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Re: 72 T/A progess
Stopped by Home Depot today and replaced the crappy Craftsman Mini Mouse Sander with a Black&Decker model. It worked fine. Using 80 grit, I had all the paint off of the front of the valance in about 2 hours. I can't feel my hands though. Maybe the feeling with come back in a day or two, in time to do the back of the panel. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i3...a/P6250001.jpg http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i3...a/P6250002.jpg http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i3...a/P6250003.jpg http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i3...a/P6250004.jpg |
Re: 72 T/A progess
[ QUOTE ]
Using 80 grit, I had all the paint off of the front of the valance in about 2 hours. I can't feel my hands though. Maybe the feeling with come back in a day or two, in time to do the back of the panel. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif [/ QUOTE ] Ha, you removed your fingerprints and all the feeling that goes with them! You're in stealth mode now! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif - |
Re: 72 T/A progess
Incredible work; until this thread about your TA restoration I would have never known about these valances. Now that I am aware of them I don't think I recall ever seeing another TA with one. I can't wait to see the car when it's finished but, in another way, it will be a sad day because that will mean no more posts like this.
I really look forward to seeing what has been done and how you use your "McGyver" skills to save / improve the original parts. |
Re: 72 T/A progess
Well, here's the finished product. It took a few days of sanding and remelting and reapplying more polyethylene rods but this will work on the car. I left the main mounting holes filled in so I can redrill them in the correct spots one the valance is trial fitted on the car.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i3...a/P6270023.jpg http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i3...a/P6270024.jpg http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i3...a/P6270007.jpg http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i3...a/P6270020.jpg http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i3...a/P6270019.jpg http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i3...a/P6270018.jpg |
Re: 72 T/A progess
Here are the most difficult repaired areas, the upper mounting points, the turn signal housing and the upper face bar.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i3...a/P6270008.jpg http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i3...a/P6270021.jpg The yucky looking yellow stuff in the outer edge of the passenger side turn signal housing is extra welded in polethylene rod I added for reinforcement. It doesn't have to look pretty, it's just there for the added bracing. http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i3...a/P6270010.jpg http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i3...a/P6270014.jpg |
Re: 72 T/A progess
The back side of the panel. I used some fine stainless steel screen and melted/embedded it into the main center fractured area to add some reinforcement. This is the recommended method when repairing areas that will face stress when installed.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i3...a/P6270022.jpg http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i3...a/P6270011.jpg http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i3...a/P6270012.jpg http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i3...a/P6270013.jpg |
Re: 72 T/A progess
SHE'S ALIVE!!!
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Re: 72 T/A progess
I went to the bodyshop today to trial fit the valance.
First, I bolted the valance in place, finger tight, and then drilled the filled-in upper mounting holes with a small drill and a Dremel tool, accessing the location through the headlight area. I made a pilot hole from the top side down through the mounting screw holes in the lower part of the bumper. Once I could see where the pilot hole was from underneath, I used a larger grinder bit to open up the hole to the correct size. Worked like a charm. Once the valance was in place I held the front spoiler in the right spot. (the front fender flares actually do a good job of setting the spoiler in the right spot for alignment purposes.) I then used the Dremel tool to grind out the new holes in the valance using the spoiler's holes as a template. And as predicted, the majority of the original factory hole locations were about 3/4 of an inch off. So I was glad I filled them in. I drilled the new holes and used some nuts and bolts and set it all in place in a new position that doesn't require you to heave on and abnormally stress the valance when it's bolted into position. The car's original white valance lined up beautifully, better than the blue valance. There's nothing like using the original parts from your car. (with a whole lotta massaging) http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i3...a/S7001566.jpg http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i3...a/S7001563.jpg Here's the original before shot from October 2004, for comparison purposes (and to remind me of how this car is supposed to look when not in grey primer.) https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i3...e11-20-04a.jpg |
Re: 72 T/A progess
And here is the progress on the block sanding. He started on the roof and upper quarters. Takes a lotta time. That is why I hate body work and don't do it myself. I just don't have the patience. If it involves grease or burning/melting things, I enjoy it. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i3...a/S7001568.jpg http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i3...a/S7001569.jpg http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i3...a/S7001571.jpg |
Re: 72 T/A progess
Current progress from the bodyshop. A lot of block sanding to make everything flat and straight before the next layer of primer...
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i30/nk15268a/103.jpg http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i30/nk15268a/104.jpg http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i30/nk15268a/105.jpg |
Re: 72 T/A progess
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ] Steve, how many total hours do you figure you have in this project? https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/dunno.gif [/ QUOTE ] All of them. (Well there are 8,760 hours in a year, multiply that by 4 years and you have the answer...35,040 hours so far. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif) [/ QUOTE ] Too bad those aren't billable... https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/naughty.gif |
Re: 72 T/A progess
I picked up an extra set of 15x7 honeycomb wheels for my BFG radials. (from earlier posts you know I will be using the Polyglas GT's for show). Found these on ebay reasonably cheap and only about 25 miles away.
The problem with these wheels is that the internal steel supporting cone that runs from the mounting flange of the wheel to the center cap mounting point is usually mangled from years of abuse from tire machines, pried off center caps, really high curbs, etc. The normally pentagon shaped flange is commonly trapazoidal from the years of bad treatment. There is no way to access and repair the cone if it is damaged...unless you get creative. Here is the set: http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i3...68a/b93a_1.jpg Here is the center cap area. Notice the ovaled out center holes: http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i3...68a/baa1_1.jpg http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i3...68a/bc57_1.jpg |
Re: 72 T/A progess
I "thunk" to myself, well what do you use to make a dented tube round again?...and a lightbulb went off. Use a muffler tailpipe expander!
I borrowed my buddy's 30 year-old piece of iron hardware and plunked it in the center hole, gave a few whacks with a dead blow hammer and voila! Perfectly round again. It didn't even hurt the inner center cap mounting lip on the cone. It just moved everything back into place. http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i3...a/S7001704.jpg http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i3...a/S7001703.jpg And here is the result: http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i3...a/S7001711.jpg |
Re: 72 T/A progess
Very ingenious. I look forward to your updates.
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif |
Re: 72 T/A progess
Finished the bodywork and paint on the rims over the weekend. It really sucks having to pay $50 a can for OEM brand paint since they are the only ones that make the Honeycomb silver paint in a spray can. I'm sorry but the R&D cost can't be that massive for a paint that comes from an original factory paint code. Ouch! Maybe it has little bitty pieces of real diamonds in it that make it so sparkly...or maybe they're owned by Exxon/Mobil. (Note my sarcasm here https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...s/rolleyes.gif)
Anyway, the wheels came out reasonably well. I will be swapping the center caps from my other set when I use the radials, since the NOS center caps cost about $90 apiece now and no one repros them. Bigger ouch! http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i3...a/P8110004.jpg |
Re: 72 T/A progess
Beautiful job, and nicely centered tire logos over the valve stems. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif
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Re: 72 T/A progess
Always the perfectionist. (Thanks for noticing) https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif
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Re: 72 T/A progess
What about a set of the new 18" billets from Year One? https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/laugh.gif
http://www.yearone.com/images/parts/...ycombwhls1.jpg |
Re: 72 T/A progess
Mac - looking fine and fine. Hey, I took a quick look at the latest HMM and noticed they featured Mitchell's personal '72 T/A. Have not read it in detail - just scanned it. What do you think about this car and the article? Do you know who recently ended up with it? Price? https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/naughty.gif Could this spark a surge in the '72 T/A market? https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif
Thanks, |
Re: 72 T/A progess
http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles...QQAdIdZ53545982
Due to the beautiful work going on with this car I just thought I would share this with other T/A lovers.Sorry if it posted in the wrong place. |
Re: 72 T/A progess
[ QUOTE ]
Mac - looking fine and fine. Hey, I took a quick look at the latest HMM and noticed they featured Mitchell's personal '72 T/A. Have not read it in detail - just scanned it. What do you think about this car and the article? Do you know who recently ended up with it? Price? https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/naughty.gif Could this spark a surge in the '72 T/A market? https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif Thanks, [/ QUOTE ] I saw the article. Notice the plastic front valance. You can see how badly damaged it is. The driver's side corner is shattered and just hanging. I can fix that if he asks. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/naughty.gif |
Re: 72 T/A progess
Some recent progress on the block sanding front.
It kinda looks like a 1970's van mural in progress. I think I see a shark, and a cloud, and a pteradactyl... https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...s/rolleyes.gif http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i30/nk15268a/107.jpg http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i30/nk15268a/108.jpg http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i30/nk15268a/109.jpg http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i30/nk15268a/106.jpg |
Re: 72 T/A progess
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Re: 72 T/A progess
I see a shark fin.
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Re: 72 T/A progess
[ QUOTE ]
Some recent progress on the block sanding front. It kinda looks like a 1970's van mural in progress. I think I see a shark, and a cloud, and a pteradactyl... https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...s/rolleyes.gif http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i30/nk15268a/107.jpg [/ QUOTE ] Interesting car in the background there! |
Re: 72 T/A progess
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Re: 72 T/A progess
Rich finished blocking the passenger side and his guys are now working on the rear deck lid, spoiler and filler panel.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i30/nk15268a/112.jpg http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i30/nk15268a/110.jpg http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i30/nk15268a/111.jpg |
Re: 72 T/A progess
Gaps all look real good.
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Re: 72 T/A progess
Hey Denis-good to hear from you. All the snow melted https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/dunno.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif !!!
That's one fast Z your sportin' in your signature block https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...emlins/eek.gif !! |
Re: 72 T/A progess
A few progress shots of the rear window filler panel getting massaged into place. It's kind of a tricky piece since it forms the bottom of the rear window channel. It's a big water leaker if you get it wrong. It's also impossible to remove without cracking the rear window glass once the glass is installed.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i30/nk15268a/114.jpg http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i30/nk15268a/113.jpg |
Re: 72 T/A progess
Went out to PA to the bodyshop today to bring the trunk weatherstrip for final height fitting of the lid. Here are the latest shots of the block sanding marathon. Hopefully it will be in total primer in the next week or so.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i30/nk15268a/129.jpg http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i30/nk15268a/127.jpg http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i30/nk15268a/126.jpg http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i30/nk15268a/124.jpg http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i30/nk15268a/133.jpg http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i30/nk15268a/135.jpg |
Re: 72 T/A progess
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Re: 72 T/A progess
More work on the tail end. Here is the final fitting of the rear spoiler pieces. They have spent a great deal of time fitting them. The fit at the top edges of the endcaps in relation to the center section always seem to be askew on most 2nd gen F-body cars.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i30/nk15268a/144.jpg http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i30/nk15268a/141.jpg |
Re: 72 T/A progess
The fitting of the tail lights and fiberglass center section. This is the center piece that people always break because they forget there are two little studs on the thin end sections that run under the taillights. The panel will self-destruct if you try to pry them off without removing the sheetmetal nuts first. This one is an NOS piece I found on ebay.
She looks like an actual car! ...Almost. http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i30/nk15268a/142.jpg |
Re: 72 T/A progess
Rear window trim fitting. Here is the before shot showing the difference in the original aluminum trim piece as compared to the factory squared-off angle of the window frame.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i30/nk15268a/143.jpg And the in-progress shot of building up the edge up so it's at least partially resembling the curve of the original trim piece, without the big gap. http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i30/nk15268a/140.jpg |
Re: 72 T/A progess
Hopefully the last of the primer layer(s) going on:
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i30/nk15268a/151.jpg http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i30/nk15268a/154.jpg http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i30/nk15268a/153.jpg |
Re: 72 T/A progess
Wow, that is alot of texture in the primer! It will take alot of blocking to get rid of that.
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Re: 72 T/A progess
You are looking for build, not flow. We use a Sata gun for priming with a 2.5 tip lays out nice, we sand wet with 320, 400, 600 and 800 before we seal with Glasurit products and paint, the T/A no problem.
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Re: 72 T/A progess
[ QUOTE ]
You are looking for build, not flow. We use a Sata gun for priming with a 2.5 tip lays out nice, we sand wet with 320, 400, 600 and 800 before we seal with Glasurit products and paint, the T/A no problem. [/ QUOTE ] Yeah, - that's exactly what I was gonna say! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif |
Re: 72 T/A progess
Steve, Looking good! My Hugger Orange Camaro is almost out of the paint shop, can't wait! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/smile.gif
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