Re: Chevelle updates
 

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/d7...1_06250008.jpg

Caulking the drip rails and deck filler panel:

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d7...1_06250009.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d7...1_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.

Re: Chevelle updates
 

Very nice!

Re: Chevelle updates--we have paint!
 

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

&quot;Glass&quot; comes to mind [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

Just for $hits &amp; 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. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif[/img]

More later.

Re: Chevelle updates--we have paint!
 

<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. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif[/img]

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

Re: Chevelle updates
 

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

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

Re: Chevelle updates
 

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

Re: Chevelle updates
 

Did Bodyguy do the wet sanding with the &quot;DA&quot; 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 ?

Re: Chevelle updates
 

Bruce;

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



Chuck;

I don't know what steps &amp; 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 &amp; outs of paint detailing. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/dunno.gif[/img] [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif[/img]

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. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/wink.gif[/img] [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

Re: Chevelle updates
 

----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

Re: Chevelle updates
 

Thank you Bill [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif[/img]

Re: Chevelle updates
 

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

Re: Chevelle updates
 

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

Re: Chevelle updates
 

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

Re: Chevelle updates
 

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/d7...1_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) [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/frown.gif[/img]

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d7...1_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? [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/dunno.gif[/img] [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/frown.gif[/img]

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

More later.

Re: Chevelle updates
 

<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!!!!

Re: Chevelle updates
 

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. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/wink.gif[/img]

Re: Chevelle updates
 

<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. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/wink.gif[/img] </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! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/crazy.gif[/img]

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. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/rolleyes.gif[/img]

Re: Chevelle updates
 

[img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif[/img]

Re: Chevelle updates
 

<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!! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/worship.gif[/img]

Re: Chevelle updates
 

Dam nice!

any news for me...

Re: Chevelle updates
 

Beautiful paint. That car is going to be killer.

Re: Chevelle updates
 

Thanks again guys [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif[/img]

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 &quot;very quickly&quot; now, so yours is on deck.

Re: Chevelle updates
 

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.

Re: Chevelle updates
 

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

Re: Chevelle updates
 

The wheels (which will be painted body color shortly) &amp; 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 &amp; then, but these are the primary set.

Re: Chevelle updates
 

Great color [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

Dan

Re: Chevelle updates
 

E, you saved this car...

Congrats!

Re: Chevelle updates
 

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 &amp; trim begin to bring out the lines of the car.

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

Straight as an arrow. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

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! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/cool.gif[/img]

#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 &amp; rear of the car back together.

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

More next week.

Re: Chevelle updates
 

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

Kurt

Re: Chevelle updates
 

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

Re: Chevelle updates
 

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

Re: Chevelle updates
 

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

Re: Chevelle updates
 

Thanks guys [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif[/img]

Re: Chevelle updates
 

<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! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/wink.gif[/img]

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

Re: Chevelle updates
 

Yep!!.....I know all about that computer stuff &quot;and&quot; Oxygen Sensors..........Yep!!

Re: Chevelle updates
 

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/d7...1_08130004.jpg

One freshly squirted deck lid awaiting wetsanding &amp; buffing.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d7...1_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/d7...1_08130006.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d7...1_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. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/dunno.gif[/img]

No luck. Natch.

By the time I returned, Headliner guy had just finished.

One fresh headliner &amp; rear sail panels. Please pardon the dust orbs.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d7...1_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 &amp; 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 &amp; ran off.

--Doctor up the rear SS396 emblem which already has peeling black out paint...again, gott'a love these repop parts. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/rolleyes.gif[/img]

--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 &quot;to do&quot; 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/d7...1_08130012.jpg

More later.

Re: Chevelle updates
 

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...... [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/wink.gif[/img]

Re: Chevelle updates
 

The car is looking real TUFF Eric. Keep it up and keep us up to date!!!

Re: Chevelle updates
 

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.

Re: Chevelle updates
 

<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...... [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/wink.gif[/img] </div></div>

Rachel read this and chuckled...<span style="font-style: italic">&quot;Poor Rachel?...more like 'poor Eric'!&quot;</span> [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif[/img]

I'll probably have to sneak the keys from her when I want to drive it. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/haha.gif[/img]

She's already hinting about standing on armed guard once it's done. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]