Re: Chevelle updates
 

Glasssguy was on site when we arrived today. I was greeted by the sight of prepped front & rear glass when I walked in the shop.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d7...1_09100014.jpg

May I present one completed Chevelle posterior, complete with fuel tank, antenna, rear bumper, and trunk wiring buttoned up, patiently awaiting the installation of the rear glass. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d7...1_09100016.jpg

One Chevelle front end, almost complete, only awaiting a pair of high beam headlights, a pair of inner fenders, and one &quot;Chevelle&quot; script emblem on the hood.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d7...1_09100018.jpg

The interior is almost buttoned up, just needs a sill plate, windlace, rear seat and final assembly on the DS door.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d7...1_09100020.jpg

Glassguy (black shirt) and Bodyguy #2 prepping for the installation of the front windshield.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d7...1_09100021.jpg

Installing said windshield.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d7...1_09100022.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d7...1_09100024.jpg

Glassguy prepping for the rear window install.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d7...1_09100025.jpg

Glassguy and #1 installing said rear window.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d7...1_09100026.jpg

Glassguy and #1 installing the DS door glass.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d7...1_09100028.jpg

Re: Chevelle updates
 

Glassguy and #1 installing rear window moldings.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d7...1_09100030.jpg

Thankfully #1 spent some time tweaking the repop moldings before-hand, otherwise there wouldn't have been a snowball's chance in hell they would've fit once the gass was installed. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/worship.gif[/img]

And with the successful install of the rear window moldings, the back of the car is essentially complete! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d7...1_09100031.jpg

Installing the front windshield moldings.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d7...1_09100032.jpg

Done!

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d7...1_09100033.jpg

This thing's getting awfully close to being done! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/eek.gif[/img]

I think I'm gonn'a faint when this damn thing's actually ready to come back home. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/crazy.gif[/img]

BodyguyZ were doing a little final adjustments to the front fenders as we were leaving. I dunno what to expect for next weekend, `cuz there ain't a helluv'alot left to do!!

Gettin' down to the wire here, shouldn't be long now! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/headbang.gif[/img]

Re: Chevelle updates
 

Damn! You may even be able to make one of the seasons ending cruises! Looks great Eric!

Re: Chevelle updates
 

Thanks! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

I'm starting to get kind'a stoked...in case you couldn't tell. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif[/img]

Re: Chevelle updates
 

Another one &quot;Saved&quot;.......Congrat's Eric.......Looking Good!!

Re: Chevelle updates
 

No pics today, just a brief update.

Here's what's left that I'm aware of:

-Finish trimming the package tray for the rear defroster and install tray &amp; defroster. Gravy.

-Install rear DS door panel. Gravy.

-Install front DS door panel. Gravy.

(Bodyguy was undercoating the inner surfaces of the doors &amp; below the rear side glass today)

-Install rear seat. Gravy.

-Install DS sill plate. Gravy.

-Install &quot;Chevelle&quot; emblem on hood. Gravy.

-Paint front inner fenders. New parts, gravy, just a little time consuming for prep work.

-Sand &amp; buff cowl vent panel. Not quite gravy, but nothing monumental either.

-Spatter paint trunk.

And I believe that's it. Bodyguy said the car very well could be ready to come back home by next weekend.

Stay tuned for the final reveal once the last of the odds &amp; ends are finally wrapped up! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

Re: Chevelle updates
 

You're killing us Eric [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/cry.gif[/img] . Get 'er done and take &amp; post lots o' pix!!!!! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/Can-I-Have-It.gif[/img]

Re: Chevelle updates
 

I agree...I can't wait to see this one done!

Re: Chevelle updates
 

That shop looks familiar...&quot;Wise-guys Restoration&quot; with Sammy &quot;The Bull&quot; Gravano and Carmine Sessa doing glass and trim installations.

Re: Chevelle updates
 

Well... been faithfully tuning in and following this saga with great interest (I have wanted a similar model) and now for almost 2 weeks, when it was getting so close to being done - nothing - zippo - nada...
I (collectively, I feel safe in saying &quot;we&quot;) are dying to see the close to final results, all cleaned and polished up, out in the real world.

Re: Chevelle updates
 

I've been out to the shop several times over the last couple of weeks helping Bodyguy get the last few details wrapped up. Since Bodyguy #2 is called away indefinitely again, #1 has literally been breaking his back trying to get my car done along with staying on top of the daily incoming work.

The car is essentially completed. We are literally down to the last few nut &amp; bolt issues, including a few minor touch-ups and the final polish job. (the engine bay is going to need some attention to get everything cleaned up again, but I'll address that once the car is back home)

I'm going out again tomorrow to *hopefully* help wrap up the last few details. The car is scheduled to be delivered back home this Monday, so I hope to have the completed pics available very soon. I don't think I will have any more pics tomorrow, I really want to get the &quot;final reveal&quot; pics done in the daylight.

Re: Chevelle updates
 

I think we need to see it appear in Chicago in Nov [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif[/img]

Re: Chevelle updates
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Smokey</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I think we need to see it appear in Chicago in Nov [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif[/img] </div></div>

Yeah...what HE said!

Bashton
MCACN Managing Member

Re: Chevelle updates
 

Along with some examples of how it can lauch hard with that 4 speed before the show! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif[/img]

Re: Chevelle updates
 

I just got back from the body shop. Save for wiring up the tach, the dome lamp switches in the door jambs, the heater resistor and my aftermarket digital speedometer, the car is done. Bodyguy asked if I could fire it up for him since he'd never heard it run, so naturally I obliged. After a quick carb prime it fired right up and sounded just as good as the day it went to the shop.

As I said in the last post, there's still quite a bit of tidying up to do, esp. under hood and on the chassis/undercarriage. Great winter project.

As far as making any shows, unfortunately I won't be able to in the foreseeable future. I don't really want to put my personal issues out in the open for everyone to know, but since I've received so many invites to various shows &amp; gatherings, I'm afraid people are going to think I'm being stand-offish or unsociable because I constantly have to decline. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/frown.gif[/img]

Lest anyone think that is the case, here's the Readers Digest explanation; for quite some time now I've been caring for an ailing family member, and I have no help/relief aside from Rachel and a HHC aide who comes in a few times a week (courtesy of the V.A.). So, it's not that I don't <span style="font-style: italic">want</span> to travel to these shows/gatherings, but I <span style="font-style: italic">can't</span> go because there's no one else to care for my family member. (this is also why I had to cut my business hours down to part time)

So until this situation is resolved in whatever manner God/nature sees fit, I have to stay close to home. I hope everyone understands.

Anyhow, the car will be back home Monday, so weather (and schedule) permitting, I'll try to get the final reveal pics up a.s.a.p. Just please ignore the dusty engine bay for now. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/blush.gif[/img]

Re: Chevelle updates
 

I'll say some prayers for you, your mom, and your family.

Re: Chevelle updates
 

It's actually my dad I'm caring for (lost mom in 1985), and thank you for the prayers, they are sincerely appreciated.

Eric

Re: Chevelle updates
 

Best Wishes for you and your Dad Eric......

Ken

Re: Chevelle updates
 

Eric, like I said on the phone...no one was thinking you were standoffish...You take care of you dad!. Let me know if you need anything from me sir!

Re: Chevelle updates
 

Was gonn'a save these for Monday-ish, but what the hell...not like it's any big secret, and these pics aren't any crappier than the ones already posted, right?

Dirty engine bay

(gott'a fix the paint on the grill)

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d7...1_10010001.jpg

PS front

(vent window glass still needs to be cleaned)

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d7...1_10010002.jpg

PS rear--trunk light works! (lol)

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d7...1_10010003.jpg

Bodyguy wrestling some wiring into place

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d7...1_10010004.jpg
More wrestling

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d7...1_10010005.jpg

Done

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d7...1_10010006.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d7...1_10010007.jpg

Like I said, still some details to address, but for all intents &amp; purposes, it's a wrap.

More Monday---ish.

Re: Chevelle updates
 

That is one straight car, excellent work from the body guys.

Re: Chevelle updates
 

Your Chevelle looks awesome! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]


<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: VintageMusclecar</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
As far as making any shows, unfortunately I won't be able to in the foreseeable future. I don't really want to put my personal issues out in the open for everyone to know, but since I've received so many invites to various shows &amp; gatherings, I'm afraid people are going to think I'm being stand-offish or unsociable because I constantly have to decline. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/frown.gif[/img]

Lest anyone think that is the case, here's the Readers Digest explanation; for quite some time now I've been caring for an ailing family member, and I have no help/relief aside from Rachel and a HHC aide who comes in a few times a week (courtesy of the V.A.). So, it's not that I don't <span style="font-style: italic">want</span> to travel to these shows/gatherings, but I <span style="font-style: italic">can't</span> go because there's no one else to care for my family member. (this is also why I had to cut my business hours down to part time)

So until this situation is resolved in whatever manner God/nature sees fit, I have to stay close to home. I hope everyone understands.

</div></div>

Eric,
I understand.....believe me, I understand. I'd bet there are many others here who can relate as well. God bless you for taking care of your dad. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/worship.gif[/img]

Rita

Re: Chevelle updates
 

Big exhaust, dog dish caps with serious rubber goin' on out back, nasty Rat Motor and a 4-Speed . . . . . that's my kinda car! Wish I could just hear it. Congrats on getting it done after what looked like TONS of work &amp; money! Time to go burn rubber!

Re: Chevelle updates
 

Man that car has &quot;the Look&quot; great setup.

Re: Chevelle updates
 

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

Re: Chevelle updates
 

Great looking car, I've been following this project and it for sure looks perfect.

Take your dad for a ride!

Jan

Re: Chevelle updates
 

Click on Eric's video to hear it! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif[/img]

Re: Chevelle updates
 

enjoy your ride home tomorrow!

Re: Chevelle updates
 

Eric,
Glad you had the patience and found the right guy to do the work for you out there. Looks like it paid off in dividends as he did a great job. We all cannot wait to see this on the road and completed. Well worth the wait.

Re: Chevelle updates
 

Excellent Eric!

What are the rear tires?

Re: Chevelle updates
 

Hoosier 275/60/15, and temporary.

http://static.summitracing.com/globa.../hoo-17110.jpg

Another set of Goodyear L60 Polyglas tires are in the works as soon as the budget recovers some more.

Re: Chevelle updates
 

At 7:30 a.m. today the car saw daylight for the first time in almost a year. The skies were still a little dark, so the colors vary a bit in the pics below.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d7...1_10030001.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d7...1_10030002.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d7...1_10030003.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d7...1_10030004.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d7...1_10030005.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d7...1_10030006.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d7...1_10030007.jpg

Still have to vacuum the carpet, finish up a little under-dash wiring and reset the inner door handles to horizontal.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d7...1_10030008.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d7...1_10030009.jpg

Trunk mat needs some heat/sunlight to lay out flat.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d7...1_10030010.jpg

Continued...

Re: Chevelle updates
 

There's something missing here...

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d7...1_10030011.jpg

Now without further ado, I would like to introduce the man responsible for bringing this once derelict bucket of bolts back from the brink of death and returning it to <span style="font-style: italic">better</span> than it's former glory.

Meet Mr. Dave Baker, a.k.a. &quot;Bodyguy #1&quot;, body man and painter par extraordinaire, master mechanic, and one helluva nice guy to boot.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d7...1_10030014.jpg

I have yet to meet a more humble man who possesses such incredible talent.

(And yes, that's Donnie's L78 Chevelle behind him. Keep an eye out in the tech/resto forums for updates soon!)

Look for a few more pics as soon as I wrap up the final details on the car and have a sunny day to help bring out the detail in the paint. I got a good look at it on the rollback on the way home when the sun peeked out, and this thing looks <span style="font-style: italic">killer</span> in direct sunlight. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

Coming soon will be a pair of NEW L60 Polyglas tires out back and a set of shorter rear springs to help bring that stinkbug stance down about 2&quot;-3&quot;.

Thanks for following along up `till now. With the body/paint hurdle now behind me, it's time to start putting some miles under those tires.

Look for more updates and refinements <span style="font-style: italic">very</span> soon.

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

Re: Chevelle updates
 

LOOKS great Eric...! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif[/img]

Re: Chevelle updates
 

My hats off to you Mr. Baker. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/worship.gif[/img]

Re: Chevelle updates
 

Lookin' tuff, Eric . . . . lookin' tuff! That was a lot of work and you can almost see the exhaustion in that fella's eyes but it sounds like he's a workaholic already ready to jump into the next project.

Re: Chevelle updates
 

Absolutely Awesome! Now start enjoying it before it snows!

Re: Chevelle updates
 

Looks awesome and I bet you can't wait to drive put those miles on!

Mr. Baker is indeed talented.

Re: Chevelle updates
 

Looks great!

Re: Chevelle updates
 

[img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/worship.gif[/img] [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/worship.gif[/img] [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/worship.gif[/img] [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/worship.gif[/img] [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/Can-I-Have-It.gif[/img]