. Are they vintage bodyshop equipment or are they available commercially? I'd love to get a set of those. They'd be perfect for detailing/cleaning the underbody. </div></div>

I asked Bodyguy where he got this unit, and he told me he bought it off the Mac Tools truck back in the mid `80's. He doesn't know if this particular make/model is still being made, but here's the company info tag on the unit--maybe they're still around?

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/10.jpg

Hope that helps. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif

More later.

njsteve

02-09-2011, 01:06 AM

Thanks for the Info on the car caddie but I guess they went out of business a long time ago. Number no longer in service. I cant find any current info on that contraption. Bummer!

VintageMusclecar

02-12-2011, 09:46 PM

Moving right along...

Glassguy was on site to drop off the new windshield when we arrived today. (he'd tried to deliver it Thursday but he got there after hours)

Glassguy and Bodyguy go way back but hadn't seen each other in a while so it was old home week for a little while after we arrived. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif

One new tinted windshield.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/F-1.jpg

Bodyguy was hard at work this week getting the replacement cowl filler panel and cowl panel ready to install. Turns out the cowl filler panel needed to be cut and widened a little bit to make it perfect, but that's obviously a re-occurring theme with this project.

The filler was sectioned down the center lengthwise and a filler strip of material was added and everything was welded back together. A little finish work and it will be ready to weld in place.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/A-2.jpg

Bodyguy was in the process of cleaning & prepping the inner cowl for repairs today when Glassguy arrived.

The rust holes will be addressed shortly.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/B-2.jpg

Back-tracking just for a moment to wrap up some previous updates: Two quick shots of how the DS body lines are coming in. Still a little ways to go, but a <span style="font-style: italic">vast</span> improvement over what we started with!

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/C-2.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/D-2.jpg

Bodyguy swung by the paint store and picked up a quart of color to verify it was what I wanted, and he said his paint guy was familiar with the difference between the `67 and `68+ color differences and made sure he mixed the correct `67 shade.

I'm seriously diggin' this color. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

(just a quick dip with a stir stick to draw out a sample)

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/E-1.jpg

(Props to Rachel for the above pic <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/wink.gif )

Bodyguy is going to prep & paint the cowl panel shortly so we can see exactly what the product looks like on a panel before he buys in quantity.

More later.

JoeG

02-12-2011, 10:40 PM

Very cool coverage of body work raisin' a car from the "brink" I've seen in a while....My popcorn bill is overbudget........ <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

Xplantdad

02-13-2011, 04:01 AM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JoeG</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Very cool coverage of body work raisin' a car from the "brink" I've seen in a while....My popcorn bill is overbudget........ <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif </div></div>

I agree with Joe...and I am seriously diggin' that blue as well!

x Baldwin Motion

02-13-2011, 01:48 PM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JoeG</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Very cool coverage of body work raisin' a car from the "brink" I've seen in a while....My popcorn bill is overbudget........ <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif </div></div>

Yup! thanks for sharing this. Speaking of bills, are those body guys family members with a lot of dirty carbs?

VintageMusclecar

02-13-2011, 02:49 PM

Budgets...<span style="font-style: italic">budgets</span>???...let's not talk about budgets right now. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/eek.gif

As far as the cast of characters;

Bodyguy #1 is a longtime friend of Bodyguy #2, and Bodyguy #2 is an older brother of one of my longtime friends. Bodyguy #2 also owns the killer green Challenger posted earlier in the thread. He and #1 did the restoration on it.

Just to break up the monotony of this thread a little bit;

My friend (mentioned above) and I built this Pro Street `67 Chevy II a while back; he did all the bodywork (natch) while I helped with the drivetrain and some of the fab work. His brother (mentioned above) squirted the color on it.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/MVC-006S.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/MVC-009S.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/MVC-014S.jpg

(don't ask me why he painted the engine yellow, I tried to talk him out of it lol)

Fully hand-built chassis/frame: 2X3 front rails with a Pinto cradle and rack&pinion steering system, 2X4 rear rails with Alston ladder bars and coil-overs. The engine was a .060" over 10-1 427: ported open chamber oval ports, Crane flat tappet cam, Weiand Team G intake, 1050 9375 Holley (prepped by yours truly), hand fabbed stainless 2 1/4" headers (<span style="font-style: italic">way</span> too big for this engine, but a much larger engine was being planned for the car later and the notion of building 2 sets of headers wasn't too appealing), 400 turbo with a Coan 4000 converter, 9" Ford with a locker and a 4.57 screw.

Yeah, it was quick. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/naughty.gif

Friend sold the car shortly after its completion (suffering from a <span style="font-style: italic">severe</span> case of project burn-out), went somewhere up to northern Ohio, then wound up in Florida where it was being listed for sale again on eBay.

No idea where it is now...kind'a miss that car.

jasonL78

02-14-2011, 12:43 AM

Eric your 67 Is looking good. It brings back a lot of memories of the 67 Conv I did a couple years back. The color is very nice also. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif

VintageMusclecar

02-14-2011, 04:04 AM

Jason;

Thanks for the kind words.

I remember reading about your build as well. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif

VintageMusclecar

02-19-2011, 09:41 PM

It's back on the ground again! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

(yeah, I know..."so what?" lol...well, it's a milestone of sorts for me! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif )

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2-3.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/3-3.jpg

Bodyguy got the rust damage on the interior side of the dash repaired and got the upper dash chassis reinstalled this week.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/1-3.jpg

Still have a little patchwork to do on the outside, but that'll happen the next time the fenders are off, which won't be for a little while as he's now hard at work getting the repop <span style="font-style: italic">wibbly-worbly</span> (just coined a new term there) hood to fit.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/4-2.jpg

Bodyguy wound up flying solo again today, and as it so happened, I wound up lending him a hand getting the rear edge of the hood into alignment with the cowl panel.

It's sort'a hard to see in the pics below, but the rear edge of the hood was well below the leading edge of the cowl panel and needed to be brought up to the same level. You can also see a bulge in the gap just to the pass. side of the crown line in the center of the hood where the skin wasn't properly folded when the hood was made. Nothing a grinder and a MIG welder can't fix, right? <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/rolleyes.gif

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/5-2.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/6-2.jpg

With the cowl panel removed, a block of wood was placed on the firewall and the hood was closed. Bodyguy commenced to whacking away on the rear edge of the hood, and after a few whack/adjust/check sessions, the thing actually lined up. Now the gap can be dialed in.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/7-2.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/8-2.jpg

Bodyguy had already been hard at work this week on the sides of the hood getting them dialed in. It took some pounding, some grinding, some welding, (and I'm sure a few choice words) but as always, Bodyguy emerged victorious. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

(sorry the following 2 pics are so dark, the flash sort'a put the whammy on things here)

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/9-2.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/10-1.jpg

(btw...in several of the pics I've posted so far, you may have noticed some gray overspray in a few places [core support, part of the bottom of the frame by the rocker panels, etc.]. I'm to blame for that, not Bodyguy)

Bodyguy said he'd probably be working on the hood all week to get it finished up. After that, the only major things left are the A pillar covers and the roof, neither of which appear to need any serious attention at this point.

I'm still in awe that the car has come this far this quickly. After all the delays and set-backs I've had to deal with on this project up to this point, it is a welcome sight to finally witness this kind of consistent progress.

More later.

VintageMusclecar

02-26-2011, 08:51 PM

Not much to report for the week. Bodyguy has been slaving over the garbage POS repop hood & inserts trying to make them presentable.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/1-4.jpg

The finish work on the edges of the inserts looks like it was done by a blind monkey with a rat-tail file, and the contour of the inserts wasn't even close to the contour of the hood bulges, but as usual, Bodyguy has managed to make a silk purse from a sows ear.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2-4.jpg

You can't see it from the pics, but there's a ton of re-work just in these two insert openings; it took slotting the mounting stud holes, cutting & welding the edges of the openings, and an all-purpose general beating to get things into line.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/3-4.jpg

Bodyguy says the hood should be in DP90 by the end of the week, but there's still plenty of fill priming and blocking to be done before it's anywhere near ready for final prep.

I'll be dropping the old decklid off early in the week so Bodyguy can use it as a test canvas to squirt some color on it before I sign off on the final paint mix.

More eventually.

Xplantdad

02-26-2011, 09:26 PM

Nice Eric!

Dave Rifkin

02-26-2011, 10:15 PM

That bodyman sure is an artist with the patience of a saint; nice work.

SS427

02-26-2011, 10:58 PM

I know first hand what your budget was for the bodywork on this car and agree with Dave. You are getting more than your moneys worth as your bodyman is going above and beyond to make things perfect not just pretty. That shows a lot of pride and integrity which you don't often see these days. Hats off the bodyguy! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif

JoeG

02-26-2011, 11:07 PM

Can't wait to see this car done...awesome job with this car puzzle........

ORIGLS6

02-26-2011, 11:14 PM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SS427</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You are getting more than your moneys worth as your bodyman is going above and beyond to make things perfect not just pretty. That shows a lot of pride and integrity which you don't often see these days. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif </div></div>

Good to see some of that being returned to a guy who runs HIS business with those attributes.

CONGRATS Eric! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/flag.gif

VintageMusclecar

02-26-2011, 11:58 PM

Bodyguy is without a doubt "old school" in his ways just as I am, and I am <span style="font-style: italic">incredibly</span> grateful to have found someone to work with who has the same work ethic that I do.

And yes, he does have the patience of a Saint. (Even Bodyguy #2 has commented on that on a few occasions during this project!)

I need to make another new .gif file to go along with the other one I made:

"Bodyguy Rocks" <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/youguysrock.gif

Xplantdad

02-27-2011, 12:06 AM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ORIGLS6</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SS427</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You are getting more than your moneys worth as your bodyman is going above and beyond to make things perfect not just pretty. That shows a lot of pride and integrity which you don't often see these days. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif </div></div>

Good to see some of that being returned to a guy who runs HIS business with those attributes.

CONGRATS Eric! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/flag.gif </div></div>

Correctamundo Dennis!!!

VintageMusclecar

03-06-2011, 12:57 AM

Back again with another update--and a bit of a confusing dilemma. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/frown.gif

First up...the hood is done and ready for final prep. When I first looked at it today, I was almost convinced it wasn't the same warbly POS Bodyguy had started out with...but once again, Bodyguy surpasses my expectations.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/B-3.jpg

He slaved over getting the inserts to fit as well as he could, but there's only so much he could do w/o having to make the hood fit the imperfections of the inserts. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/rolleyes.gif

For now the "white box" no-name inserts will have to suffice, but perhaps later on down the road I can find better quality components.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/C-3.jpg

Some quality finish work here, eh? The hood is flat--the inserts are not.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/D-3.jpg

The A pillar covers are almost ready to be reinstalled.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/E-2.jpg

And as a side note, Bodyguy managed to get the lower hood latch support to cooperate where I could not.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/F-2.jpg

Now...here's where the waters muddy a little bit.

As I stated recently, I had decided to have the car painted in Deepwater Blue. Bodyguy hits up his Paintguy, who chefs up a small sample batch of paint, which was shown a page or so back. So far, so good...sample looks groovy, no complaints. Last week Bodyguy shows me a sample of another metallic blue he had Paintguy chef up--this one was also E code GM paint, and it was labeled "Nightwatch Blue", which is actually a `66 Pontiac color (yet it looks a lot like `66 Chevrolet E code "Danube Blue" to me from what I can see <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/dunno.gif )

Anyhow, he pops the lid and sets the two samples side by side so I can see the differences; (previously I had e-mailed Bodyguy some paint reference photos, and going by my preferences in the pics, he thought the Nightwatch Blue might appeal to me more)

I could barely tell the difference in the cans. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/hmmm.gif

I dropped the old deck lid off last Monday so he could squirt come color on it so I could see the differences side-by-side. Here is the results (note: obviously <span style="font-weight: bold">no prep work <span style="font-style: italic">whatsoever</span></span> was done to the decklid, it was simply scuffed, primed and shot. Please pardon the dust.)

Deepwater on the left, Nightwatch on the right:

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/A-3.jpg

Here's what's throwing me off--although it's a bit tough to tell from the pic since there was NO daylight out to bring out the colors, the Deepwater shows as a gray/blue in overcast sunlight, and under fluorescent lighting, depending on the angle you're looking at it under, it goes from a rich blue to almost black and even a noticeable shade of <span style="font-style: italic">purple</span> shows up. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/crazy.gif

I do not recall Deepwater Blue being a gray/blue as seen above.

Am I imagining things, or is the color on the left actually what Deepwater Blue is <span style="font-style: italic">supposed to</span> look like? <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/dunno.gif

At any rate, Bodyguy says this week will be the final panel fitting and he will also be drilling all the holes for the trim & emblems...which means here within the next couple of weeks, the car will be coming back apart so everything can be cut in...which means I need to get this paint situation resolved pronto. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/eek.gif

jannes_z-28

03-06-2011, 07:50 AM

You should always compare colors in daylight. The pigments and the chemicals in the paint have different characteristics in reflextion and will return differently depending on the light. In daylight all those differences are evened out and only daylight will give you a true view of the colors.

Jan

realzed

03-06-2011, 08:15 AM

Eric...
I ordered a new '68 SS396 Chevelle in Teal Blue metallic (forget the paint code now) but it looked a lot like the colour on the left of your picture.
It appeared in low light and at night to be a very dark grey to almost a black and in bright light like a subdued dark blue - I really loved the colour because it went well with the blacked out accent areas on a SS car, especially after I put a set of dark centre Torque Thrusts on the car - plus it made the minimal chrome and aluminum trim really stand out as well.
It always seemed to have a different look depending on the available light and maybe that was why I liked it so much...

Randy

VintageMusclecar

03-06-2011, 09:37 PM

The weather yesterday was miserable, but the forecast for tomorrow is calling for mostly sunny skies.

*Hopefully* I'll be able to get a better look at things then.

VintageMusclecar

03-08-2011, 09:29 PM

Well, the sun managed to make an appearance for a little while yesterday. Rachel was kind enough to snap the following pics for me while I was busy in the shop building carbs.

It is quite startling how much these colors vary depending on what angle the light is hitting them, esp. the Deepwater.

Deepwater is on the drivers side of the deck lid, Nightwatch on the passenger side.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/A-4.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/B-4.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/C-4.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/D-4.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/E-3.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/F-3.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/G-1.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/H-1.jpg

Bodyguy is currently checking in on two other color samples for me before I make any final decisions. Considering the amount of time and $$$ I have invested to this point, I want to make <span style="font-style: italic">damn sure</span> whatever color I decide on is one I can live with for the long run.

I definitely do not want to have to paint this thing again.

*EDIT*

Just got off the horn with Bodyguy--he's already got the two other colors sprayed on some other test panels and will have them cleared tomorrow. I'll post the pics up as soon as I can.

x Baldwin Motion

03-08-2011, 10:01 PM

I like the Deepwater. I think the other is too "bright" blue.
JMHO good luck!! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

realzed

03-08-2011, 10:45 PM

Eric - the link below lets you search Chevelles by year for colours, body styles, or options and if you scroll down to the 'Chevelle Photo Gallery' you can view cars in virtually any colour available for that year to get an idea...

http://www.chevellestuff.net/index.htm

The blue I had on my '68 SS was Teal Metallic code LL and is shown in the 1968 gallery on at least one car there. I think it looks like the second blue you had sprayed. The first blue is also shown on a car in the 1967 gallery - check it out...
Randy

VintageMusclecar

03-09-2011, 12:11 AM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: x Baldwin Motion</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I like the Deepwater. I think the other is too "bright" blue.
JMHO good luck!! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif </div></div>

Agreed. The Nightwatch is nice, but not what I'm after, but the Deepwater is still a strong possibility.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: realzed</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Eric - the link below lets you search Chevelles by year for colours, body styles, or options and if you scroll down to the 'Chevelle Photo Gallery' you can view cars in virtually any colour available for that year to get an idea...

http://www.chevellestuff.net/index.htm

The blue I had on my '68 SS was Teal Metallic code LL and is shown in the 1968 gallery on at least one car there. I think it looks like the second blue you had sprayed. The first blue is also shown on a car in the 1967 gallery - check it out...
Randy</div></div>

Randy;

I bought Dale's CD a few years ago, and it's a great reference, but the Deepwater pic just didn't show enough color detail. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/frown.gif

The weather forecast for tomorrow is calling for rain yet again, so who knows when I'll be able to review the next paint samples... <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/dunno.gif

realzed

03-09-2011, 04:54 PM

That black w/vinyl SS (the first one in the Chevelle link & '67 photo gallery) is an amazing looking car!
I've had a couple of black cars and they always looked the best - if they can be maintained properly but usually means a lot of work..
For me at least, that '67 pictured first has the perfect stance and look for that year - but the darker the paint the better the body work and prep better be, considering those long quarters!

kwhizz

03-09-2011, 06:05 PM

Paint color and shades will knot up your stomach faster than anything......LOL........Having Fun yet!!!....

SS427

03-09-2011, 06:46 PM

Just wait for the day when you painter calls and tells you to come look at the car in it's fresh paint. You will experience all those emotions at one time second guessing yourself but ultimately being thrilled with the outcome.

VintageMusclecar

03-09-2011, 09:55 PM

I just picked up the two new sample panels from Bodyguy...but of course, we're inundated with liquid sunshine right now, so I'm again back to "hurry up and wait" mode. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/rolleyes.gif

The last 3 projects I've done that managed to make their way to the paint booth were actually easy paint decisions...a `75 Monza hotrod that was painted black, my old Pro Street `67 Chevelle that was painted black, and my old `57 Chevy Sedan that was painted Torch Red.

I was 100% confident with my choice on each of those projects.

This project is an entirely different ballgame.

I'm intentionally trying to <span style="font-style: italic">avoid</span> having an end product that's so obviously "non-stock". Since the onset I've leaned heavily towards Deepwater (as explained recently), esp. considering this isn't a numbers resto--in which case it would've went back to it's original Marina Blue with a Bright Blue interior.

I guess I was a little derailed when this sample of Deepwater seemed so far off from what my mind's eye remembered. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/dunno.gif

I can't say yet with any certainty what my final choice will be until I can review these last two samples in good daylight, but I can say that the `66 Nightwatch is off the table, and the `67 Deepwater is still a very strong possibility.

tom406

03-09-2011, 10:19 PM

My experience with Deepwater Blue (a color I love) definitely shows a red/purple cast to it. It becomes most apparent when you put a Bright Blue interior against it-which has an aqua/green cast to it. To my eye they clash terribly.

Not sure if your interior color choice is made already. I really like that black '67 Vette with the bright blue interior, that could be a nice look for this car.

If you want to stay era-correct you might want to have him spray some '67 FoMoCo Nightmist Blue, another beautiful dark blue.

Since you don't sound like a purple fan, I'll refrain from suggesting Royal Plum, but Tahoe Turquoise is a BEAUTIFUL color when shot properly that looks awesome on any '67 Chevy I've seen it on.

Good luck!

x Baldwin Motion

03-09-2011, 11:23 PM

<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/headbang.gif
http://www.chevellestuff.net/1967/chevelle/gallery/ll.jpg

Tahoe Turquoise

VintageMusclecar

03-10-2011, 12:06 AM

The car does have an interior already, good ol' basic black.

Royal Plum was actually on the consideration list a few years ago (as were Emerald Turquoise and Butternut Yellow), but I just couldn't bring myself to go for it.

My first `67 SS Chevelle (the $200.00 beater I had nearly 30 years ago that's shown on my website at the beginning of "The Chevelle Project" section) was originally Emerald Turquoise, and that is one of my favorite colors on a `67 Chevelle...but as is the case with Marina Blue, Black, and Red, while they are all beautiful colors, there's a gazillion of them out there already.

That's the other factor that stands out so much for me about Deepwater---you just don't see that color very often.

FWIW, the weather broke a little bit and I got a bit of a look a little while ago of the two latest possibilities. While I still can't say for certain until I actually see them in good light, Deepwater is still at the top of the list.

VintageMusclecar

03-12-2011, 11:56 PM

No pics for today, just a brief update;

Bodyguy is wrapping up the last few details on the car and it should be ready to come back apart in the next week or two. Paint will hopefully happen within the next month or so.

Along those lines...

A paint choice has been made...but y'all will have to wait until the car's painted to find out what it is. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif

mockingbird812

03-13-2011, 12:11 AM

Big TEASE!! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/dunno.gif <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/no.gif <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/naughty.gif <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

VintageMusclecar

03-19-2011, 09:58 PM

And we're back again.

Progressing along nicely...both Bodyguy #1 and #2 were hard at work today when we arrived. I noticed a layer of murky black water under the bottom of the shop bay door when we first arrived...sure sign of wetsanding in process. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

The final major preps are rapidly approaching completion, and the pass. door and part of the roof are about all that's left to be wetsanded.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/A-5.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/B-5.jpg

Nice panel alignment, esp. considering what Bodyguy had to start with. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/C-5.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/D-5.jpg

The A pillar cover isn't fastened down yet, so it's not spot on with the cowl or fender in this pic.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/F-4.jpg

The fender emblem holes were a bit off from where they were supposed to be, so Bodyguy had to weld the holes up and relocate the emblem. He was right in the middle of this when we arrived.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/E-4.jpg

The back of the car is almost done; still on the "to do" list are the hole for the rear antenna, the rear window trim studs, the decklid trim studs, and the holes for the rear body panel trim. Small potatoes at this point.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/G-2.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/H-2.jpg

Still on the "to do" list are finishing up the rockers, installing the windshield trim studs, fitting the hood for the "Chevelle" emblem, rebuilding the door hinges, fitting the wheel well moldings, and that's about it! Bodyguy said by this time next week the car should be back apart for inside/backside panel prep, and we *should* have some color on the car within the next few weeks!

WOO HOO!!! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/naughty.gif <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/worship.gif <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/headbang.gif

Bodyguy estimated roughly another 2 months worth of work and the car will be done.

God willing and the creek don't rise, by this summer she should be out <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/burnout.gif <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/3gears.gif

More next week. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

SS427

03-19-2011, 10:40 PM

And I bet we will not be able to keep you on the ground and likely won't even hear from you as you will be out playing with the car. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/wink.gif Looks great Eric!

69 Post Sedan

03-19-2011, 10:46 PM

Looking great Eric!!!!!!!!!

Kurt

MosportGreen66

03-20-2011, 12:27 AM

Well done Eric! Looks fantastic!

427TJ

03-20-2011, 02:50 AM

Fantastic! Nothing beats Turbo Jet emblems!

VintageMusclecar

03-26-2011, 09:54 PM

Only a brief update for now;

Bodyguy had some other issues to tackle this week aside from the Chevelle, and he has also been flying solo for the last week as Bodyguy #2 has been out of state for his job and won't be back in town for a couple more weeks. As such, the doors, fenders, decklid & hood haven't came back off yet (2 person jobs)--more on that in a moment though.

Some of the interior prep work is now in process, and the jambs have been partially stripped.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/A-6.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/B-6.jpg

Bodyguy asked me to stop back either Tuesday or Wednesday to help him get the panels back off of the car, so hopefully there will be another update in the next week or so.

More later. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/burnout.gif

Xplantdad

03-27-2011, 05:49 AM

Nice Eric!

VintageMusclecar

04-02-2011, 10:03 PM

Only a brief update for today:

Bodyguy was doing some last-minute touch-ups to the wetsanding when we arrived today. Seems he wasn't satisfied with one of the body lines on the drivers quarter, but as usual, he quickly resolved the issue.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/A-8.jpg

The floors are done and sealed in DP90.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/B-8.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/C-7.jpg

We finally removed the hood, fenders and doors for their final prep to get them ready to cut in.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/D-7.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/E-6.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/F-5.jpg

More next weekend hopefully.

VintageMusclecar

04-09-2011, 09:04 PM

Back again with the (gloomy, oogie, rainy day) weekend update.

At long last, there is a little color on the car. Bodyguy got the bottom of the hood shot, but it hasn't been cleared yet.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2011_04090001.jpg

The cowl and the door jambs have been mostly cut in, but they still need to be cleared as well.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2011_04090002.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2011_04090005.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2011_04090006.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2011_04090007.jpg

Hopefully...<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">hopefully</span></span> this rust on the bottom of the drivers door will be the last to be dealt with on the car.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2011_04090008.jpg

Bodyguy and I got the hinges off the doors so he could get them cleaned & ready to rebuild. I also dropped off what should just about be the last of the "small items" we need to finish up the window moldings and some of the body trim.

On a closing note...

My Chevelle has a new stablemate at the body shop. Some here may recognize the car, but I'll let the owner fill in the details as they see fit.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2011_04090010.jpg

More later.

Xplantdad

04-09-2011, 10:48 PM

Donnie's Chevelle?

69 Post Sedan

04-09-2011, 11:17 PM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Xplantdad</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Donnie's Chevelle? </div></div>

Yes, it appears to be Donnie's L78.

Kurt

Postsedan

04-09-2011, 11:41 PM

Ha, I recognized Donnie`s Chevelle in this picture <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/naughty.gif

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v677/Postsedan/Postsedan2011/73-2.jpg

Dan

VintageMusclecar

04-16-2011, 09:01 PM

The door rust has been fixed.

Once again, Bodyguy's talent amazes me. This is the rusted section which was excised from the bottom of the drivers door. Bodyguy hand formed the repair panel out of one piece of flat sheetmetal. (a few more rust pinholes were found on both doors once the remaining primer & paint had been stripped off, but Bodyguy has those pics on his camera and is supposed to email them to me later)

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/A-7.jpg

Tried to get a better pic with the flash, didn't really help.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/B-7.jpg

The hinges are in process and should be done this week.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/E-5.jpg

Bodyguy informs me that he plans to hit the cowl & jambs with one more coat of color Monday, then they will be cleared. As Bodyguy #2 is still out of state for his work, I'll be making another visit sometime this week to help move panels back around again.

Scuffing the jambs & rockers just as we were getting ready to leave:

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/D-6.jpg

More later.

SS427

04-16-2011, 09:38 PM

We are not going to be able to keep you on the ground once you get this car back and will have to tie you to heavy weights! Everyone, send your carbs to Eric for restoration so we can see this project finished soon!

Xplantdad

04-16-2011, 09:41 PM

Agreed....looks great!

66 L78 ragtop

04-16-2011, 10:42 PM

Very nice. Love the progress photos. Keep 'em comin' please!!

VintageMusclecar

04-30-2011, 09:34 PM

Back again.

No real update from last weekend, bodyguy wound up having an issue with the clear on the cowl & jambs and had to sand and re-spray the color and clear again, but thankfully there weren't any snafu's the second time around.

Bodyguy #2 made a brief stop back in town yesterday and helped #1 get the (now painted) doors hung back on the car.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/A-9.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/B-9.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/D-8.jpg

The color pops pretty well considering it hasn't been sanded & buffed yet. Yes, the hinge bolts are coming back off to be painted.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/C-8.jpg

Tentative schedule for the upcoming week:

-The hood is supposed to be painted Monday

-The fenders are receiving their final details on the inside and should be painted sometime this week as well.

-If Bodyguy doesn't call me during the week for an extra set of hands, by next weekend the nose of the car *should* be ready to put back on (again barring any more snafu's).

More eventually.

SS427

04-30-2011, 11:20 PM

Looking awesome Eric. I would like to be there when you take delivery of your car to see your smile. Rachael might as well become a car widow now as she will never see you after you get the car home. LOL

Xplantdad

04-30-2011, 11:54 PM

LOL @ Rick! Looks great Eric!

olredalert

05-01-2011, 12:26 AM

----Eric,,,Everything looks great! I have to ask, though, how will you take the hinge bolts off, paint them, and then reinstall them without damaging your paint-job??? Bill S

VintageMusclecar

05-01-2011, 01:47 AM

Bill;

Thanks <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> I have to ask, though, how will you take the hinge bolts off, paint them, and then reinstall them without damaging your paint-job??? </div></div>

<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/hmmm.gif

<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/dunno.gif

Bodyguy obviously has some sort of trick up his sleeve...after the magic he's already performed transforming this flatulent piece of roadkill back into a car again, I ain't gonn'a doubt him.

VintageMusclecar

05-08-2011, 12:01 AM

Back again.

Bodyguy got the fenders and some firewall details wrapped up this week.

The drivers fender was in place when we arrived today.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2011_05070005.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2011_05070006.jpg

Bodyguy did some touch-up work on the firewall paint and got everything in the cowl finished up as well.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2011_05070008.jpg

(We had to scare up a plug for the antenna hole before we hung the passenger fender)

Notice the hinge bolts are all painted now <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2011_05070009.jpg

Pass. fender just before being reinstalled.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2011_05070012.jpg

I can't wait to see what this thing looks like once it's been color sanded.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2011_05070014.jpg

That's all for now, more later.

kwhizz

05-08-2011, 01:16 AM

Look'in Good!!.......... <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

VintageMusclecar

05-08-2011, 01:33 AM

Thanks Ken <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif

Xplantdad

05-08-2011, 05:49 AM

It's come a LONG way since the D V A P days! You have got to be happy Eric!!!

CC Rider

05-08-2011, 06:32 AM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Xplantdad</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It's come a LONG way since the D V A P days! You have got to be happy Eric!!! </div></div>

So THIS is the Chevelle we talked about tonight?

Agreed, looks GREAT! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

Xplantdad

05-08-2011, 07:40 AM

Yep....this is the one <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif

elonblock

05-08-2011, 01:31 PM

That color really pops. I can imagine how great it will look in the sunlight! Nice job!

Elon

VintageMusclecar

05-08-2011, 02:41 PM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Xplantdad</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It's come a LONG way since the D V A P days! You have got to be happy Eric!!! </div></div>

Thanks Bruce. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif

I wonder how much longer before some TV channel wants me to do my own reality series?...I've got a <span style="font-style: italic">doozie</span> for `em. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/rolleyes.gif

WILMASBOYL78

05-08-2011, 02:52 PM

...."my mother the car"
<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/rolleyes.gif

Xplantdad

05-08-2011, 04:50 PM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: VintageMusclecar</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Xplantdad</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It's come a LONG way since the D V A P days! You have got to be happy Eric!!! </div></div>

Thanks Bruce. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif

I wonder how much longer before some TV channel wants me to do my own reality series?...I've got a <span style="font-style: italic">doozie</span> for `em. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/rolleyes.gif </div></div>

Remind me to tell you about the email that I got from PAVD a year or two ago...LOL

VintageMusclecar

05-08-2011, 07:35 PM

Thanks for all the encouraging words guys, I appreciate it. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Xplantdad</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: VintageMusclecar</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Xplantdad</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It's come a LONG way since the D V A P days! You have got to be happy Eric!!! </div></div>

Thanks Bruce. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif

I wonder how much longer before some TV channel wants me to do my own reality series?...I've got a <span style="font-style: italic">doozie</span> for `em. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/rolleyes.gif </div></div>

Remind me to tell you about the email that I got from PAVD a year or two ago...LOL </div></div>

Check your PM's.

VintageMusclecar

05-22-2011, 07:16 PM

Only a brief update for now, more on that in a moment.

Going back to the door repair mentioned a page or so back, here are the pics Bodyguy took of the process.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/M-1.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/L-1.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/H-3.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/G-4.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/C-10.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/B-11.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/A-11.jpg

As far as further progress, there hasn't been much for the last couple of weeks. First off, Bodyguy has been helping Dale's widow take care of some household issues that she couldn't do on her own, and for two, that chinese pos hood has given him more troubles than you would believe.

Long story short, he's now on the 3rd attempt to get the hood painted & buffed. The two previous paint jobs were completely successful, no issues at all there--but as it turns out, the manufacturer apparently didn't apply sufficient panel adhesive between the inner structure and the outer skin...so as a result, as soon as the hood started to warm up from the buffer, the skin would warp and exhibit waves between the inserts and the edge of the hood. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/bs.gif

As of yesterday, the hood has received a copious application of body panel adhesive <span style="font-style: italic">and</span> expanding foam between the inner & outer skin.

That sum'b*tch ain't moving now. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/mad.gif

Depending on what the following week brings, maybe more updates next weekend.

Maybe.

Xplantdad

05-23-2011, 12:14 AM

Keep it up Eric!

VintageMusclecar

06-04-2011, 09:09 PM

And we're back again.

After three attempts at finishing the hood, hopefully...<span style="font-style: italic">hopefully...<span style="font-weight: bold">HOPEFULLY</span></span> that nightmare is now behind us.

Here's Bodyguy a couple weeks ago having just blocked the hood <span style="font-style: italic">again</span> in preparation for buffing;

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/A-10.jpg

...and here he is after having just stripped it down to start over again after applying the adhesive and foam:

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/B-10.jpg

In Bodyguy's own words...<span style="font-style: italic">"in all my 30-plus years of doing body and paint, I have <span style="text-decoration: underline">never</span> had to deal with anything like this!"</span>

Gott'a love them repop parts <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/rolleyes.gif

Anyhow, it now appears the hood has been stabilized, and it will be shot for (hopefully!) the last time in the next day or two.

On the plus side, Bodyguy got the cowl panel and bumper filler panels done this week...and I finally got to see what the paint will look like in direct sunlight:

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/C-9.jpg

At this point, we're almost a month behind schedule thanks in no small part to that POS hood. Bodyguy informs me that he hopes to have the car done by the end of the month or thereabouts...barring anymore snafu's of course.

Him I have faith in....the car...not so much.

More eventually.

Xplantdad

06-05-2011, 03:46 AM

Wow Eric, I really like that blue in the sunlight. Great choice!!

mockingbird812

06-05-2011, 06:03 AM

Very nice Eric. That color really POPS!

VintageMusclecar

06-05-2011, 01:24 PM

Thanks guys <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif

Here's a little better zoomed in look at the color:

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/C2.jpg

Trust me, it looks even better in person.

The color is exactly what I was looking for, which provided an immense relief after the recent string of so many set-backs and disappointments.

VintageMusclecar

06-06-2011, 06:54 AM

I just wanted to take a few minutes to clear the air about something if I may;

It's no secret that this project has me more than a little aggravated at this point...my tone in this thread over the last couple of months should make that pretty obvious.

With all the set-backs I've had to endure throughout this project with sub-par work from outside sources to the outright garbage repop parts that I wound up having to use because original parts couldn't be located at <span style="font-style: italic">any</span> price, it's obviously taking its toll. I won't even go into the fact that I was completely "mislead" (ahem) in regards to the condition of the car to start with by the previous owners...that story should be obvious by now.

Putting aside all the grief <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic"><span style="text-decoration: underline">I</span></span></span> have had to endure, at this point I'm more frustrated by the grief Bodyguy is having to deal with now.

I was obviously up-front with him about the issues I knew about when he first agreed to take on this project, but some of the issues that cropped up once the primer, fiberglass mat and bondo started to come off wound up being fairly serious issues--issues that neither he nor I were anticipating.

-Having to <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="text-decoration: underline">re</span></span>-straighten the frame that was <span style="font-style: italic">supposed to be</span> straight from the previous frame shop

-Having to pull the upper dash chassis out to take care of more rust that couldn't be seen earlier

-Having to fix the trunk gutters on the new quarters (I won't lie, that pi$$ed me off more than I let on)

-the GARBAGE deck filler panel that took him several days to get fitted

-and let's not forget the hood and the inserts...the one item that's set us behind schedule more than all the other issues <span style="text-decoration: underline">combined</span> to this point...

There's numerous other issues I don't really care to get into publicly at this point, but suffice it to say I know this car is wearing thin on Bodyguy's nerves and patience, and it pi$$es me off that there's nothing I can do about it to make things any easier for him. He gave me a <span style="font-style: italic">screaming</span> deal on this job, but now he's gotten into considerably more than he had anticipated initially--through no fault of his nor mine.

I've already kicked in a fairly good sized "bonus" and I intend to do so again when my situation permits...but while I know that it's appreciated, it still doesn't make things all right. Even though I know it's not my fault (nor is it his), I feel guilty as hell that he's wound up having so many other issues to deal with that weren't part of the original deal.

Even so, Bodyguy has exhibited nothing less than the patience of a saint throughout this entire ordeal. I can't begin to tell you how much I admire and respect that.

Anyhow, lest I continue to ramble, please accept my apologies for being such a grump as of late. I just wanted you to know part of the reason(s) why.

SS427

06-06-2011, 03:40 PM

From "Bodyguys" stand point and likely knowing that you can not afford to pay much more than you have, this thread and your word of mouth is often times all we "restoration shops" ask for over and above as those will pay dividends for years and that is why it is so important to take care of our customers. Even though he will not get rich off this job, I will bet he will 'get rich' off your referals for years to come. That is sometimes more important than making all the money in one place. You likely already knew that based on how you run your business.

VintageMusclecar

06-08-2011, 11:21 PM

Brief mid-week update;

Stopped by the shop to drop off the fuel tank & straps and to help Bodyguy turn the hood over so he can get it painted--hopefully for the last time. Bodyguy reports the hood is now stable and he does not anticipate any further problems with it.

*fingers crossed*

When we arrived today, Bodyguy was in the process of wetsanding the decklid, which he said turned out great. He also has quite a bit of wetsanding done on the DS door and fender, so we're still making some progress.

Starting to see a glimmer of light at the end of this tunnel.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SS427</div><div class="ubbcode-body">From "Bodyguys" stand point and likely knowing that you can not afford to pay much more than you have, this thread and your word of mouth is often times all we "restoration shops" ask for over and above as those will pay dividends for years and that is why it is so important to take care of our customers. Even though he will not get rich off this job, I will bet he will 'get rich' off your referals for years to come. That is sometimes more important than making all the money in one place. You likely already knew that based on how you run your business. </div></div>

I knew you would understand. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif

VintageMusclecar

06-11-2011, 09:25 PM

Well, as the old saying goes, <span style="font-style: italic">"the third time's a charm"</span>.....I hope.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/A-12.jpg

Bodyguy seemed pretty confident that we've got that stupid hood licked now, but I'm not going to breathe that sigh of relief until it's been cut & buffed.

The decklid is mid-way through process...

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/E-7.jpg

...as are the drivers door and fender...

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/B-12.jpg

...while the pass. side door & fender patiently await their turn:

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/C-11.jpg

Bodyguy was in the process of taping up the trunk & interior when we arrived today.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/DD.jpg

He's going to do the final blocking & wetsanding on the roof in the next few days, and once we resolve the issue of where the hole is supposed to be located for the rear antenna (http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=452177#Post4521 77), the back of the car will shortly thereafter be ready for paint.

God willing and the creek don't rise.

x Baldwin Motion

06-11-2011, 11:31 PM

The antenna mounting hole is 1 1/8" diameter located midway, 1 1/2" between the trunk opening lip and the fender peak and 26 3/16" from the rear of the fender, the seam between the fender and fender extension. (info from Chevelles.com)

I am sure you don't want all the info about the rear antenna being for AM radios only, right?

VintageMusclecar

06-11-2011, 11:57 PM

Thank you! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif

VintageMusclecar

06-26-2011, 12:37 AM

Back again with another brief update.

Bodyguy was just wrapping up the final pre-paint prep details today when we arrived. He's gone over the car repeatedly with a fine-tooth comb to address whatever small bugaboos were remaining in hiding. As it turns out, there were only a few small areas that needed some minor last minute touch-up.

Just finished caulking the rockers:

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2011_06250008.jpg

Caulking the drip rails and deck filler panel:

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2011_06250009.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2011_06250010.jpg

We're still running behind schedule a bit as Bodyguy has been flying solo now for the last couple of months. Bodyguy #2 has been away for his regular daytime job as an insurance adjuster as our recent spat of bad weather and hailstorms caused a lot of local car damage and has kept Bodyguy #2 working 16 hour days/6-7 days a week. As of this week, he is on a well-deserved vacation.

That being said, #1 said he plans to have the back of the car painted by the end of this week if at all possible. Once that's done and he gets the wetsanding & buffing done, I will probably be joining in to tag-team the car to get it back together.

More eventually.

Xplantdad

06-26-2011, 08:06 AM

Very nice!

VintageMusclecar

07-09-2011, 09:02 PM

After more delays than either Bodyguy or myself would care to mention...<span style="font-weight: bold">we <span style="font-style: italic">FINALLY</span> have paint!!!</span>

Bodyguy got the car shot earlier this week. He was finishing up the wetsanding when we arrived today, going over the pass. quarter and deck filler panel with 1500 paper.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/1-6.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/3-5.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2-5.jpg

Bodyguy gave the quarter a <span style="font-style: italic">super-quick</span> quick buff so I could get an idea of what the finished product is going to look like.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/4-3.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/5-3.jpg

"Glass" comes to mind <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

Just for $hits & giggles:

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/6-3.jpg

I can not begin to tell you what an <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic"><span style="text-decoration: underline">IMMENSE</span></span></span> relief it was to see the car finally in paint. There's still some work to be done on the decklid and the tail light extensions, the rear cove still needs blacked out, and the dash and the tops of the doors/inner quarter window ledges still need to be painted, but this was a <span style="font-weight: bold">MASSIVE</span> jump towards completion.

Bodyguy says the buffing should be done by next weekend, then he'll wrap up the rest of the paint details.

For those who've been following this build, you've probably noticed that things are quite a bit behind the original schedule. Up until the beginning of this year things were moving along right according to schedule. Unfortunately, the severe weather that we experienced this winter/spring called Bodyguy #2 off for his regular full-time job on a heavy-duty <span style="font-style: italic">overtime</span> basis, which left Bodyguy #1 flying solo quite a bit.

Due to this and several other circumstances that were/are beyond his control, things will probably continue to fall a bit further behind schedule from here on out. I'm still hoping to get the car finished and back together before the season is out, but I'm not holding my breath at this point.

Hopefully I'll have another update next weekend. In the meantime, I'm going to kick back a little bit and relax and enjoy a frosty cold can of Foster's. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif

More later.

njsteve

07-09-2011, 09:18 PM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: VintageMusclecar</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> For those who've been following this build, you've probably noticed that things are quite a bit behind the original schedule. </div></div>

LOL! Tell me about being behind schedule with projects. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif

BTW, she looks great! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif

VintageMusclecar

07-09-2011, 11:08 PM

I figured if anyone could relate to project delays, you could <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/laugh.gif

Did you ever get back with Bodyguy on the car caddies?

Xplantdad

07-09-2011, 11:56 PM

Eric...so Cool! There's something about Blue Chevelles! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/headbang.gif <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/worship.gif

CamarosRus

07-10-2011, 12:21 AM

Did Bodyguy do the wet sanding with the "DA" sander (seen in picture)?

Did he apply water by hand from bottle?

After wool polishing pad, will he switch to foam so as to finer polish, remove swirls, etc etc ?

VintageMusclecar

07-10-2011, 01:46 AM

Bruce;

Thanks...and yep, there is just something about a Blue Chevelle <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

Chuck;

I don't know what steps & equipment he's using to do the final prep work aside from the quick buff he did with what appeared to be a fine wool pad and two different compounds (one compound for each specific side of the pad). In a nutshell: he used one bottle of compound and buffed lightly for maybe 2-3 minutes, which brought out the majority of the shine. He then flipped the pad on the buffer, grabbed another bottle of compound and buffed the area again for maybe another 2-3 minutes, which provided the results shown in the lower of the 2 pics. Obviously there's still a LOT of work to do, but I was more than pleased with what I saw with so little effort.

I'm just a dumb carburetor/engine guy, I don't know diddly squat about the specific ins & outs of paint detailing. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/dunno.gif <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif

All I can say for sure is I've seen his finished work on several cars and it is <span style="font-style: italic">extremely</span> nice...not ultra high-end $25K paint job nice in this instance obviously, but far more than adequate for my ol' heap. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/wink.gif <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

olredalert

07-10-2011, 02:43 AM

----Bruce,,,That color blue is fantastic. It would look good on a wastebasket, but really looks good on this Chevelle. Eric,,,You are going to have a great 67 when done......Bill S

VintageMusclecar

07-10-2011, 04:11 AM

Thank you Bill <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif

kwhizz

07-10-2011, 12:19 PM

Eric......Looking Great!!.........

m22mike

07-10-2011, 01:36 PM

I hope you get to drive that beauty soon, it's been a long haul for sure. She's lookin' good now.. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

L72Chevelle

07-10-2011, 05:39 PM

Congrats Eric, that looks great & I love that color!

VintageMusclecar

07-16-2011, 08:53 PM

Back with another brief update.

The back of the car has been wetsanded and buffed and now patiently awaits final polishing.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2011_07160001.jpg

I took 9 photos today, but these are the only two that came out--the rest were too dark to see any detail (lousy lighting today for whatever reason) <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/frown.gif

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2011_07160002.jpg

It already looks phenomenal, so I can't imagine what it's going to look like once it's been final polished.

Bodyguy plans to have the doors done by the end of the week, then he'll finish wrapping up the remaining paint details and the final sanding/buffing/polishing.

Since Bodyguy #2 is indefinitely out of the picture at this point, I brought some of the stainless back home with me to assist #1 with some more parts clean-up. Unfortunately, a couple of items that I'd hoped to re-use have been deemed no longer serviceable, so I'll be placing another order with Hinshaws this coming week.

It's only money, right? <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/dunno.gif <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/frown.gif

I can't wait to see this damned thing done and out in the sun.

More later.

Xplantdad

07-16-2011, 09:35 PM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: VintageMusclecar</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

I can't wait to see this damned thing done and out in the sun.

More later. </div></div>

You and me both Eric! Wow!!!!

SS427

07-16-2011, 09:51 PM

Everyone get your carburetors into Eric now for restoration as he won't be worth a sh!t once his car comes home! Poor Rachael. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/wink.gif

VintageMusclecar

07-16-2011, 11:28 PM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SS427</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Everyone get your carburetors into Eric now for restoration as he won't be worth a sh!t once his car comes home! Poor Rachael. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/wink.gif </div></div>

HA!...if this thing gets any nicer than it is now, I'm gonn'a be too scared to drive the damned thing! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/crazy.gif

Here shortly I'll be on the hunt for a car storage bag. Keeping the car in my garage will be akin to keeping <span style="font-style: italic">The Heart of the Ocean</span> in an old sweaty gym sock. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/rolleyes.gif

kwhizz

07-17-2011, 01:43 AM

<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif

ORIGLS6

07-17-2011, 01:48 AM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: olredalert</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That color blue is fantastic. It would look good on a wastebasket, but really looks good on this Chevelle. <span style="font-weight: bold">Eric,,,You are going to have a great 67 when done......</span> </div></div>

Absolutely!! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/worship.gif

Donnie

07-17-2011, 02:17 AM

Dam nice!

any news for me...

TDW

07-17-2011, 03:03 AM

Beautiful paint. That car is going to be killer.

VintageMusclecar

07-17-2011, 03:23 AM

Thanks again guys <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif

Donnie;

Bodyguy's trying to get mine jammed out and done so he can get back on yours full-steam. He said things should start going back together "very quickly" now, so yours is on deck.

VintageMusclecar

07-23-2011, 09:06 PM

At long last, the hood is done.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/E-8.jpg

The color still shows a little off under the fluorescent lighting (please pardon the dust from the buffer...)

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/D-9.jpg

Bodyguy #2 was on hand today helping #1 with the final polishing on the pass. side of the car, which is now complete and ready to start re-assembly.

Aligning the fender for final installation.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/C-12.jpg

Straight as an arrow (fender wasn't fully aligned yet)

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/B-13.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/A-13.jpg

Bodyguys were just about to get on the DS door and fender as we were leaving.

Still a ways to go, but it's getting closer...

More later.

427TJ

07-24-2011, 08:09 PM

WOW! What's the wheel/tire choice going to be?

VintageMusclecar

07-24-2011, 08:14 PM

The wheels (which will be painted body color shortly) & tires on it now are staying put, along with a set of Dog Dish caps. I *may* pick up another wheel/tire package just to switch up the appearance now & then, but these are the primary set.

Postsedan

07-24-2011, 08:48 PM

Great color <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

Dan

MosportGreen66

07-24-2011, 09:04 PM

E, you saved this car...

Congrats!

VintageMusclecar

08-06-2011, 11:49 PM

Making some good progress now.

Bodyguy #2 is back. The extra pair of hands are more than a little welcome.

To back-track to last week--#1 was in process on the DS fender and wound up having a small issue with the clear which required some minor touch-up.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/A-14.jpg

The repair was easily handled and #1 was finishing up the wetsanding and buffing on the DS fender today when we arrived.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/B-14.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/C-13.jpg

While #1 was busy on the fender, #2 installed the door handles and locks, and then turned his attention to installing the drip rail moldings.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/D-10.jpg

One DS fender freshly buffed and in the midst of installation.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/E-9.jpg

Once the fenders were aligned, the hood was installed.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/G-3.jpg

Next up were the rocker moldings.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/H-4.jpg

It's amazing how the addition of some moldings & trim begin to bring out the lines of the car.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/I-1.jpg

Straight as an arrow. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/J-1.jpg

#2 was hard at work installing the wheelwell moldings just as we were ready to leave.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/L.jpg

God I'm diggin' that pic! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/cool.gif

#1 called during the week to let me know he had an interior guy lined up to reinstall the headliner and rear sail panels. Headliner guy was initially supposed to be on site today, but he wasn't able to show, so he's supposed to be there next weekend.

To bring a few more details up to speed, #1 has the rear body panel blacked out and the tail light extensions painted, but they weren't quite ready for re-installation today, so with any luck they will be ready by next weekend.

If we can keep this pace up for the next few weeks, this thing <span style="font-style: italic">might</span> be done and ready to cruise a little bit before this season is over. There's still some painting to do on some interior panels, but other than that, the only big things left to do are install the rear body panel moldings, install the glass and finish putting the front & rear of the car back together.

...still pinching myself to make sure this is all really <span style="font-style: italic">finally</span> happening. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/crazy.gif

More next week.

69 Post Sedan

08-06-2011, 11:55 PM

Looks GREAT Eric!!!!!!!!!!

Kurt

Xplantdad

08-07-2011, 01:28 AM

You are to be commended Eric...I love how your car is coming out.

x Baldwin Motion

08-07-2011, 02:15 AM

nice to see a project progressing like this <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

70 Forest Green Zee

08-07-2011, 02:16 AM

Car is really looking good Eric....when's your carb guy gonna have your carb done :-)

VintageMusclecar

08-08-2011, 01:57 PM

Thanks guys <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif

VintageMusclecar

08-08-2011, 02:00 PM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 70 Forest Green Zee</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Car is really looking good Eric....when's your carb guy gonna have your carb done :-) </div></div>

Pfffttt...I'm still trying to find someone who knows what the hell they're doing! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/wink.gif

...thinking about calling KWhizzz'z efi guy... <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif

kwhizz

08-09-2011, 12:29 AM

Yep!!.....I know all about that computer stuff "and" Oxygen Sensors..........Yep!!

VintageMusclecar

08-13-2011, 09:47 PM

Back again.

Sorry about the crappy pics. I really need to remember to turn off the flash.

One blacked out tail panel and tail light extensions being fitted.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2011_08130004.jpg

One freshly squirted deck lid awaiting wetsanding & buffing.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2011_08130005.jpg

Headliner guy was on site when we arrived today and was already in the process of installing the headliner. Here he is gluing the edges in preparation for installation.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2011_08130006.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2011_08130007.jpg

Just after I took this pic, I had to run back to the house to look for some parts that I *thought* I had dropped off with the car. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/dunno.gif

No luck. Natch.

By the time I returned, Headliner guy had just finished.

One fresh headliner & rear sail panels. Please pardon the dust orbs.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2011_08130010.jpg

I need to remove the stainless reveal moldings and doctor them up once the glue has set on the headliner. There's dings & scuffs o'plenty that need to be massaged out.

Next up for the following week;

--Get the hood latch <span style="font-style: italic">re</span>-de-rusted (stupid humidity) and give it a Boeshield bath.

--Source the appropriate molding for the lower inner rear window pinch weld (could'a sworn that came with the rest of the kit I just bought, but obviously it didn't...)

--Source new rear view mirrors for the interior and DS door.

--Purchase <span style="font-style: italic">another</span> dome lamp assembly to replace the one I already bought which has apparently up & ran off.

--Doctor up the rear SS396 emblem which already has peeling black out paint...again, gott'a love these repop parts. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/rolleyes.gif

--Source a couple dozen acorn sheetmetal nuts to replace the craptastic NON-acorn nut sheetmetal nuts that came with the repop emblems---nuts that either try to strip when you tighten them, or don't even catch the pins on the emblems because the pins are too short.

Yay.

Bodyguy was just getting ready to start wetsanding the decklid as we were leaving. On his "to do" list this week are finishing up the decklid, getting the decklid hinges trimmed in with bodycolor, and getting the tops of the interior window sills painted.

Slowly but steadily inching towards completion.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2011_08130012.jpg

More later.

SS427

08-13-2011, 09:52 PM

Looking great Eric. I cannot imagine how pumped you are to get this home and install the Legendary interior as well as many of the other bolt on items so it starts looking like a complete car. Poor Rachael...... <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/wink.gif

mockingbird812

08-13-2011, 10:01 PM

The car is looking real TUFF Eric. Keep it up and keep us up to date!!!

TDW

08-13-2011, 10:24 PM

Looks great Eric. I have had good luck running a 10-32 die over the studs on the emblems, then using a flatwasher, a lock washer, then a standard nut.

VintageMusclecar

08-13-2011, 11:30 PM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SS427</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Looking great Eric. I cannot imagine how pumped you are to get this home and install the Legendary interior as well as many of the other bolt on items so it starts looking like a complete car. Poor Rachael...... <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/wink.gif </div></div>

Rachel read this and chuckled...<span style="font-style: italic">"Poor Rachel?...more like 'poor Eric'!"</span> <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif

I'll probably have to sneak the keys from her when I want to drive it. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/haha.gif

She's already hinting about standing on armed guard once it's done. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

kwhizz

08-14-2011, 02:18 PM

Looks like you might get to drive it this season yet!!.....Congrat's and the car and color look "Awsum"....

VintageMusclecar

08-14-2011, 02:31 PM

Thanks Ken <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif

VintageMusclecar

08-21-2011, 02:16 AM

More progress to report, but only a few pertinent pics.

The deck lid is back in place. The tail light extensions are fully assembled and installed for good. Bodyguy also got the bumper gaskets stapled in place on the rear body panel. The rear rims have been painted as well, fronts are to follow shortly.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2011_08200001.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2011_08200003.jpg

Hinges are painted in. The trunk will receive the correct spatter paint soon.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/2011_08200005.jpg

The trunk actually sounds like a new car trunk when you close the deck lid now. I'm so diggin' that. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

BodyguyS were just starting to fit the rear body panel trim when we left today. I'll be back out Monday-ish to disassemble the lower dash so Bodyguy can get it painted along with the rest of the interior this week. Tentative plans are to get the window molding clip studs installed and have Glassguy come out next weekend to reinstall the glass.

More soon.

kwhizz

08-21-2011, 03:00 AM

<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/worship.gif <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/worship.gif <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/worship.gif

Xplantdad

08-21-2011, 05:21 AM

I agree....wow what a beautiful car!!!

Shevelle

08-21-2011, 08:36 PM

Looking really great Eric! Love the color!!

VintageMusclecar

08-27-2011, 11:18 PM

Boy has this been a looooong week.

I went back to the bodyshop last Monday and got the dash disassembled so Bodyguy could get it painted along with the rest of the interior. When we arrived today, Bodyguy had just started reassembling the freshly painted dash, and I could tell by the look on his face he wasn't getting anywhere quickly. Rachel and I dove in and got the dash reassembled in relatively short order so Bodyguy could move on to installing the car's <span style="font-style: italic">second</span> reproduction dash pad...which of course, fits only marginally better than the outright garbage pad I got stuck with the first time around. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/mad.gif

(The original dash will eventually find its way to Just Dashes...had enough of this repop crap)

Once the dash was assembled, Bodyguy and I got it in the car and loosely installed, whereupon Bodyguy #2 finished the install.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/B-15.jpg

Bodyguy did manage to get many of the window molding clips installed, but there's still plenty more to go.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/D-11.jpg

To backtrack a little;

I called a restoration house Monday to re-order the <span style="text-decoration: underline">correct</span> fasteners for the side emblems to replace the incorrect fasteners <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="text-decoration: underline">I</span></span> mistakenly ordered last week. As fate would have it, there was some confusion on the order which meant that the parts didn't get shipped until yesterday.

Shocking, I know.

I called another supplier Tuesday to try to find some used replacement front & rear window moldings and the side headliner moldings--mine were just too battered to save. Again, as fate would have it, we weren't able to source anything in time, so we wound up having to go to a local restoration parts house to pick up $300+ worth of new front & rear reproduction window moldings...

Here's the rear moldings...

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/C-14.jpg

Do I even need to mention how the initial test fit went? <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/rolleyes.gif

As such, Glassguy wasn't called in for this weekend since the new moldings are going to take some tweaking to get to fit...maybe next weekend, who knows at this point. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/dunno.gif

On the plus side, Bodyguy got most of the interior painting done, got the pass. side glass and the door window fuzzies installed along with most of the side weatherstripping, and he also got the rest of the rear panel trim on, and despite it being repop, he's got it fitting better than a lot of the OEM trim I've seen.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/A-15.jpg

So close, and yet still so far...

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/VMCP777/E-10.jpg

More later.