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Birds and Bees: Operation Phoenix - 1957 T-Bird
Well, despite the innuendos on the title, there's no gratuitous sex involved. But there is birds and bees! And what I mean by that is I'm working on a 'Bird and taking a break from a 'Bee. So, that's sort of the same, right? [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/hmmm.gif[/img] Well, no it's not. But here's the latest project to come into the shop that needs attention post haste! Enter a 1957 Ford Thunderbird. I had to wrap the Super Bee in a cocoon and push it to the side since this T-Bird needs to be done by the end of October. It's for a friend who's retiring in December and I'm going to have it ready for his 65th/retirement party mid December. Why then do I need to have it done by the end of October? Simple! Because if I tell myself it needs to be done two months earlier, it'll get done on time. If I tell myself it needs to get done by December, it'll get done by March. See? I'm no scheduling wizard, but I've watched enough reality TV shows to know that nobody meets deadlines and I'm not working 29hrs a day to get something done yesterday. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/thumbsdown.gif[/img] So, onto the car. I found it up in CT and it was owned by a lady who's husband owned a dealership up there. The car is a 312, PS, PW, Power seat, Town and Country AM/FM radio, and get this, even has a record player under the dash! So, what do I need to do? Paint, install power brakes, install A/C, and install new chrome trim. That's about it. So here's a few pics to get started. More to come....
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...5-dscn1353.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...6-dscn1358.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...7-dscn1333.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...8-dscn1343.jpg Cheers [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif[/img] Dave |
Re: Birds and Bees: Operation Phoenix - 1957 T-Bird
So, the first thing is the paint. Man, this stuff is terrible. The original color of the car was Gunmetal Gray. This is an early car, and to my understanding, there were two Gunmetal Grays an N code and an H code. The lighter H code was introduced later in May of 1957. At some point the car was repainted in Wimbledon White, and while a nice color, this ain't a nice paint job.
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...8109-bird2.jpg No, that's the the Arctic Ice sheet in the Spring. That's the cracks and cheeking of 40yr old laquer. So, how do you deal with that? Simple....60 Grit, baby!!!! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/headbang.gif[/img] https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...8110-bird3.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...8111-bird7.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...8112-bird4.jpg There, that should do it. How long did that take? Way longer than I planned, and I"m only now getting the feeling back in my hand from the palm sander... [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/frown.gif[/img] Cheers [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif[/img] |
Re: Birds and Bees: Operation Phoenix - 1957 T-Bird
OK, so with everything masked off (engine bay, glass, trim, my neighbor...), I sprayed down two thick coats of the DP50LF and then after 8hrs, 3 heavy coats of DPS3055. Yeah, I know M22Mike, I already had the stuff laying around from the Bee but I promise I'll try your stuff the next time! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] I started with 180, worked some dents with the hammer and dolley, and used some fill here and there. Overall, very pleased with how straight the car is! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...8113-bird6.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...8114-bird5.jpg The original wheel pants were pretty dinged up and the stainless, well....that was stained! So I ordered a new set of pants from Concours parts. I'm really pleased with the fitment. Nobody likes bad fitting pants! You'll look like one of those teenage kids with their lousy rock-nroll music and that butt crack hanging out the back! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/dunno.gif[/img] Not real sure why that's so popular. Where was I? Oh yeah...moving on.... Cheers [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif[/img] |
Re: Birds and Bees: Operation Phoenix - 1957 T-Bird
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...8116-bird8.jpg
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...8117-bird9.jpg So here's the 'Boid after some glaze, a lot more blocking with 220, and wiped down ready for another round of primer.. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...118-bird10.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...119-bird11.jpg And here we're sitting in fresh primer awaiting the 320 block out tomorrow! Discovered a few good waves, but instead of this thing being like the Drake Passage, it's more like one of those finger lakes South of Syracuse. A little wavy, but nothing a 3ft board and a lot of sanding can't handle. I'm shocked that there isn't many dings to deal with. OK, more to come tomorrow! Cheers [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif[/img] Dave |
Re: Birds and Bees: Operation Phoenix - 1957 T-Bird
Fun, fun, fun, til' daddy took the T-Bird away! Nice old BIRD!!!
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Re: Birds and Bees: Operation Phoenix - 1957 T-Bird
Love those early T-Birds as well as your humorous writing. Looking forward to seeing how this comes out as my neighbor had a charcoal gray Bird when I was a little kid (along with a black one and a copper one) and that gray one was beautiful. Is the Gun Metal gray that charcoal gray color?
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Re: Birds and Bees: Operation Phoenix - 1957 T-Bird
----Frank Sinatra had a charcoal 57 T-Bird with red interior (I think. Saw it auctioned.......Bill S
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Re: Birds and Bees: Operation Phoenix - 1957 T-Bird
Yep, that's the color. And I think Sinatra's 'Boid color combo was one of the best looking in these cars. Dark Charcoal with a Red interior is classic. I'm trying to use my subtle power of persuasion to persuade the owner to let me paint it that color. But how he remembers his uncle's car, which got him hooked on T-Birds, was in Turquoise. I explained to him that Turquoise was never offered in a baby bird, and what he's thinking of was actually Blue. But, he wants the Turquoise, and it'll look pretty sharp, so that's what it'll be. Or I may just paint it Gunmetal and surprise him. See, here at Dave's Unique Musclecar Projects, or DUMP, our moto is "We're not happy until you're not happy" [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/thumbsdown.gif[/img] [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/hmmm.gif[/img] [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif[/img]
Cheers [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif[/img] |
Re: Birds and Bees: Operation Phoenix - 1957 T-Bird
"Yyyyar Mateys! Ahoy ye' land lubber! Yyyarr!!!!" Oh, sorry. Just so many waves around I thought I was on the Adriatic Sea. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/whistle.gif[/img] Biggest culprits? Passenger fender, driver's side rear upper quarter panel, and the hood scoop. How the heck does a dent happen in the middle of the freakin' hood??? [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/hmmm.gif[/img] Because based on how hard it is to reach that part of the hood to sand it, I'm sure it took some effort to get a dent there! Another round of guide coat (I use 3M powder with the sponge applicator) and some 320.
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...825_073008.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...825_132318.jpg So why are the pics a little blury? Well, they're taken from my phone that's inside a plastic bag. And why's that? Because it's brand new and I need it to last 2yrs and if I come home with a primed up phone...well....let's just say that won't go over so well. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/thumbsdown.gif[/img] So what's on deck now? The 'Boid is sitting in the final round of primer. I'll pull it out into the sun today and go over the entire car with a pencil and circle any divots, pinholes, craters, canyons, and anything else I missed. I'll unwrap it, dedustify (dedustify? [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/hmmm.gif[/img]) the entire car, and wetsand with 400, and wash it with Dawn soap, Spot prime if necessary, and then block out those touched up areas. A final wash, and a wipe down with wax/degreaser. After that, mask off the car again and it's ready for paint! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] I'll be using DCU base/clear on it. Why? Because I've noticed an improvement in my posture and back pain since I've bought the materials for this and the Bee. My wallet in my back pocket is INCREDIBLY lighter [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/thumbsdown.gif[/img] Cheers [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif[/img] Dave |
Re: Birds and Bees: Operation Phoenix - 1957 T-Bird
Looking good Dave! If you want to squeeze a 68 goat between the bird and the bee, I've got one for you. Could even use your humor to get my wife to like the car [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif[/img]
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Re: Birds and Bees: Operation Phoenix - 1957 T-Bird
Dave, what can I say, your a wildman [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif[/img]. No need to try another primer, I think the 3055 is just newer, and low VOC than what I mentioned to you awhile back. Remember PPG and even 3M's goal is to keep making new products for us to use that will assist them in draining our wallets [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/dunno.gif[/img]
Great thread, thanks. Mike |
Re: Birds and Bees: Operation Phoenix - 1957 T-Bird
Looks like I should send my Chrysler 300 out there! Nice work
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Re: Birds and Bees: Operation Phoenix - 1957 T-Bird
Thanks guys! Phil, I didn't know you were having marital problems. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/frown.gif[/img] I tell you what, I'll take that, what do you call it, a COPO [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/hmmm.gif[/img] ...off your hands. That should alleviate some tension! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/crazy.gif[/img] I'll make you a deal you can't refuse! Just kidding buddy, but you know if you want me to paint a car for you...mi bootha es su bootha. Something like that, anyway!
So in spent the morning serenading with 400. Found a few small places i need to touch up, but other than that I think I'm about ready for paint later this week! Here's some after I unwrapped it and pulled it out into the sun, er, clouds, for a closer look https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...6-dscn1653.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...7-dscn1654.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...8-dscn1655.jpg |
Re: Birds and Bees: Operation Phoenix - 1957 T-Bird
And during the wetsanding. After each panel I layed on the water to see the reflection from the girders on the ceiling in my shop. I figured they would tell me if I was way off on blocking out a panel. Here's a few of the trunk, hood, and a door which took a lot of blocking to get flat. I think I'm ready! I'm glad you all enjoy my posts. I'm famous in my own way! "Who's that guy on the forum..." "You mean the guy that does the good work?" "No, the goofball with the crazy posts...". "Oh, that guy, some dude who likes Dodges or something [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/rolleyes.gif[/img]
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...9-dscn1656.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...0-dscn1658.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...1-dscn1661.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...4-dscn1663.jpg |
Re: Birds and Bees: Operation Phoenix - 1957 T-Bird
I found a guy that sells cheaper paint, Mike. Says this gallon should be enough to cover the car since I dilute it 3 times. It's PP-G, which is the Ukrainian version of PPG, and the G was actually printed backwards. Should be the same stuff, right? [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/dunno.gif[/img]
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...3-dscn1668.jpg |
Re: Birds and Bees: Operation Phoenix - 1957 T-Bird
Is this the look the owner is going for?
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...48256-1a1a.jpg |
Re: Birds and Bees: Operation Phoenix - 1957 T-Bird
That's the look, Mark. Funny you post that pic since that's what I showed him. But he really likes the Tropical Turquoise color,so that's what is going to be unless something changes between today and tomorrow when I buy the paint. More soon!
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Re: Birds and Bees: Operation Phoenix - 1957 T-Bird
So, Wednesday was the day! Temperature was right, humidity was down, Venus was moving towards Aquarius....everything lined up for a night of unbridled paintification! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...1-dscn1683.jpg
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...2-dscn1685.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...3-dscn1681.jpg Cheers [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif[/img] |
Re: Birds and Bees: Operation Phoenix - 1957 T-Bird
Pulled it out into the sun. Only a few days to sand out. Overall, I'm happy with it! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...7-dscn1694.jpg
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...8-dscn1690.jpg Let the wet sanding begin!! |
Re: Birds and Bees: Operation Phoenix - 1957 T-Bird
So here we are..... Starting with 1000 and increasing up to 4000. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...5-dscn1696.jpg
This was getting me nowhere, so I thought....hmmm.... What if I increased the sanding area? That would cut the sanding down! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...7-dscn1697.jpg So out came the polisher and i taped on six disks which created a 1sq ft. Surface area of sanding material! What could go wrong? https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...8-dscn1698.jpg ..... And here's the car after the second repaint. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/frown.gif[/img] [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/hmmm.gif[/img] [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/crazy.gif[/img] Polishing up next! Cheers Dave |
Re: Birds and Bees: Operation Phoenix - 1957 T-Bird
Only us old folks can appreciate the beauty of that old T-Bird -- awesome color ... TAZ [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif[/img]
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Re: Birds and Bees: Operation Phoenix - 1957 T-Bird
Single stage Dave ?
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Re: Birds and Bees: Operation Phoenix - 1957 T-Bird
Base/clear. DBC followed by DCU2021. 4 coats of clear. Used my Sata 4000. I need to upgrade the old shop compressor to a two-stage. Recovery time a lot less than the single pump ones. Big car like the Bee really eats up the air!!! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif[/img]
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Re: Birds and Bees: Operation Phoenix - 1957 T-Bird
Started to buff it out using the 3M system. A long and compoundy road ahead!
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...904_110633.jpg |
Re: Birds and Bees: Operation Phoenix - 1957 T-Bird
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: earntaz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Only us old folks can appreciate the beauty of that old T-Bird -- awesome color ... TAZ [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif[/img] </div></div>
I appreciate it, so maybe I am an "old folk"? Ryan |
Re: Birds and Bees: Operation Phoenix - 1957 T-Bird
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ryan1969Chevelle</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: earntaz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Only us old folks can appreciate the beauty of that old T-Bird -- awesome color ... TAZ [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif[/img] </div></div>
I appreciate it, so maybe I am an "old folk"? Ryan</div></div> Never worry Ryan -- everyone is working in that direction ... some quit sooner than others ... ENJOY!!! TAZ [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif[/img] |
Re: Birds and Bees: Operation Phoenix - 1957 T-Bird
Been doing some sanding, some buffing, some scratching, some touch up with phrases like, "why do I do this?" and, "I really should hire someone who knows what they're doing next time!" [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/thumbsdown.gif[/img] But, I'm done with the polishing and pulled it out for some pics. The color in the pics is a lot more blue than in real life. I was a photography major in college, so let me explain why. See, as light comes into the lens, it's triangulated and refractuation occurs after blue is taken from a different wavelength after being divided from the hypotenuse from the third side, and after bouncing back top wise, you see more blue [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/hmmm.gif[/img] Errr..something like that. Time to start fitting up the wheel skirts!
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...909_100446.jpg |
Re: Birds and Bees: Operation Phoenix - 1957 T-Bird
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...909_090623.jpg
Here's the skirts fitted up. They took some massaging to really fit up snug. And for some reason today, the forum is only letting me post up one pic at a time. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/dunno.gif[/img] |
Re: Birds and Bees: Operation Phoenix - 1957 T-Bird
Ha, the Blue Lighting explanation - Priceless [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]
Well done, she looks great! Dan |
Re: Birds and Bees: Operation Phoenix - 1957 T-Bird
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...910_112538.jpg
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...910_114155.jpg Had to redo the hood. There were some fisheyes in the clear that I just wasn't happy with that were bugging the crap out of me! Think it came out way better! I'll hit the decklid and transition panel tomorrow. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] Cheers [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif[/img] |
Re: Birds and Bees: Operation Phoenix - 1957 T-Bird
Looks pretty damn good -- the Blue Bird is fixin' to fly ... TAZ [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]
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Re: Birds and Bees: Operation Phoenix - 1957 T-Bird
That looks beautiful.
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Re: Birds and Bees: Operation Phoenix - 1957 T-Bird
Thanks guys! Been doing some reassembly. Trunk is trunkified, more this weekend!
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...916_095607.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...916_095953.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...916_142452.jpg |
Re: Birds and Bees: Operation Phoenix - 1957 T-Bird
Gotta' have those fuzzy dice hanging from the mirror -- PERIOD CORRECT!!! TAZ
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Re: Birds and Bees: Operation Phoenix - 1957 T-Bird
Minus a few small things like a door lock that just doesn't want to work, some small detailing items, the 'Boid be DONE!!!!!
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...9229-done1.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...9230-done3.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...9231-done2.jpg OK, enough distractions.....back on the Bee!!!!! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/headbang.gif[/img] Cheers [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif[/img] |
Re: Birds and Bees: Operation Phoenix - 1957 T-Bird
Looks great!
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Re: Birds and Bees: Operation Phoenix - 1957 T-Bird
She's a pretty bird
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Re: Birds and Bees: Operation Phoenix - 1957 T-Bird
Came out super ... TAZ
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Re: Birds and Bees: Operation Phoenix - 1957 T-Bird
Sheesh Dave. You know you started this thread 26 days ago. That is incredible!
The Boid does look great. Nice job. Phil [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] |
Re: Birds and Bees: Operation Phoenix - 1957 T-Bird
Came out beautifully.
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