Randy's Rag

[chevymaher]

Long story short my Dad was mad at me 36 years ago. Called my Chevelle Randy's Rag. It has stuck since. I put a paint spot on the trunk of each and every new car I get and write it in the wet paint. Here is the original trunk lid I still got it from 10 years ago when this circus started.

Anyhow I starting my own thread instead of posting everything in the what have you done to your chevelle thread. Like I did on my van forum when I restored my van. I am learning.

I am at a milestone now. I am wandering around looking for anything I may have missed. I believe the finish bodywork is over. And it is ready for the high build portion of the program. My buddy is saying yea you say that but that other guy will be back soon. Charlie Anal.
I am contemplating the next move now. I go to clean the car and the work area for a while. Give me time to look everything over. It been 10 years so far there isn't any big rush. And I expect it will be years longer before it is completely done. But I would like to complete it before I am to old to drive anymore.

But the rough part is over. It has been a long hard road. Wow these old cars get rough sitting in a field. Here are some progress pics. Last 2 are from today. As I am critiquing what is there looking for issues.

3190
3191
3192
3193

[RBeckman]

It looks solid car to work on and I have seen worst.

[Ms Grumpy]

Randy I think that the name "Randys Rag" is cool. I wish that mine had been that solid when I started. You will always have someone who is willing to tell you what you need, what is missing, and what would look good. I guess it would depend on the look you are going for. Do you want to bring it back to original or do you want to finish it with the things you would like in your classic ? Me, I did what I wanted because the cost of trying to go as close to original would have been into the 100K, and my checkbook is nowhere near that.

Since you are in Kentucky I would make the trip up to Strongsville, Ohio for the NOCC show in August. Besides the fact that it is a Chevelle show, you would see so many cars. Some are original, restorations, customs and everything in between. Maybe it would give you some ideas and maybe some contacts to get any parts that you are missing. And if you went you would meet many of the people on this board and have a blast cause the show is so much fun. Just my 2 cents.

[chevymaher]

I appreciate the invite. I will look into it. But I got a kid and we both work. Wife is in college. It a 7 day a week deal. So we don't have any days off.

It was pretty rough when I got her. Look in my album. There one pic of the back window area that tells the tale. That is why it took so long. I had years of metalwork. Welding in metal. I re did the frame, rear and front end. Modified things. It is a SS Malibu clone and will never be sold so I am not hurting its value. Like I said if I had not taken it with the SS it was going to be crushed the next day.

It was a blue car the color that turns green as it fades. With white and black interior. Power steering with air car. 307 2 speed powerglide.
No I not going original it will be a SS clone. Power steering brakes, I got the booster already, air conditioned car.
04 impulse blue with black stripes. SS lower blackout. Black vynal top. I already studded it. Black interior. Interior SS emblems will be 69 just because i like the look better. I have the roll tach cluster I kept from the SS.
My avitar is a photoshopped redition of what i want it to be.

Drive train is a 454 4 bolt block. Still to be built laying in the garage. I going to port a set of Pro Comp heads, roller cam. 496 it. I got a 11 inch clutch.
I rebuilt a 68 muncie, I got hurst shifter. Rear end is rebuilt with a Pro seiries posi 3.73 gears. All richmond and eaton parts.
I got alot of money sunk in her already despite the way it looks.

[shadowgray396]

Sounds like a cool build. Built mine from the ground up.

[chevymaher]

I been working alot. But in any spare time sanding the painted section of dash.
I skim coated it. Nothing wrong just smoothing out the factory stamping.
3203
3204
It is cold and raining here. I waiting for it to dry out so I can move stuff out and clean up this dust bowl work area.

Next plan of attack is high build it all. Then take apart the front end for the last time. Touch up the hot rod black on the firewall I messed up working in the windshield track area. Paint the dash and glove box. Jamb under the hood. Reassemble and line up that mess again. This time put the inner wheel wells and lower fender braces in for good. Install the windsheild. So I can stop worrying about breaking it moving it around.

Rinse and repeat with the trunk and each door. That ought to keep me busy a while.

[flash]

Its been rainy and cold here too ,now its sunny and cold ,time to go work on my truck some . You are making good progress .

[shadowgray396]

Not sure why when you click on the pictures for a larger version nothing happens. Hard to see wiith the little pictures. I just get a blank screen. You can start an alblum on here and just click on the img and copy it at the bottom of the picture and post it in your post.

[chevymaher]

Not sure why when you click on the pictures for a larger version nothing happens. Hard to see wiith the little pictures. I just get a blank screen. You can start an alblum on here and just click on the img and copy it at the bottom of the picture and post it in your post.

I am new here. I will figure it out. But I will try that later when I am on the main computer. I sneaking in some work between church and my kids soccer game.

[chevymaher]

Okay I think I got this figured out now. Here are the last 2 and 2 from this morning. Glove box ready to prime and wrapped till it is time.
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=209&pictureid=4198
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=209&pictureid=4199
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=209&pictureid=4200
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=209&pictureid=4201

[flash]

That looks good .

[shadowgray396]

That's looking good.

[chevymaher]

Thanks. I doing my best with what I got to work with here. I got a trans to finish putting in today. I hope that nightmare is over. Then I can finish the dash prep. It about half sanded. Then clean everything and start masking off. This is a 100% shadetree effort. So I got to wait on weather LOL.

[SS Shaun]

looks good. looks like how i got mine only difference is i had the glass still

[chevymaher]

looks good. looks like how i got mine only difference is i had the glass still

I got all the glass. windsheild and back window on the roof and side windows by my computer.

[SS Shaun]

lol nice then we had the same boat. took me 19 months to get mine out on the street for the first time

[chevymaher]

I would be happy to be done in 2 years.

[SS Shaun]

lol i only took it out because it was itching me i just need to drive it to get some motivation to finish it. now i am back to no clue when its going to be back on the road

[chevymaher]

I drove mine a while I restored the SS. 10 years ago. Then I took it apart and started restoring it. It will never run again LOL. That is what it fells like.

[SS Shaun]

lol i can fully understand!

[chevymaher]

My passenger door hinge is missing the spring and arm. Since I am approaching this portion of the program. I was looking. Score I found a upper drivers and lower passenger hinges. Odd combination but for 8 bucks works for me.

[chevymaher]

I just ordered a lock set and new ignition. I am gathering parts for after paint so i got something to do. I going to concentrate on getting the air box in and dash done first. Keyset was just to make me feel better so i got a set of keys to this silly thing. All I got now is a ignition. And trunk. Door keys got lost on the shuffle over the years. And they were a mismatched set.
Just having a set hanging on the keyboard will be a perk.

I calling about this gauge set for it today when they open. I got the roll tach cluster but that car had idiot lights for the right side. Oh no that will never do.
I need to ask if it is a complete gauge set not just the clock and face. If so I got to go deposit and order the silly thing. If not search on for what I need. Then last for that adventure order a new dash bezel. And that part is complete. I got 4 of them but they are shall we say lacking in quality.

http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=210&pictureid=4202

[chevymaher]

I just got off the horn with the gauge people. I got my invoice number tomorrow I pay.

[chevymaher]

Gauge set is paid for I sent the check. The lock set came. I been playing with the glove box lock deciphering how it worked. I had the ignition down but the glove lock took some thinking. I got it figured out tho. Ignition switch is the right one and all good. Part I most excited about is the coming gauges.

[chevymaher]

Went to the locksmith today. Ordered a set of keys from GM. Now I will have a extra set of original keys. Door hinge came today. I am patiently waiting the rain to stop so I can finish cleaning the car. I am getting antsy. I have told my customers that unless it is a emergency shop is closed untill this gets done.
Then I de funked the poor truck from winter. Detailed it so it don't look like a pit inside.

I am ready lets get this show on the road already.

[chevymaher]

I been spending the day masking off the car for primer. I was under the hood sealing the gaps from underneath at first.
I am going to prime the dash then seal the window areas before I do the body.
I should be done masking tomorrow. The clean it one last time. Then I waiting on proper temp and no rain.
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=209&pictureid=4213
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=209&pictureid=4214
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=209&pictureid=4215

[chevymaher]

My keyring came today. I just bought 3 pear shaped blanks. They be here next week. So I will have 2 complete sets of actual original keys now.

My son has hundreds of hot wheels and Daddy only has 9. But on display with my new keyring is my 2 chevelles. You know how hard it is to find 68 anything. All other years models and hot wheels they got.

Chevelle is ready for primer now. I put away the heavy paper and bondo forever. Cleaned the bench and blocks. Got out the things I will need for this stage of the process. Feels weird after all this time putting up that stuff.

It was raining cats and dogs today. So I was battling the creek in the yard that was trying to change its course to the rear door. Getting debris out of the channel so it stopped flooding toward the house. It is a empty channel unless it is raining. 6 inches across and 3 inches deep when it rains. Just enough to be a problem when it rains hard.

Anyhow I looking to be in primer by the beginning of next week. The stars, the moon, the weather, my work and family responsibilities must all align so I have time to get it done. Because unlike other things I can't just stop. And pick up when I get back. Once the paint is mixed it can' stop till the guns are clean.

http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=210&pictureid=4216
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=210&pictureid=4217

[chevymaher]

Got the dash and inside the trunk first coat so I got something to work on once the car is done. Let it harden a minute. Masked the windows. Hoping thurs for the car. Making progress slow but sure. I know one thing that steering column coming out before I do anything else. It is a auto and I need to put the standard column in anyway. I can keep busy tomorrow prepping the manual column for primer while i am restin and waiting for a opportunity to get the car done.
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=209&pictureid=4218
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=209&pictureid=4219
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=209&pictureid=4220
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=209&pictureid=4222

[flash]

Looking good ,you got the rain right after it finished with us .

[chevymaher]

Yea I did my duties and got a car coming @ 5 for brakes. And it supposed to rain tomorrow. I just don't have enough time to continue today. It is killin me to.

[chevymaher]

Not raining and it is reasonably warm. I made a trip to the auto body place. Got a soft rubber squeegie, some glaze, lots of tape, sandpaper in the large economy pack, door tape. The foam stuff for seams.
I hoping the weather holds out. When my wife goes to work if it is still nice I think that is the time. Fingers crossed.
Then back to blocking and see what is left to do.
Gauges were shipped I think, I got a notification of a UPS package from the same general area the gauges were purchased. They should be open I will call them.

[SS Shaun]

good work man

[chevymaher]

Called about the gauges they are shipped.

Got the spray on bondo done. Wait a couple days and let this harden. Then back to work. First pic is the color it will be.
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=209&pictureid=4223
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=209&pictureid=4224
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=209&pictureid=4225
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=209&pictureid=4226
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=209&pictureid=4227

[chevymaher]

My gauges came. Awsome look totally factory front and back. I installed them in the gauge pod. Then wrapped them back up in plastic till it is that time to put them in. I am a happy camper right now.
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=209&pictureid=4228
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=209&pictureid=4229

[flash]

I like the color and the gauges .

[chevymaher]

I like the color and the gauges .

Thank you. It been a long hard road collecting parts and fixing this thing.

Joke is when you start. Everytime you do something it just looks worse and more hopeless. Like taking it apart and cutting the rust out. Wow if despair is going to set in that is the time. I have caught myself wishing over the years. Why didn't I just slap a coat of paint on it leave it running and just drive it till it fell apart.

I finally to the part now where when I do something it actually looks better.
Now it is getting to the point it feels like it was worth it.

[chevymaher]

Todays adventure I finished prepping the top half of the dash. Mask off the upper firewall I screwed up working on the dash area. I re-sprayed it with hot rod black. Next when this dries do the upper part of the dash. Inside needs another coat of primer and it is ready then. Then move on to jamming under the hood. Assemble that mess again.

Making slow but sure progress.
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=209&pictureid=4230
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=209&pictureid=4231

[shadowgray396]

Looking good. Been there done that on my car. All takes time to do it right. It's all worth it in the end.

[chevymaher]

Got the top half of the dash done today. Now the hard part for me. Stay away from working on it a few days so I don't mess up the fresh paint. I got a record for doing that.I reckon i grab the standard steering column and take it out side to sand so I don't loose it.
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=209&pictureid=4232

[flash]

Looks nice and shiny .

[shadowgray396]

Really really shiny. Looks very nice.

[Ken Hayes]

Is that a gloss paint on the top of your dash? If so, make sure you always have your sun glasses with you. You might get a lot of reflection from it.

[chevymaher]

I have done it on other chevelles. Angle of the windsheild it isn't in your eyes. Dash pad blocks direct reflection.

[chevymaher]

Got the inside of the glove box door and the lower dash done today. Can't tell from the pictures but it turned out as well as the top of the dash. Sun and brighter outside than in the car messed with the camera.
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=209&pictureid=4233
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=209&pictureid=4234
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=209&pictureid=4235

[Ms Grumpy]

You are really coming along. Looking good.

[chevymaher]

I got the hood jam and windows ready to paint now. Just waiting for rain to stop and a touch warmer. In a holding pattern till then. Guess I will do some actual work till then.

[chevymaher]

I got the hood jamb area sprayed. Now I got to put the front end back together. Go to one of the doors. I got a couple areas to touch up once it dries but decent overall.
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=209&pictureid=4238
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=209&pictureid=4237
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=209&pictureid=4236

[chevymaher]

It is a sickness a feeding frenzy. I kept going down and looking at it. I just couldn't let it dry. So I pulled the inner fenderwells out washed them and installed them. Tomorrow I can't do squat. Church and my sons soccer. I need more clear next run to the body place. And wow it needs cleaned in the front on the frame dust everywhere.
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=209&pictureid=4239

[chevymaher]

Nothing exciting. i got the front end back together and lined up. After the drama I went through lining everything the fist time. 68-69 chevelle hinges are a pain. I made 1/16 inch holes and made guide pins for re assembly. 2 on each hinge to fender mount. 1 on each hinge to hood. Slide the pins in tighten it down. Closed perfectly. Nosepiece was not tight when I did the body work and expected distortion when it was torqued. Nothing the final blocking wont cure. If left as is I doubt anyone would ever notice tho. It already way better than factory. Next on to removing the passenger door. Replace the lower hinge and jamb it out.

[flash]

Its looking very good ,keep the pics coming .

[chevymaher]

Okay talked me into pics. I wasn't sure if I was boring anyone. It a big deal to me because it my baby, but you know how parents and baby pics are.
Hillbilly Bob method of puttimg the hood on. LOL actually it was hung there to make it easier to paint the edge. Right at eye level. And right where I was working. Less dragging the air hose around the less dust gets stirred up reckon.
Nose piece looks fine but being a body guy eyes are not where it is at, you see much more with your hands. Running my hand over the hood to nose piece changed. don't feel quite right. 15 minutes board sanding will knock off the edge. Tightening all the bolts and inner fenders down changes the shape a hair. It a delicate balance. Don't want to do the bodywork after the jambs are painted or they get messed up. So do it and paint then assemble and block it again.
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=209&pictureid=4240
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=209&pictureid=4241
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=209&pictureid=4242

[Ms Grumpy]

Even if it was Hillbilly Bob's method. If it worked, it worked. lol

[chevymaher]

I got the passenger door and the bad hinge off. I got a bunch of prep work to do where I couldn't get to. probably take a week. I got the emergency call and dragged me away. The wife got into some thing in her school computer and panic was ensuing. So I had to get it going again and something was moving files. Click computer and it is showing documents. What is that? I made a USB linux to boot from the flash drive just in case. If I didn't kill whatever it is I can still run the computer and access her school files. I may or may not have killed it. I deleted some strange files in the windows folder. Hopefully I got the kernal file. But so far so good it working again.
Work and life slowing me down this week. LOL.

[chevymaher]

Inside of the door ready for primer and the door jamb itself is close. I expect to have it taped and ready today. I got to cover the dash and front section real well. Like i mentioned before I out of hardener for clear and almost no clear. Time for a supply run after we get paid monday. re-stock on some things.
I had enough but doing other things I used the clear up slowly over time. Fixed rust on the wife's Durbango. My dad put a nice scratch in his formula firebird. I had to fix that and paint the side. Well not had to but it is dad and well I kind of owe him for putting up with me growing up LOL. You know life happens stuff.
I aint going crazy it is a door jamb but I been doing some bodywork on the parts you see with the door open. Smoothing out the factory wrinkles in the metal from the stamping process. Charlie Anal made a guest appearance my buddy said. He just rolls his eyes back in his head. He is a retired factory line worker from GM making camaroes and firebirds. So I got some inside tips on what they were doing.
I slept in today but i been hitting it real early lately so I can get some hours in before actual work starts.

[chevymaher]

Well I got it done and sqeezed priming in between work and my household taxi runs.
I got sanding and then I got to go to the paint supply. I need hot rod black, clear, some more primer, and tape since I use 10 miles of it every time I turn around. I got plastic. A whole new roll. I painted 3 normal cars. Just mask not every nook and cranny, normal detail. And did everything to this chevelle and there some left. So I doubt I will need more no matter how much I waste.
I got new door hardware so I will put the new in when after it is painted. Door striker will come off for paint and get wire wheeled clean. But I want the primer as a guide because the door is perfect adjustment now. I will use the ring as a guide to put it on. Door latch will be a pain to clean it will be mask for paint to. See the bondo in the door jamb? for those little pesky stamping wrinkles.
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=209&pictureid=4243
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=209&pictureid=4244
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=209&pictureid=4245
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=209&pictureid=4246

[chevymaher]

I still waiting for the supply run. I been working on my moms new house. So I am not in my shop where I can do things between jobs. But i think my 6 Y/O son is awakened to what is going on down there now. He realizes the car down there and the race car game chevelle and the U Tube cars doing the burnouts I watch are one and the same. He has seen me paint and build cars down there since he was a baby. But recently the little switch clicked in his little head. He always want to "Help Me" when I work on the car now. He don't realize he ain't helping but his heart is in the right place and I enjoy the little guys enthusiasm. Father son bonding beginning.

We were just coming back from the store. He points to the gaping hole where the door should be and says. "Look dad got to get to work. Make it blue. So we can put the Lego Chevelle together" He calls it the Lego Chevelle now because I keep taking it apart and putting it back together.

Another muscle car, van enthusiast is being born. My other love is my van.

[Ms Grumpy]

That is so cool. Some of my best memories are with my older 3 kids at Detroit Dragway with my brother. And when I got the Malibu it was sanding and sanding and sanding when we put my car together for the 1st time over 17 yrs ago.

One of the best memories was may years ago when we were on the way to the dragstrip. It was me, my brother and my daughter Jennifer (8), son Matthew (5), daughter Lacie (4). We were sitting in line waiting to get into the dragstrip and playing on the radio was the song "Dirty Deeds". My son was singing along with the song at the top of his voice and we realized what he was singing. We turned down the radio and he kept singing "Dirty Knees not like these". Matthew is 27, and to this day we tease him about it.

[chevymaher]

Made my supply run, got clear, urofill primer, hot rod black, cups, tape. Killin me perfect day to do it but I got to work. So I be laying tile thinking of my poor neglected door jamb today.

[flash]

So tell and show us this van you speak of .

[chevymaher]

So tell and show us this van you speak of .

Mom and dad got the van new. It was a national rental car under the GM buyback program. 10 thousand miles when they got it. 5 vans in 94 had more options. I got the sheet with the statistics.
It was totalled at 6 months old. Insurance put a new front end on it. It has a bulls eye on it because it been totalled 3X since I have owned it. I welded in a new core support and put another front end on. 2 X-mas ago the drivers side was taken out. New door and massive body work to the drivers quarter. Gettin me warmed up for the chevelle painting it every few years. Other total was a joke the sliding door got hit. Easy to fix.

Now the hot rodders stuff you really care about. I got 295/50/15 indy tires.
Black interior I had to make my self. I rebuilt the rear end. 3.42 gears and detroit locker. I rebuilt the engine after a oil line broke. I ported everything. Intake heads and exhaust manifolds. Decked the block. Crank kit, acid washed, rings usual stuff. Comp Cams .500 lift roller cam 210/215@50
3 inch single exhaust into a thrush muffler.

It ain't a chevelle for sure but it beats Z-71 trucks and mustangs at will. Fun to drive. Tides me over till the chevelle is done.

200W stereo all the silly stuff DVD TV SD card player bluetooth back up ability, I don't have a camera. Little tach in the cup holder. Kinda incognito.

I owned this thing 12 years I only have ever owned 1 car longer. This chevelle I got 6 months before the van. She grew on me was so dependable I fell in love with the old girl and souped her up as my family car daily driver.

4.3 she was born with. To the right the boxes are the new radiator support and front end parts for the chevelle.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hun4QS7oY0

Worst looking total.
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=210&pictureid=4249

Horrible pic cig smoke but the new radio and tach.
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=210&pictureid=4251

Door to rear wheel was mashed. This was the I got er done shot of the
damaged area for my van forum.
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=210&pictureid=4250

Painted before the bumpers went back on after the last time I got hit.
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=210&pictureid=4252

Stobe stripes on the lower part of the van. Can't see them in normal shots. See my chevelle in the reflection. My 2 babies always together, LOL.
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=210&pictureid=4253

My office chair in my shop. Cable, computer, stereo, My man cave hang out. But this is a fairly recent pic. Chevelle is to the right just out of sight.
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=210&pictureid=4206

[chevymaher]

Best laid plans of mice and men go astray. Equipment delay so I had a chance to spray the jamb. Now I off to work on mom's house.
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=209&pictureid=4254
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=209&pictureid=4255
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=209&pictureid=4256

[flash]

WOW ,that looks good .

[mestorod70]

May I ask what brand paint are you using.
And is the clear 2.1 or the 3.5 waterborne.
also what hybuild primer do you use.
Thanks in advance.

[chevymaher]

May I ask what brand paint are you using.
And is the clear 2.1 or the 3.5 waterborne.
also what hybuild primer do you use.
Thanks in advance.

Nason is the paint name. Here is what I am using.

First to metal everything. Rust converter on everything even good metal.
Then epoxy primer. That is the dark grey under everything.

Hybuild. First yellow during rough bodywork. Grey once the finish bodywork and blocking started.
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=210&pictureid=4257

Base coat.
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=210&pictureid=4258

Clearcoat.
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=210&pictureid=4259

[chevymaher]

I got about 10 days work on mom's new house then maybe I can return to normal program around here and get something accomplished again.

[Ms Grumpy]

It is hard when you are in the middle of working on your car and something comes up, as it always does with family. So you put your plans on the backburner. But Mom always comes first doesn't she.

[chevymaher]

But Mom always comes first doesn't she.

Yes she does. This house is her chevelle and she is so excited.

[chevymaher]

Well yesterday Mom enforced a day off. I detailed my van and truck. I hate dirty vehicles. It been 2 weeks. Van was driven in the rain twice and was filthy. Truck been on a construction site so it was just flat wasted. Cut the grass so it will hold till I finished with my part in mom's house.
Then I sat in my chair and stared at the painted door and day dreamed about putting it on and plotted and planned my next move.
My buddy got a push bumper for the Furd truck I part owner in giving me the big eyes like a little kid wanting it on.
Girl with my vans twin came to me crying. She let some joker tune it up and the clown broke a spark plug off and took the heads off to get it out? Now the engine is all messed up. But she will wait till I done getting the paint on. I be doing good to finish this summer if work keeps coming in.
I want it in paint so I can work in the garage again. Right now no mechanical work because it will ruin the paint. No rest for the weary I guess. LOL..

I just getting antsy. It been a long time coming and I want to "Get Er Done" already. This stage anyway.

[shadowgray396]

Great looking color.

[Ms Grumpy]

I agree with Ray. I really like the color, and I am not a blue person.

[flash]

Im liking that blue myself ,its gonna look good .

[chevymaher]

Thanks all. Picking the color is nerve wracking. All the doubt, will it look right? I spent many many hours photoshopping and internetting before I choose a color for anything I paint. Using the spectral color analyzer in paint comparing shades.
Yes I am a sick puppy i know.

[chevymaher]

I had to take off a day from mom's house. Pay bills cut grass garden my own life gotta get it done kinda work. I got the door back on and lined up for the final blocking. Wow I forgot how much fun it is lining those things up. I managed to not scratch anything doing it which was a plus.
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=209&pictureid=4280

[flash]

Looks good .

[chevymaher]

Day off sort of. I got to do my work anyway. 4 hours of getting 10 years of primer overspray off of the window. Got her installed.
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=209&pictureid=4286

[flash]

Looking good ,keep it up.

[shadowgray396]

I agree looks good.

[chevymaher]

Dad's brother is in town checking out the new place. So they are running with him today. Day off for me. I waiting on the glass polishing kit to come. In the mean time I took the drivers door off. I am clean and prepping the jam now for primer and paint. Yea I got to do something again.

[chevymaher]

It ain't over yet. Mom's house BUT. My tools came home and no plan to go there in the immediate future. So after washing the trucks. I going back to work on the chev.
The glass polish and the felt polishing pad arrived. I need to go buy a spray gun soon for the bottom of the car. Rocker panel area. One that the paint cup will turn upside down. So I can get the indentation on the rocker done without a major drama when the black accent goes on. jamb on the drivers side is about ready. I been doing a little at a time as I had a chance. Then the massive masking begins again.
The farther the car comes along the more intense the masking becomes. It is a monster. a days worth of masking to paint the simplest thing.

[chevymaher]

Heavy sigh. I thought \I was going to get to do something. But a back log of work that wasn't getting done kept me busy. Cut the grass. Weed the garden, pune the dead from the nasty winter we had. OMG it never stops. Let my son play in his pool. I had to get it out and bleach it then fill it. Poor guy been all summer and not able to do it because I been gone.
I told mom i still on call but i need days advance because one I start masking i got to complete what i start. Like i about got the door Jamb on the drivers side ready. Once I mask the entire car again I got to prime sand and paint before i can stop. Mom says well you better come then. I need a section of cabinet put on next to the dish washer so the granite people can put in the countertop.
So another day gone for a hours work. But maybe just maybe I can start tomorrow. She killin me. She wont be happy till the weather is gone and I cant do anything.
I got a antique oven that was my grandmothers I got to restore. Weld up a new gas vent to fix the rusted out on the back. Fix a door and paint the back. She made a summer kitchen as she calls it in memory of grandma. Just like the one in grandmas house.

Well I said it had to wait till the chev was finished. She looked like she was going to cry,. I said whats wrong. You said the chevelle wont be done for years. I clued her in I meant just the painting part. So I get it done in the good weather. I can do interior in the winter. Once it is painted I will fix it.
And this is why the chevelle is taking forever. Life keeps getting in the way.

[chevymaher]

Finally i spent the day working on the car. I got the drivers jamb and entire car mask. Few touch ups and very little clean up and it ready for primer. With luck primer tomorrow.

[chevymaher]

Got er primed. Then the dreaded clean the guns for all eternity. Then cleaned gutters and gardened.
Tomorrow sand and clean for the paint portion of the program. So day after tomorrow this stage be done. Polish the rear window, paint the little section. Then install the rear window. By then the door be dry enough to put on and take the trunk lid off.
I am sure by the time I get the door done mom be callin with a emergency something so I will spend a day doing something out there. But at least I get to accomplish something between new house duties now.
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=209&pictureid=4300
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=209&pictureid=4301
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=209&pictureid=4302

[flash]

Any progress is good ,seems all I do these days is try to keep up with the yard mowing as it rains so much .

[Ms Grumpy]

I agree flash. Any progress is progress. Hope you get a break from the rain soon flash.

[chevymaher]

I agree. I just hope for enough progress to get it in paint by winter. Tomorrow it is supposed to thunderstorm here. Perfect weather to sit in the air conditioning and sand and clean. And a bunch of family runs tomorrow. Honey do this and honey do that type things.

[flash]

The rain actually went all around us today since I planted grass seed and put out wheat straw and was ready for it .I have just about got my yard back to normal after getting several large trees cut down and the logs in the woods waiting for me to cut and split the rest of it .Anyone need firewood ? Im going to have plenty once I get it split .

[chevymaher]

Little more progress. I ready to go back to mom's a few days let this dry. Drivers jamb done.
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=209&pictureid=4304
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=209&pictureid=4305
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=209&pictureid=4306
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=209&pictureid=4307

[flash]

Looking good ,keep us posted .

[chevymaher]

Killin me here waiting for the paint to harden some. I wanna go put it back on so I can do the trunk.

[flash]

I need your motivation to work on some of my junk .

[chevymaher]

Waiting to go get the wife from work. I packed the truck with tools for a day of fun at mom's. Had a little time and messed with the door.
WOW spraying the inside with black paint was the ticket. I kid you not. I lined the paint marks up and the circle I made for the striker. I never had this happen in my life. I shut the door after getting it bolted on. Perfect. I am floored that was blind luck there.

[chevymaher]

Masked the whole car for a 3 inch X 3 foot area in the back window that is part of the interior. News at 10.

[flash]

Im tuning in at 10 .

[chevymaher]

Well I got er painted the window track. Buffed the glass. Took the trunk lid off and sanded on it the rest of the day. The rule 2B violation earlier. Pics or it didn't happen. Next I got the window to put in. And some bondo work on inside of the trunk lid on the pesky stamping issues again.
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=209&pictureid=4332
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=209&pictureid=4333
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=209&pictureid=4334
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=209&pictureid=4335
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=209&pictureid=4336

[chevymaher]

Nothing exciting put the rear window in then went to work all day.

[flash]

That is one more piece of the puzzle in place . Keep on putting the puzzle together and I will keep on watching .

[shadowgray396]

One step closer, thats what it takes to get them done

[chevymaher]

Inside of the trunk lid is done. Ready for primer. Joke of the day. Entire car masked for the trunk arms to get primered. What do I think I own stock in 3M now. http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee363/chevymaher/rolling_zpsef6cdfec.gifhttp://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee363/chevymaher/rolling_zpsef6cdfec.gifhttp://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee363/chevymaher/rolling_zpsef6cdfec.gif

http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=209&pictureid=4337

[flash]

I bought a box of that plastic sheeting and have yet to use any of it .My plan was to get the cars in my shop clean and then cover them til ready to drive .

[chevymaher]

I got another box of it. I keep it on a spool on the ceiling. It last forever. I painted my van, dads firechicken, my brother used some. I did rust repair on my durango. A few odds and ends dent repair for freinds. Then I been using it the whole time on the chevelle when I do things to it. And as you can see I am not stingy with it. If you have something to mask it is the best deal. 30 bucks a roll and this has lasted years. Alot easier to work with than paper. It has a static cling when it is unrolled. Put it in place and use a knife to trim it where you mask carefully prior. Then just tape it down.

I actually plan to make a paint booth when it is time out of it. Kick the van out of the main bay since it got all the lights. Scrub everything and hang it around blocking out the main portion of the garage.
It is good easy to work with stuff. I highly recommend it.

[chevymaher]

Got it primed. As usual once the shine was on it and it wasnt dry sanded looking. I found 2 itty spots. I glazed them already. Waiting for the primer and glaze to dry to sand now. I got to prime the bolt heads and lock holder in deal. So I will touch that up then. Tomorrow and this weekend back to mom's to work. So this will be done later. But you know I be sneaking little work sessions over the weekend. LOL.

Car show down the road tomorrow and saturday. I was invited to bring the van. I said it just a driver. Owner said it cooler than the ricers.
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=209&pictureid=4338
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=209&pictureid=4339

[chevymaher]

I sanded all day long. It getting close. I have to prime everything again. Both the inside of the trunk lid and the car half. I test fitted the lock and the lock keeper shall we call it. I bought tons of bolts from totally stainless. I fished and found the new bolts for the trunk to hinges. I blocked the area between the tailights again. It is really good. That is basically a finished piece when it is done so it got to be right. once it has color it will be painted black. Here is the inside of the trunk. The car half looks exactly the same as it did.
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=209&pictureid=4340

[chevymaher]

Everything looks the same. Spent the day masking. It ready for primer Again.

[chevymaher]

Got er done now harden and more sanding.
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=209&pictureid=4341
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=209&pictureid=4342

[shadowgray396]

Sand and sand, it will all be worth it in the end. :banana:

[chevymaher]

Today is a prime example of why this thing is taking for ever. I planned on getting up and sanding it. I got mom on hold to get the trunk done. But she got a few things need done. If I wasn't busy nobody would call for ever. Well I wake up and got 3 text from my sister. I having a pool party this weekend and my pool filter hose is falling off when I turn it on. Nice pool co. she uses. So I got to drive to the end of the earth and fix what she paid them to do so it isnt a mossy lake by the time the party is here. It never ends LOL. I will sand after my pool boy run. If I work late I should still be able to have it ready for paint today. If Charlie Anal doesnt stop by and find anything else wrong. She just lucky I wasn't going to paint this morning or she would be SOL till I got finished.

[chevymaher]

Oh when it rains it pours. I got home from my sisters to find out the air conditioner wasn't working. So I spent untill now diagnosing and fixing that mess. The capacitor for the fan blew. So a parts run later and it together and running. Now maybe I can start sanding after I wash up. Get any oil and such off me that can't touch paint.

[chevymaher]

It is ready sanded and cleaned. Now we at the whim of the weather. T Storms tonight. But tomorrow cooler and "Supposed" to be clear in the morning afternoon time. But this is Ky where the weather changes minute by minute. So I am on Marine alert for my window of opportunity to get this piece of the puzzle done. I thought about it and mask the black stripe area off. I would rather it be on the perfect primer than the color and clear. To many layers to suit me, that would be 4 layers.

[chevymaher]

It was cool and dry this morning I got it done. Now I airing the joint out. Back to mom's a couple days so this can harden and I can put it back together.
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=209&pictureid=4343
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=209&pictureid=4344

[flash]

That is looking great .

[Hank70SS]

Nice, that's an awesome blue, I like.

[flash]

That is going to be beautiful when finished ,cant wait .

[chevymaher]

I got the trunk lid on again. Used cardboard spacers between the hinges and trunk to avoid scratching. Then once I had it bolted down slid one out and adjusted lightly tightening. Then went on to the other side. Then mr Murphy came by and helped me some. I had the ratchet under my arm and dropped it and chipped the new paint. Oh O was so pleased with myself.
I got out a cotton swab and dabbed color then literally mixed a drop of clear and put it on the affected area. I will sand and buff it out much later if i even ever do. It is covered by the tail chrome so I got lucky there. That was yesterday before I went to the 4rth party held on the 5th at my sisters.
I was doing test sands on panel fitments. Door to fender, hood to nosepiece etc etc see what changed in all this taking things off. Most of it wont take long to block back out. Nosepiece did change some when the brace was torqued down. It looked good wet sanded and wet in the reflection. So I be messing with that a little straightening it out. I will loosen the brace to core support and see if it will lower any. 64th of a inch would do it.
It is just enough to feel running your hand from hood to nose. But because of the rounded area there looks fine in the shine.
I plan to paint the rear black stripe next and the outside of the glove box door I never got around to doing.
I need to order the til piece and some dash gaskets for the tailights and air handler box. Just so i got a flow of work to do once it is painted and I am not waiting on stuff.
I do figure i will be prepping the body and garage for months tho. Since mom helped me miss this window of opportunity weather wise. It to hot and humid to do big stuff now. Jambs I good with. I will prep it then just have to wait till the weather cools some. I got to scrub the garage of body dust and make whatever I using for a paint booth.
I been putting my pictures in the album and then using them to post in this thread. Since originally I was posting straight to the thread and nobody could see them they were tiny. Well I open to suggestions. I got to start deleting stuff to continue soon and that will leave holes in the thread pics unless I use photobucket. But then I foget and clean out the bucket and same issue arises.

[Quadracer392]

I always hate it when Murphy shows up. At least it will be covered up. Sounds like your making some good progress! Hopefully we get a few more cool days so you can get some more painting done. I like using photobucket because when I take pictures with my phone the photobucket app automatically uploads them to the site and I can put them in whichever album they belong and share them easily.

[chevymaher]

Workin on moms house last time before inspection today.
I been blockin the door to fender. Getting things back where they were before it came apart. Lookin for flaws. Wet sandin and lookin for waves with the light. Got the roof sanded. This may take a while no rush. It does seem like this is the last go over. Primer and it may be ready for paint after the next sand. Cross my fingers.Now that so much is finished I spend more time cleaning this than working. It is heart breaking seeing the perfect new paint get dusty and dirty.
As far as I know untill mom and dad get occupancy I can start putting in some hours now for a while. Then I got to help move them.

It will never run again I tell you. https://s5.postimg.org/x2m0a8yqf/IMAG1454_zpse8a4f059.jpghttps://s5.postimg.org/dm1anq3mf/IMAG1453_zps0ee2b35c.jpghttps://s5.postimg.org/63i5f3c9f/IMAG1497_zpsd57bcab6.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/63i5f3c9f/)

[chevymaher]

The panel from H#LL. Paint sagged first time. I re-sanded and got it done. I spent the morning mopping up bondo dust and masking got her sprayed now off to work a while. http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=209&pictureid=4349
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=209&pictureid=4348

[chevymaher]

I ain't sleepin here. I been blocking everything. ReBlending the panels. I ran into some rocker panel waves I ain't having. I will mess with those next round. I think one more prime after this and it is ready. Sure isn't like painting the van for sure. Van I got done in weeks.
I sand and wet it looking for anything i don't like. Then block again after it is dry. Wet and clean it again. I spend more time cleaning now than working.
https://s5.postimg.org/frvli872v/IMAG1393_zpsaa2e35ed.jpghttps://s5.postimg.org/obezfzffb/IMAG1396_zps62d03781.jpg

[chevymaher]

Still blockin.
I got my board and I chasin waves............................Wait I ain't surfin.

[smallblockray]

you're getting there man. Hang in there and be patient and thorough as you have been. Good job!

[chevymaher]

you're getting there man. Hang in there and be patient and thorough as you have been. Good job!

Thanks I been spending a few hours daily when I can between my work. It is getting there.

I been messing with the center line on the hood. The hardest thing know to man to fix. They all got it. Where the Bracing was welded on the bottom for the SS bulges and it slightly warped the metal. On the ridge between the humps. The little almost imperceptible dip on the center ridge. That you got to look at sitting in the car. Charlie anal just wont let it go. 35 complex curves all meeting in one place. Only 3 places you can block the rest has to be hand/finger sanded. Work on that a while get aggravated and block a fender or door out and come back to it.

This part just takes alot longer working around fresh paint. All the extra cleaning and masking. Place can't be a sty like before. But I am seeing the light now. I go down and see the car and think wow that is really nice now. Instead of OMG what a mess what did I get myself into again.

It is a sickness I think.All this painstaking work. After this one is done I going to find another to start for my 6 Y/O son. He already starting the Daddy when can I get a chevelle stuff. So 2-3 more years buying and assembling this one. Get him one by the time he old enough to appreciate and take care of it his be done. And he be in the garage with me working not out getting in trouble is the plan.

I about to go down and enjoy that some more before my first appointment shows up. Cutting off stripped wheel studs and replace them. Guy can't get his wheel off to do his brakes. I get all the fun stuff.

[smallblockray]

oh it's a serious addiction no doubt. There are worse things you/me/we could be doing.

[chevymaher]

I got a few spots needing re primed. Patches before the main full prime. I pretty sure I got the hood worked out now. We see once there is wet primer on there. The weather I talked about has arrived. It was 100 degrees with 100% humidity yesterday. It is like a sauna outside. Nothing happening in that, not even primering. I got one fender, a door and a quarter left to block in the mean time. I already blended that side I got to just sand the centers. I drinkin my coffee getting ready to head down and work a while before I got to do my actual work.

[chevymaher]

I spent 8 hours yesterday. We getting to the nitty gritty. I got to critique today mainly. Hit the edges of things I missed blocking. Front details of fenders etc. Then start cleaning and masking for final prime. "I Hope". This going to take forever this time because I got to be very careful and mask every nook and cranny.

[chevymaher]

I spent hours running my hands over her. I glazed and blocked 2 places. Back is sore so I resting from planting trees and sanding in the most unnatural positions known to man for hours yesterday. It is never done but i believe it is as good as I can get it. Trying to turn that lump of coal into a diamond.
It is time to clean a long time then mask for the final prime. Cross my fingers and hope on the final sand it don't go through anywhere. It almost showtime.

[flash]

I cant wait to see it in color .

[chevymaher]

I am done now. It is taped sanded degreased cleaned and sitting waiting for me to have time and the weather to co-incide for primer.I got the heavy plastic to build the paint booth for the final paint now. Passenger door giving me fits sealing at the front rounded part. Foam keeps moving overnite. And I don't want primer inside the new jam. Rest of the car is fine that one spot is just possessed. It is raining today and I got a brake job on the way so that worked out anyway.

[chevymaher]

It T-Stormed all nite. It supposed to all day today to. I went to pick up the wife this morning. Cool clear not a cloud in the sky. No humidity no dust no wind. OMG I was on it this morning when I got home. I so happy now. Primer turned out well and not a bit got in the jambs. Score.
Now the clouds are rolling in and it going to do what it is supposed to. But for 3 hours the man upstairs gave me a window to do this. And I thank him.https://s5.postimg.org/avryqj6xj/today_zpsc278e3de.jpg

[Quadracer392]

Looks awesome man. You've definitely put some time and hard work into it already.

[chevymaher]

Sanding the primer today. Be doing this a while to looks like. Going through edges. Messing with the hood still. But it getting closer.Normal high build circus stuff. Car is dry in the pics beleive it or not. Going through a awful lot on the roof for a car that is getting a vinyl top.

https://s5.postimg.org/id165qwgn/primer_zpseb1b9c7e.jpg

[flash]

That is going to be a very nice ride when youre done .

[chevymaher]

That is going to be a very nice ride when youre done .

Thank you I sure workin at it.

[chevymaher]

I got work and kids soccer starting. SOOOO I was down there blocking at 5;30 this morning. Because I just wouldn't be happy unless I got my fix in for the day. 4-5 hours I am good. I got it all blocked out. It is straight now except I ain't happy with the hood deal. OMG it was undamaged and factory but I just can't deal with the factory dip. I am redesigning the hood basically making the centerline arc alot more gentle and in turn changing the side radiuses. I going to mess with that untill I am satifyed before moving on now. Car is wet in the pic. I decided to reprime again and I will scuff the shiney primer back down to dull for that. So I leaving the blocked areas dry looking because primer don't care. It is spray on bondo for real.
I will prime a panel at a time this round it is just easier to mask that way. But we still making progress.https://s5.postimg.org/mnfu1c1jr/IMAG1448_zpsc4682def.jpghttps://s5.postimg.org/4ysongf6f/IMAG1449_zps523ba125.jpg

[chevymaher]

I been spot priming and sanding and whatnot. I finally am happy with the hood line. We are now done wave chasing and now I got to just get it covered. Anything that came through, Metal, yellow primer. So we are making progress. I ain't rushing it has been this long. Lets not get all bent in the last parts and make a fatal mistake. Fatal being rush now miss something and see it once it is in paint. Best just take it easy now so we are not rushed and judgement is not clouded.

[chevymaher]

I been getting my hours in on the car. I am not slacking. Walk around and look in the light. Find something. Block some more. Find something and mark it because you can't see it when your right over it. Like the horrible wave in the first pic. I am ready to re prime it again see if this time it is ready. It is getting close. Even charlie Anal is looking a long time trying to find things now.
https://s5.postimg.org/k8sjunaon/IMAG1453_zps0ee2b35c.jpg
https://s5.postimg.org/4ol6440k7/IMAG1454_zpse8a4f059.jpg
https://s5.postimg.org/nuyd7ah1z/IMAG1455_zpsf1b953aa.jpg

[chevymaher]

I going to prime in the morning if all goes well. doors trunk lid and hood. Then start masking for the rest. I noticed it is easier to keep the primer out of the jamb area that way.
Here is a blast from the past I stumbled onto in photobucket. Years ago when I was blending all this mess together. Hard to check the oil in that one. LOL
And my favorite chevrolet billboard.
https://s5.postimg.org/jac6scxcn/chevy17.jpg
https://s5.postimg.org/9r2hyw9uf/121_zps12cb2037.jpg

[chevymaher]

Just got the other half primered. Now if i can contain myself blocking and not go through anywhere. This should be the last time. We will see. Give it a day to harden then back to sanding a while.

[chevymaher]

I still foolin with this thing. I finished blocking now. I got like 7 pinholes to fix. A few spots that went through to touch up. With luck when I sand them out it dont go through next to it. I got to peel the plastic off the windows and round all the edges. Wet sand with the 2000 pad. It getting close and it looks good.
https://s5.postimg.org/skoavw82f/IMAG1487_zpsd2f571bf.jpg
https://s5.postimg.org/jqxeesl3r/IMAG1489_zps35b0c388.jpg

[chevymaher]

Still interrogating the subject. I think he will crack and give up the goods soon.
https://s5.postimg.org/wjliepwpj/questioning_zpsad42a033.jpg

[chevymaher]

I still workin on it. I rounded all the edges. I Mixed the primer with reducer and patched the sand through areas. I used a Q Tip to put primer on edges that went to metal.
The police hot lamp treatment in the last post was. When I rounded the edges on the front of the door I was not totally satisfied with the door gap. That is what that was about. I sat there 2 days adjusting it till it is perfectly uniform from top to bottom.
If i can get the sand through patches sanded without creating new issues It is ready to switch from 400 to the 2000 pad. Last step is pull the window plastic and round those edges. Then start cleaning.
Pictures are kinda useless at this point it looks exactly the same in them. But I getting on 4-5 hours a day still. I ain't laying down on the job.

[Ms Grumpy]

How do you find the time ? WOW..

[chevymaher]

How do you find the time ? WOW..

I am very tired LOL. I usually am up real early and do it before my actual what most people call work starts.

[flash]

I know youre working on this thing ,need updates ,yes Im bored .

[chevymaher]

I know youre working on this thing ,need updates ,yes Im bored .

Door gap is handled. I sanded the fresh primer there this morning before going to work at mom's all day.

I got to 2000 pad wet sand the door and fender. Takes what 10 minutes. But it is completely ready now. I have scrutinized it. Redone things. Re-primed it sanded and worked on it some more. Last time Charlie Anal looked at it he didn't say a word grumbled and left. I wet it down and moved the spotlight around and looked for waves.

I got to go re-stock up on some things monday I believe is the day. 100 more miles of masking tape. I sure burn that stuff up. Gallon of reducer, Another gallon of clear. I burn that up alot to. Side stuff dent fixes for freinds etc etc. I need pinstripe tape for the stripes. I got a gallon and a half of laquer thinner for gun cleaning so i going to get another gallon of that. I think I done with the 5 gallon cans for a while. I just want some extra when I am done. I gonna do my buddies motorcycle when this is done this winter.

So all that aside now I got to scrub the basement and get all this dust i carefully got in every nook and cranny down there. Clean the car real good under it every where get all the dust gone. I got light fixtures and spotlights to mount. Heavy plastic to make a paint booth with.

Car is ready now i switch gears to get the garage ready for the car.
For the pics or it didn't happen portion of the program. Here is the offending seam. It primered here before it was sanded. But it is sanded and ready now. In the curved part it was getting wider than the rest of the seams on the car. I was rounding the corners and it looked good before i did it. Then it was a Greek Tragedy. Yes i actually went and measured them all with calipers and made sure they were all the same.

Except the side seams of the hood. I just aligned it centered at the nosepiece and went with it. Needs the room because the chevelles hood hinges are a wild affair even when right closing. But it closes with out hitting any where. I screwed with those hinges a month it seems like getting that mess working right.
https://s5.postimg.org/4krcnuv2v/IMAG1497_zpsd57bcab6.jpg

[Ms Grumpy]

If you run out of things to do just let me know. lol

[flash]

See there ,I knew you had pics for us .

[chevymaher]

It is getting cleaner down here. I made my supply run and got a new mask to. I dont think the compressor has been cleaned since I got it. Today I going to touch up the color inside the door jamb on the fender then back to mopping floors.
https://s5.postimg.org/u4y8815uf/IMAG1511_zps3fd142f9.jpg
https://s5.postimg.org/t3xziwouv/IMAG1510_zpsf60ea646.jpg
https://s5.postimg.org/jxfovmjmf/IMAG1508_zpsd82c8f29.jpg
https://s5.postimg.org/d895flyaf/vanspot_zpsadba5f9d.jpg

[chevymaher]

I got 10 hours in today. I got the garage done except one peice of plastic that goes over the garage door. Then it wont open so I will do it last right before I mask the car to the ground. I leaf blowered the car and entire garage. Then mopped the floor for the 3rd day straight. it out to be getting cleaner. Cleaned the car and started masking. I got the trunk and the drivers door ready. It is thunderstorming now and supposed to the rest of the week. So with luck the car and the weather will meet after that. No dust from all the rain. A few days of decent painting weather. Garage starts out good because it is air conditioned. It is dry in there. But once the paint blower starts it just sucks the outside in.
Tomorrow I got work to do all day so I wont get much done. But I still pluggin away at it.
https://s5.postimg.org/9px5j7xef/IMAG1519_zps80cc72ff.jpg
https://s5.postimg.org/on5mk8amv/IMAG1521_zps3975628e.jpg

[Quadracer392]

Things are looking pretty good! As meticulous as you were with block sanding and the primer, I can wait to see how the paint turns out. Have you painted much before?

[chevymaher]

Things are looking pretty good! As meticulous as you were with block sanding and the primer, I can wait to see how the paint turns out. Have you painted much before?

I do collision work and rust repair for friends and family. I have done my van twice because it keeps getting hit.

I did it some in my late teens. In barns no less in true hillbilly style. Then 5 years ago I gathered what i needed. Compressor with proper CFM rating. Monster air storage tank. Good guns and hoses water trap etc etc. LOL I even refused a house and got this one because it had the big garage. I just knew somehow. You grow up but really you never change.

I can't afford to have it done. It expensive enough just buying supplies. I knew this car was finally coming along. Frame finished rebuilt the front and rear end. Metal work done then the long journey doing the bodywork. Most of the time i was working only on the weekends if i had time. Building houses and remodeling houses took all my time. Like building part of mom's house last summer. Now I am semi-retired and got the time to do more. I wanted this car bad enough to build it from scratch. I sure can't afford one. So I had to get with the program.

I grew up as a kid watching Jim Garrard paint cars. He did cars for shows. I am not a pro but i seen it done and know what should be happening. I do the best I can. I am not the best. But i don't suck like i used to either.

This has been a dream to do this since i was a teen. I had 20 chevelles back then when they were cheap. But i just dealt with what I had and made them look as best I could. Then they got to expensive and I gave up on them. Got a bike a while.

Then I saw my car my color with a big block. I had to have another one. I paid way to much for this rust heap and I been trying to make a decent car out of it every since. I look at it and it gives me shivers knowing what I done and it getting so close to the day I can fire it up and drive it.

This is the last thing i painted if it turns out as well I be pleased. I never even buffed it out. This one is definitely getting sanded and buffed.
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=210&pictureid=4206

[flash]

That van looks great and its got my picture on the tag ,one of my friends calls me PeckerHead because of that emblem. I had some hats printed up with that logo and PeckerHeads Car Club on it and gave her husband one .

[chevymaher]

Peckerhead is Mr. Horsepower mascot of thrush mufflers.

[chevymaher]

It mask garage ready plastic wise to. 5 days of garage and car masking. Now clean the car again. Surface prep it. Mop the floor non-stop untill the rain stops. I be cleaning till the weather is favorable now.
T Minus whenever and counting.
https://s5.postimg.org/dc2yvv3rr/mask_zps43308642.jpg

[Ms Grumpy]

I hope that the weather cooperates with you soon. I hope you get to make more progress soon.

[chevymaher]

Thank you.
I studyin to be a weather man now LOL. I on that weather map. Watchin and waiting.

I cleaned it. Mopped the floor again. Cleaned and tested the guns. I got one that works upside down for the bottoms. Paint container rotates for just such emergencies.

I got the air on full blast down there, drying everything out. Paint and reducer is out where i need it. I am so ready now.

[Ms Grumpy]

If you have a dehumidifier it dries the floors quicker than fans if it is in an enclosed area. Just thought I would pass that on.

[chevymaher]

If you have a dehumidifier it dries the floors quicker than fans if it is in an enclosed area. Just thought I would pass that on.

Thanks for the tip. I already borrowed one and got it running. LOL.

[chevymaher]

It is blue. I got one more color coat.
Then clean second gun.
Pay bills.
News and film at 10.

[flash]

Cant wait to see it .

[chevymaher]

I am workiing out and mopping floors. I back from bills run. It turned out well. It is now primer blue LOL.
I finish this and shower I go post the pics.

[SS Shaun]

so when can i drop off my chevelle for paint? :)

[chevymaher]

Wet and the dry look.
Next sand mask and do the stripes and accents.
https://s5.postimg.org/akjp59593/paint1_zps1d1b4d3e.jpg
https://s5.postimg.org/mnp0stgbb/paint2_zps2d4bde6b.jpg

[chevymaher]

Ready for the next step and it supposed to rain tonight and tomorrow.
https://s5.postimg.org/sd9uqvbvb/stripes_zps15d584de.jpg

[chevymaher]

Stripes and lower accents done. Now if i can get it cleared so it don't look like a 50 Y/O POS.
https://s5.postimg.org/gcoeq54gn/stripesdone_zpsc5fc4883.jpg

[Quadracer392]

looking pretty good man!! That color is awesome! Are you doing a flat or gloss clear?

[chevymaher]

looking pretty good man!! That color is awesome! Are you doing a flat or gloss clear?

Gloss clear. It just looks flat now because it all basecoat. Basecoat looks nasty untill it is cleared. Black is same as the dash and the blue is the same as the inside of the trunk. I just had to paint sand paint sand before clear so it all under the shine coat without an seam.
https://s5.postimg.org/6hx9jx0if/dash_zps6998a70d.jpg
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=209&pictureid=4343

[chevymaher]

Well it is a done deal. Buffing is all that is left.
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=209&pictureid=4517
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=209&pictureid=4518
http://chevelleforum.org/picture.php?albumid=209&pictureid=4519

[Quadracer392]

The pictures look amazing!! Have ya been able to get any trim on the car or are you still cutting and buffing on it?

[chevymaher]

The pictures look amazing!! Have ya been able to get any trim on the car or are you still cutting and buffing on it?

Thanks. I am doing nothing to it right now. Giving it a month to harden.

I been biding my time. I took everything off the shelves and cleaned them and everything on them. Painting is over at least big stuff. So I cleaning up the dust and overspray. set all the windows in the car. In the interior not back in. Moved parts in the order I be needing them.

I been doing more mom stuff. Restoring a stove that was grandmas. Making the doors and knobs work. I got to repair the gas flue and finish cleaning it.

I been fixing the rear door on the durango. It ready for paint. Then patching some rocker rust getting it ready for winter. It basically sits all summer.

This is the hard part waiting and not touching it.

[chevymaher]

Spent the entire day lining up the front bumper. Took 20 minutes to do the first time. They got up and down forward and back from factory. Side to side not so much.
I wasn't with that so I had to get it perfect. It needed to go to one side a 1/4 inch. It is absolutely perfect now. I got the 2 center braces tight outside ones will be a snap now.

[chevymaher]

Now it warm again I been working on the paint again. I got it sanded down and first wash. I be cleaning a few days before I buff. I got to move my van outside to do it because I don't want it all over it. It is a 4 incher. Git to really get close to see the flaws. I real happy with it. Not bad for a first attempt shade tree mech job. I painted before but never cut and buffed. I glad that over now. I know i wont screw this part up I done it a million times. Stress from sanding is over.
I can't wait till the tail pieces and rear end chrome on.
https://s5.postimg.org/g3qu07ro7/IMAG1829_zpszjzf5jin.jpg
https://s5.postimg.org/qf36svjdj/IMAG1832_zpsirunxdj3.jpg

[chevymaher]

I fixed a couple places with a air brush then started buffing today. It aint perfect but i can live with it. It look fine going by at 65. Dont suck up close either LOL.
https://s5.postimg.org/6yih6co9j/buff_zpsyfh64uhk.jpg

[shadowgray396]

Looks good in the pictures.

[flash]

It does look good ,very shiny too.

[chevymaher]

Thank you both.

I grew up down the street for a guy who painted for car shows. And I am barely worthy to hold that mans hat. I really hard on my self and picky.

I am just chasing a dream. It is nicer than anything I ever owned. I go through the same thing every time I paint. Van has its issues to. But if you are not looking for them you don't see nothing. Same here once it is done I will forget all about it. And be whining about chrome that won't line up. I am a perfectionist and I ain't perfect. So I do my best and it is never good enough to suit me.

[mestorod70]

it looks good...hope mine comes out that nice.
Ive seen $20.000 paint jobs and they had flaws if you looked real hard.
Its all in the prep...and you did yours good.

[chevymaher]

Got most of the passenger side buffed. Then I couldn't stand it anymore i put the tail corner piece on and the tail chrome. Pictures always from this side because the natural light they just turn out better.Got called off work. Wifey wants me clean so we can go shop a while.
https://s5.postimg.org/6a9mnepjr/IMAG1844_zpsmoacodaz.jpg

[chevymaher]

Today I messed with the rear bumper all day. Went on easy-peasy. Adjusting it took most of the time. Some people are just never happy.
https://s5.postimg.org/4whzs3qaf/bumper_zpsudikd26s.jpg

[Ms Grumpy]

It is all the little things that bother us when we look at the way the bumper fits. It took forever for me to be satisfied. I don't know if they ever fit perfect, but that is always something that I strive for. Maybe someday for me...lol

[chevymaher]

I done with the buffer now. Took the pad off and put it away.

I cut a section of a buffing pad and went over 3/4 of the car by hand to get the swirl marks out. Water in the buffing pad and same rubbing compound. I got the passenger side left to do.

I got one spot half dollar sized where the metallic laid wrong. Other 2 fixes are invisible. Really got to look for that spot and the light got to be just right. Looking directly at it. It isnt there. If it really bugs me I will screw with it when the car is driving. I doubt it tho. It just don't grab your eye.

Overall it turned out good. Has issues most of which you couldn't see if I pointed them out. Not perfect but nothing to be ashamed about for a first attempt in a garage. I am totally satisfied and happy.

Next after I finish the hand buffing. I going to clean the junk out of the cracks, the walls, the tools, the neibors cars LOL. That stuff is everywhere. Wash it real good. Then sand out the tape lines in the seams and buff and blend the surfaces together.

Then take a break and get the gardens ready for flower and vegetables. Cut that silly tree that fell in the winter storm. Rake the branches up. Get ready for spring. Then go back to putting on weather stripping and seals and chrome I got in the trunk.

https://s5.postimg.org/eibk8ehg7/B_Done_zpslodwfjib.jpg

[chevymaher]

Like I mentioned i had a dead spot in work. Today after long last was a chevelle day. Made a run got a heat gun sandpaper for whatever it handy for everything. 80 grit while I was there.
Got the roof glue. Put the chrome on and mask it. Sanded the paint. Then cleaned it real good. Now i got to make my marks next time i get a chance. I kinda penciling it in next weekend.

[chevymaher]

I postponed some work today. Because I had a full day other wise to do the top. I still got to trim edges after I get the chrome on. Not bad for a flunkies first time doing a top.
https://s5.postimg.org/3k4w3yi8n/IMAG2090_zps7qwkc1vn.jpg
https://s5.postimg.org/qzmt9b1zr/IMAG2091_zpsp0cc1zje.jpg
https://s5.postimg.org/qo5cwjljr/IMAG2092_zpsdaaczdhp.jpg

[Ken Hayes]

Looks good.

[chevymaher]

Thank you Ken. Todays adventure was doing yard work. Then I put the top chrome and trimmed the excess before it did something silly on the edge.
Got the drivers side felts on also. And the little rubber dealy for the rear window into the doorjamb.
https://s5.postimg.org/6i1uxnpw7/IMAG2093_zpsehpxmvpr.jpg

[shadowgray396]

Looks great.

[chevymaher]

Looks great.

Thank you as well. I heard they were really a bear to put on right. It is a bunch of stress gone it went on for me. Now if the headliner goes in that easy I set. Everything else I can do in my sleep LOL.

[chevymaher]

Well I never got around to doing the window felts but. I turned it around in its spot so I can work on the front and put the engine in. And I think this is the first time it had a hose taken to it since it was 6 months old. I washed it real good with a hose and soap and water. Went over it in the sun see if there anything I missed. I think it actually looks better in bright light than under florescents.

So I had a real fun chevelle day. Like a kid in a candy store. Can I drive it yet mommy.

https://s5.postimg.org/vpcqxwt07/IMAG0005_zpsnxhjytxp.jpg
https://s5.postimg.org/ubl42ltqv/IMAG0007_zpsvn9dzonw.jpg
https://s5.postimg.org/4u2pj0c0n/IMAG0008_zpsq4cfgo85.jpg

[Ms Grumpy]

Really like the blue. It is sweet.

[flash]

I agree ,looks very nice .

[Ken Hayes]

What is that on the left rear quarter panel behind the tire?

[chevymaher]

What is that on the left rear quarter panel behind the tire?



White marks in quarters are the chrome studs that still got buffing compound on them.

Grill and that lower chrome are about to be ordered. Soon as I can make up my mind if it is a 6 or 5 bow headliner. I am pretty sure it is a 6 tho.

[chevymaher]

Had a good day with the old girl today. I got the windshield siliconed and the chrome on permanently.
I got the doors and trunk weather stripped. Wow needed a wind up from left feild to shut the trunk at first. It settling down to close to normal pressure already. Doors did that when I put the upper window weather stripping in. It will form to it later.
I got the 2 cowl pieces left now. I need to run and get more clips I dont have enough.

[shadowgray396]

Looking sharp

[chevymaher]

About to get the grill and rest of the brightwork ordered. Then question and answer period about interior stuff. They busy and i cant get through.

EDIT:Just got through. it on the way Yippee.

[chevymaher]

Well the order came. I said to send the grill without the backordered eyebrows. And the thing I wanted most was not there. The grill. It says they sent it. There was the correct number of boxes they said they sent. I have dealt with them on past clusterfricks and they are very good about it. But it is still a let down.

I am sure it just wasn't sent. Because the back order. Guy pulllin the order missed his memo. Anyway parts got here at 3 and by the time I inventoried it all they were closed. They close at 3 on Friday at ground up. So I burnt till whenever. Monday a holiday so I bet I cant even get it settled until Tuesday.

So I guess I wont be painting the grill tomorrow like i thought when I got the boxes.

But on the bright side I be putting on a bunch of new chrome somewhere. New mirror set look outstanding.

[chevymaher]

I called today and the grill wasn't sent. The eyebrows on back order due to be there monday or tues. It be shipped then.

I got the chrome on the gas pedal today. Marker lights on the fenders. And the majority of the day puzzling the wiper motor and arms and wipers.
It hard to remember how it went.
When it was never there when you took it apart.
It been apart over 10 years. And the last 68 or 69 I owned was in the late 80's

Got the chrome on under the wipers. Rear chrome on the hood. Started fiddling with the rear window chrome and seal. Got called to eat supper.
Game over.

[chevymaher]

Got the drip rails on and the drivers side moldings today. I think next time I at my buddies or he brings his here. I gonna compare the rockers on the 71. They got a nice rocker trim that would look good with what I got going on here.
I had the mirror mounted also, but took it back off so it don't get nailed going to the van. It just one screw so no big deal.

Still just muddling along here.


https://s5.postimg.org/jejsdu6zb/IMAG0014_zpsvo3iprlh.jpg

[chevymaher]

Well that took a while. Making the parts the same shape as the car. Nothing a little work can't accomplish. Got the grill finished just now. Outside of the car is officially complete.

From here on out for a while I be doing less exciting and newsworthy thing. Brakes undercoating and gas tank. Putting in larger fuel lines. Get the hump in for the console shifter boot. Easy stuff. And I ready for some less intense stuff. Just do it.

https://s5.postimg.org/59dzc0xxz/IMAG0036_zpsvnol9x0f.jpg

[Quadracer392]

Look really awesome! What color blue is that? It look close to what I picked for mine. You going to have it on the road this year?

[chevymaher]

04 GTO Impulse blue. No it still a ways off to running. brakes and gas tank stuff this winter smaller details. Interior in the spring. Then I got to buy a engine. It getting closer tho.

[chevymaher]

Well it has been years now. I got the floor jack and got it outside for a wash with a hose soap and water. And of course some pics. Mainly cleaning under the hood and in the door jambs in the trunk. Getting wax and cough cough buffing compound off of it.

I been starting to clean more parts. For the underneath stuff. I haven't forgot about the poor girl my wifes college is just killing me at the moment. It was killin me I just had to play with it. get it in the sun even tho it was cloudy. I just wanted to see the silly thing in the light for a change.

Will it ever run again LOL.

https://s5.postimg.org/cqn6r8nh3/P_20161104_111156_zpsaiebafau.jpg
https://s5.postimg.org/49s9u285z/P_20161104_114328_zpshlkw4tfn.jpg
https://s5.postimg.org/3yatharpz/P_20161104_114342_zpshnweiftg.jpg
https://s5.postimg.org/lcv1pkouv/P_20161104_114349_zpsrycnhstc.jpg
https://s5.postimg.org/huj1t6nyv/P_20161104_120107_zpsp3jtcgne.jpg

[shadowgray396]

It took me 7 years before I drove mine for the first time. Hang in there you wil get there. Looking good.

Ray

[flash]

Im going to catch up on this thread and others tonight ,its looking great .

[mestorod70]

Hey randy....What exactly are you missing to get your car driving again.
Where is the engine...trans etc....is it a small block th350 car.?
Perhaps if you post up a list of things you need......lots of folks have things laying around.
I have engine brackets...pulleys...headers...mufflers etc that i dont need and probably
will never take the time to sell.
Get that thing driving.....make prity latter.

[carpoor]

I know that he mentioned having a 4 speed and saving up for a big block crate engine.

[chevymaher]

Honestly I have most of what I need. It was a 307 2 speed powerglide car. I bought a big block with the accessory drive. But it was a puke 150 hp engine. I threw the internals and heads away. I got all the accessory drives for a big and small block. I have flywheel cutch z bar etc. I am missing a drive shaft radiator and most importantly a motor. I have a 4 bolt main 454 block it is a gen V I beleive a 71 model year from a U Haul truck.

My biggest issue is my wifes college is killing me at the moment. I got one more year left of that and she starts working again. Then she is actually making money and my money isnt going into tuition and books. It is almost over. I just got to sweat it out.

Having a kid, wife went into college, kinda thew things on the back burner for the moment. Just life in general. I am not a kid anymore family is more important.

I am in the home stretch basically and I see the light. But that just makes the anticipation more unbearable.

Just bear with me and let me whine. I will get her done.

[chevymaher]

Got the new gas tank in today. Gauge works. I had it on full. Turned the key straight to empty.

[chevymaher]

Well my arm is sore from pressing buttons now. Fixing photofhukets mess.