Re: "The Beater Bee" becomes "The Better Bee"
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Woj</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Darrell, where the heck do you keep coming up with these images. LMAO!!

Phil. </div></div>



http://www.sharegif.com/wp-content/u...6-08172013.gif



Im kidding... Im a nobody turdball..

Re: "The Beater Bee" becomes "The Better Bee"
 

Awesome job Dave....Well done on the fender tab, been waiting to see one done correctly!!!! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/worship.gif[/img]


BIG

https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...8594-mopar.jpg

Re: "The Beater Bee" becomes "The Better Bee"
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cook_dw</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> https://media.giphy.com/media/g4yEtOYxvTP8I/giphy.gif </div></div>

Chaz wants to crash a funeral and eat a big plate of meat loaf.... LOL...

Dave, car looks awesome.. You are very talented.. Nice work!!

Rich

Re: "The Beater Bee" becomes "The Better Bee"
 

Glass arrived yesterday.....Grille and tail panel next week....Dash bezels should be here Wednesday too, then I can get the dash installed and the glass done! Fingers crossed no more busted glass this time [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/thumbsdown.gif[/img]

I sat down and added up all the receipts I have for the Bee and let's just say......Why does anyone restore these things!?!?!?!?! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/frown.gif[/img]. Because they're so much freakin' FUN, that's why!!!!!!! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]. What else are you going to spend your hard earned money on, anyhow?

Pics next week!

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

Dave

Re: "The Beater Bee" becomes "The Better Bee"
 

You know? I reflect back on the whole build and think to myself, &quot;Self? Wouldn't it be cool to have a few photos of me working on the car?&quot; And then I answer myself with a &quot;Yes...yes it would.&quot; And then I realize I do! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] Sort of puts the whole build into a more Quick Pick, 1hr photo, Instant Breakfast, Reality TV world we live in now. I thought putting in the door glass would be another great opportunity to get some action photos. As you recall, the original shattered into a bazillion pieces after some inappropriate persuasion in the front vent window channel. Here's some of my favorties of this monumental occassion.......
Below is the Taping of the Door.....almost like Taming of the Shrew, but having nothing to do with it. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/hmmm.gif[/img]
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...0-dscn2690.jpg

Up next is an action series!! I'll never forget this moment....I was inside the door, connecting up the regulator, and as you can see, it's getting pretty intense!
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...1-dscn2692.jpg

Oh, and here you can see me adjusting the vent window to set the declination and inclination of the vertical axis....
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...2-dscn2691.jpg

...And a great shot here! So much detail can be seen in this one. I really hope these detailed oriented, step by step instructional, and Assembly Manual-like photos help someone out who's adjusting the door glass. As you can see, it's a tough job. Tough I tells YA!!!!
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...3-dscn2693.jpg

And the result....I'm happy to report the shuts exactly like it did before I tore the car down! And this time, no broken glass [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...4-dscn2695.jpg

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

Dave

Re: "The Beater Bee" becomes "The Better Bee"
 

It's interior time! Dash, seat, steering column...they're all here! I figured the first easy thing to do was to replace the headrest bezels and headrest on my already covered Driver's seat. I recovered this when I got the car, which......HEY!??!?!?! That was 3yrs ago to the DAY TODAY!!!!!!!! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...228_053451.jpg
I'll install this later today since I have new seat riser spacers that just came in. They are 1/2&quot; thick spacers that go under the seat track and provide a thicker surface for the anchoring bolt to sandwich between the track and the floor pan.
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...6-dscn2698.jpg
New headrest installed with new bezels. The originals are OK, but they sort of lost their shape over the years and the chrome band around it is less than chromey.

Dash is up next, and I am able to use all of the dash pads! The center has some scuff marks that I'm going to try and repair. If I can't do it, that may be the only piece that needs replacing.
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...7-dscn2703.jpg

Glovebox installed with the correct &quot;4F OK&quot; stamp....which, if you think about it...doesn't 4F usually mean NOT ok? [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/dunno.gif[/img] I'll get a better picture of the stamp on the next round of dash photos. Kind of hard to see with the flash.
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...8-dscn2704.jpg

New knobs installed. The rocker switches use drive pins, very very VERY tiny, pins that hold the rocker switches in place. It took several attempts to get them out and back in without scratching the new chrome plated, plastic, Chinese made rocker switches. Luckily, it all worked out. I'm rebuilding my clock right now with a quartz movement, so that's on another bench so I don't lose any of the parts. New dash bezels arrive Friday!!
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...9-dscn2705.jpg

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

Dave

Re: "The Beater Bee" becomes "The Better Bee"
 

https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...228_053436.jpg

Steering column is on deck! The overall finish of the column is flat, or satin sheen and this is a textured coating. I'll replicate that when I paint it. The lower column bearing is in perfect shape! No play at all. Original turn signal harness part tag is still there. Also, all the tags on my harness under the dash have their original part tags installed except for one which I was able to buy.
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...1-dscn2700.jpg

Steering coupler is intact and never been apart! This, as most Mopar guys know, is about the biggest pain in the rear part to deal with. Instead of a regular rag joint, MaMopar decided to make this contraption with consists of a pin, two bushings, an internal retainer/spreader, a rubber seal with a metal retainer. I'm just wondering how this got approved by management? [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/dunno.gif[/img]

Manager #1: &quot;Guys...we need to mate the steering column to the steering box. It's never been done before in the industry, so come up with something to do it. Thanks&quot;
Engineer #1: &quot;Hmmmmm. What do you think?&quot;
Engineer #2: &quot;Well...we could come up with a simple rag joint?&quot;
Engineer #1: &quot;Yes....&quot;
Engineer #2: &quot;OR...we could come up with something so outlandish nobody would believe that it's even feasible to use?&quot;
Engineer #1: &quot;I like where this is going.....&quot;
Engineer #2: &quot;OK, so we start by mashing a pin made of Impregnium through the steering shaft. So that way should anyone need to remove it, they really can't. Then, we'll add two bushing that go on either side and those bushings won't be regular shaped. Oh no. They'll be curved on one edge, slotted, and that'll make sure if this thing ever comes apart you really won't be able to figure out how it goes together. With that, we'll have those two bushings be held together by a retainer that, ....I know you're waiting for it..... won't hold the bushings together, rather, they'll spread they apart so they are about 1/4&quot; too wide to fit in the receiving end!!! Since you'll have to use your hand the hold those bushings together as they slide into the receiver, it's sure to make a complete mess of things. Oh, and we'll have this all packed with the goopiest grease you'll ever find, and sealed with a rubber seal coupled with a metal retaining ring that can only be crimped by a special tool nobody has, will ever see to make a copy of, or even think really exists, so that everyone uses vise grips and destroy/scrape/scratch the retainer body. How's that sound?&quot;
Engineer #1: &quot;When do we start production???&quot;
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...2-dscn2702.jpg


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

Dave

Re: "The Beater Bee" becomes "The Better Bee"
 

Dave, I am amazed by this restoration.. Even the Clintons agree. http://media0.giphy.com/media/l0HlAD...XUl2/giphy.gif

Re: "The Beater Bee" becomes "The Better Bee"
 

Dave,

The coupler was probably designed by the same guy that engineered the DC-9/MD-80 cockpit window opening mechanism. Sheesh.

Nice progress.

Phil

Re: "The Beater Bee" becomes "The Better Bee"
 

Did ya'll notice the size of that mouth?

Re: "The Beater Bee" becomes "The Better Bee"
 

Phil, I think you're right on that one! How many moving parts can be shoved into one contraption to make the simplest motion as complicated as can be? [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/dunno.gif[/img] Don't they have science competitions for stuff like that? Yes, they do....it's called the Automotive Engineer tryouts! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/thumbsdown.gif[/img]

I installed a new headrest and bezels on the driver's seat, and I had already covered this seat when I got the car. I'll be starting on the passenger side seat tomorrow. Having both seat in makes the dash go in easier [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...301_045615.jpg
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...301_045638.jpg

Just about ready to jump behind the wheel!!!! February 28th marked the 3yr ownership Anniversary with me and the Beater Bee. April 10th will be the 2yr mark on the restoration with a photo of me and Gary removing the air cleaner from the car. I think I'll be pretty darn close to wrapping this up right around that date. What's left is dash installation, glass installation, grille and tail panel installation, and the only part that I'm waiting on still out getting refurbished is the radiator. This month I'll be able to get pretty darn close to being done!!!!!

https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...301_045552.jpg

Cheers

Dave

Re: "The Beater Bee" becomes "The Better Bee"
 

I really enjoyed the action shots:-)

Is the final step to use $1,000.00 bills to wet sand it? This resto is in the stratosphere!!!!

I have heard Canadian bills are softer than USD they are best for final show prep:-)

Ryan

Re: "The Beater Bee" becomes "The Better Bee"
 

As clean and nice as the finish on that paint, Ryan.. I'd venture to guess he has spent close to 1 million doll hairs... http://i.imgur.com/nXQV0nj.gif




In all seriousness; what a fantastic job on this well deserving car Dave.. I am impressed and hope to be able to complete a restoration as nice and with a granule of the humor and entertainment you have shared with us..


http://i.imgur.com/U7LYL1c.gif

Re: "The Beater Bee" becomes "The Better Bee"
 

That is seriously the best description of the Mopar steering joint that I have ever read.... What a complete lapse of reasoning on the engineers behalf... The Bee is looking gooooood [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/headbang.gif[/img]

Re: "The Beater Bee" becomes "The Better Bee"
 

This is one of the best and most humorous threads on the site. I have found myself literally laughing out loud reading this! Keep up the great work Dave and your sense of humor.

Thanks, guys! This restoration, much like the 49' Truck I did, has really been a lot of fun on this site. You're all a great group of guys to put with with my off-the-wall narrative. I've just been trying to interject some humor to our cars, show that we ALL deal with the same problems even though when they are happening you think you're the only one that deals with them, and generally, show a fun, goofed up side to the restoration of a car which, among being a pain in the posterior and a financial mountain to climb, can be a source of fun, comedy, and a very long run on sentence which you just read! And now that I'm trying to use the new forum, I don't even know if this post will go through, but here goes!!! :-)

Grille came back from Norm at Shine on Me restorations and man, VERY VERY VERY VERY VERY happy with it!!! I had the offical Beater Bee Inspector come out and make sure everything was a go. Especially with the NOS Headlights.....I'm just sayin'.....

Headlights
 

Awesome headlights ...

Uh oh.....I'm not seeing pictures...just little icon thingies. Well...I'll still post them and hopefully you's guys can see them. Moving forward, tail panel installed and I'm reaching a point where I need help. I was pondering the engine bay and thought I needed to look to my idol to find the strength to move on.

Much like Fonzi with a poster of James Dean on the inside of his closet door, I have a pic of Mikey hanging in front of my shop. When I think I'm at a stumbling block, I look to the photo for guidance. Today, it said, "Stop blubbering, you dumb-a$$, GET THAT CAR DONE!!!" and then Kelly decided to get in on the action. Everyone's piling up against me! Oh, I know you're here Grady, and don't think you're getting out of this one! I got your picture around here somewhere too! Or, I'm sure Kelly does :-))))

Cheers (where's my beer Icon??) :cheers:

OK, now I see the pics. For those that need to know how to see them without clicking the little icon box, you'll all need to go to the UserCP, click on the options list and go down and select: show signatures, pictures, etc, much like you did when you fist signed up. Then they'll show up. OK, moving on, I was diving into the steering colum today as well. Some detail stuff. I've seen the columns restored differently. Some have a natural shaft (mmm....that didn't sound exactly right...) and others show a painted black shaft. So, time for detective work. My car has remnants of black paint on the shaft and coupler body, but none on the seal or seal retainer. Also, none on the bearing either. So based on my evidence, that's how my original column was and that's how mine is going back. Also, several survivor cars show the same thing.

I dove into the passenger seat recovering too. Much like the rear seat upholstery, it cleaned up perfectly and I'll reuse the top half. I will need to recover the bottom. Looking good!!!!

Cheers

You guys are a hoot:-)

I always struggle to define myself as a headlights or taillights guy, and recently a mechanic friend set me straight: "You can't pass a safety without both headlights and taillights" :-)

Love the details, and the awesome wit!!!

Ryan

Dave, I think it is your picture I should have in my shop for inspiration.The Bee is stunning and an over the top quality resto. Nice shots of Kelly to, not sure about that picture see is holding ?? :>)

Take care Mike

I don't think so Mike! You do flawless work and I hope I'm accepted into your views of acceptablism! But seriously....I can only hope one day I'll get to your level :-)

I'm thinking I dont like the new forum. Been trying to update on the road and it keeps rejecting the pics and where are all my damn smileys!?!?

Going to try a few here. Original part number tags on the harness, and Green Striped Emergency Flasher with complimentary Yellow Striped turn signal flasher!

Cheers...

[Well, that didn't work. What the hell is a security token? ]

Cheers

Let's try this again. I went on and changed the text box sooooo.....:dunno::cool2::grin::biggthumpup:

Dash about ready to go in.....:biggthumpup:

Cheers:beers:

:smile:It's getting there!!:smile:

Tach comes back Monday, and I after that the dash goes in followed by glass. Last item I need to do is paint the bid and get the radiator back. Woohoo!

Cheers:beers:

Seat work and the original miles on the odometer. The last .2 tenths were with Gary.

Don't worry, all of these mundane replies will be followed by the usual crappie [or is that spelled with a "y":hmmm:] reply I'm World famous for later this week when I can sit in front on a keyboard and not this stupid phone!

Cheers:beers:

Nice Dave, looking more and more like a done car. Looking forward to seeing it.

:Can-I-Have-It: Mike

The clock came back from the clock people, and I can't say enough good things about them! Instrument Services, INC. They are out of Illinois. Bought their screw-it-up-yourself kit and it didn't let me down!:thumbsdown: Absolutely nothing wrong with their product, it's the installer that had a problem. So, I did what any spoiled brat, gimmie a trophy because, Millennial would do. Complain until I got my way!:mad2: Actually, I manned up and sent the clock to them telling them what I did [ruined the circuit board soldering a wire on] and asked them to fix it and let me know whatever it costs.
So about two weeks later I call them to check on it and they said it shipped out and I'll have it by Monday. I asked them what I owed and they said, "Oh, nothing. You're note made us laugh so we just fixed it for free".. I was pretty much floored! :biggthumpup::biggthumpup::biggthumpup:

So with that, the tach is back in and the dash is just about ready to be installed! Along with that, the passenger seat retaining its original upper upholstery is installed. Not much left!!

Cheers

Honesty is the best policy!!! ;>)) Looking real nice. Like that you are preserving some of the original interior!!

Absolutely cannot wait to see this thing done. Please post a video of you pulling it out of the garage.

Absolutely stunning job to say the very least and it's been fun following along.

I also need to start paying more attention to headlights as I don't recall seeing them quite like these before. When the car is done and bunny is energized we would like to see the high beams......... :)

It'll be more like him frying the tires off of it out of his garage!

Thanks, guys! I received a new center dash pad yesterday, so when I get home Sunday the dash will go in!:drool: Then I can hook a battery up and start trying the lights and crank her over! WooHoo!!!! Or, since everything is fresh, new, and restored....I'll hear (click..click....whirrrr...click....click) as nothing engages and/or works correctly.:dunno::thumbsdown:

Next month she'll be done and then it's onto the Stang! Unless the Cuda I've been after finally comes to TX. Nah....I gotta do the Mustang next!:headbang:

I'll be doing a follow up post next month after it is done highlighting the entire restoration and small details of my car from start to finish. I might start a new thread in that one. It'll be the Cliff Notes of the A12Pilot Super Bee restoration! Ahhhh, Cliff Notes....the only way to learn Shakespeare, Greek Mythology, and everything else epic novel related!:biggthumpup::biggthumpup::wink:

Cheers:beers:

x10

Starting it up the first time will be exciting. Outstanding job.
Good profile picture too, Is that what you fly?

Well, so much for aftermarket quality! :thumbsdown: The center dash pad, while very good looking, is missing the faux stitching and doesn't match the rest of the original pads. Oh well, on the shelf it goes. I'll save it for another B-Body car. The key would be to order all three pads so they match. So, in went the original part and I'll just live with the few little blemishes on it. After all, it's original to the car so there's something to be said for that!:biggthumpup:
When you're a one man show, you find ways to get that extra hand you need when you don't trust anyone to not scratch the crap out of your work. So here's my helper with holding the dash in place while I hook everything up. Mopar dashes mount on two kick panel area bolts and then pivot on those toward the cowl. Once in those two bolts, I made this handy, CNC machined, CAD drafted, intricately designed bracing mechanism [a bent wire :biggthumpup:] to hold the dash in place.

The bigger gap allowed me to hook up the wiring and defroster ducts. Once those were hooked up, I went back to the CAD designer and shortened the parameters on the brace by 1/12th and 3/4 millimeters to get the proper distance to allow my hand to fit behind the instrument panel and hook up the speedometer cable:hmmm:

One of those small details that nobody will notice, but I know is there, are these always missing tail panel screw cover caps. They screw onto the ends of the screws that hold the tail panel on that are visible inside the trunk. I made these myself based on an original. :biggthumpup:
And steering column going in........

This car makes me http://www.dailystormer.com/wp-conte...6/11/giphy.gif


When will we see a video like this..??..

http://socialsquare.dk/wp-content/up...pssmehxaef.gif

It's in! :biggthumpup::biggthumpup: today I'll test the lights and make sure it cranks over! More to come....

Cheers