Roller Paint Job Diary

I knew there were some big ones, but not that SUBTLE.

 

That's better. I can see you're calming down.

I'm working on the car outside tomorrow, after it comes up from -12C (16F) to about -6C (19F). We're supposed to hit -1C (30F). But sunny. After that, snow, freezing rain, flurries, until Monday, when it goes to 4C (39F).

I want to get the car locked up, and get the tarp down.

 

I don't blame you how close are you now?

 

A) Tailgate
B) Modify the 6 cylinder manifold pipe to fit my V-8 Exhaust
C) Re-install the parking brake cables, PB booster, wiper motors (Windshield and Tailshield )
D) Repair the fuel line (I drilled it out, and not looking where the drill went. Just need to clamp about 4" of fuel-grade hose.)
F) Install wiring harnesses (all)
E) Reinstall Bumpers, tail lights, grille, headlights
F) Install headlining, carpet, seats, seat belts.
G) Install dash, interior moldings.
H) Install Rad, Alternator, Power Steering, Ignition parts (distributor was never removed).
I) Wheel disks.
J) Battery
K) Ice scraper
L) New license plates!!!!!

A week's work. Everything is restored, and really becomes a bolt-on job. It looks like a lot, but I've been memorizing the manuals' pages and marking them with paper clips. You can't hold them with frozen fingers. :banghead3:

Actually, I've got a small quartz heater that quits if its knocked over, that can keep the car interior warm.

 

Sweet considering all the work you have done I'd say that isn't bad at all.

 

M) PS pump
N) Steering column, pedals.

Forgot those!

 

Tailgate Installed!

In case anyone ever hits a snag like this near disaster, which I did myself, after all my TLC to this Mexican Rose, its back on thanks to the guys on this board! It's too cold to paint properly, so I only painted a protective coat for the Winter. I'll do it right when the weather warms up in the Spring (April or May).

First the old hinge pins, which were one of the reasons that I wanted to 'tune' the adjustment:
See how they're worn out?


New pins made from 3/16" SS Alloy shaft - perfect, snug fit and burred to stay put:


The outside skin - depuckered - mostly :


The inside of the frame came out better (I started straighening on this side):




Looks good to me. Edge and curve are pretty clean now:


Don't laugh at the toque, eh? It was -3C, but the wind was only about 13 MPH. I'm using body sealer on the inside seam, because the paint cracked from the warping damage, then I painted it with the SEM vinyl dye (also ok on sheetmetal) because that is the interior color:




Installed! That blue 'gasket' is my own version of the old fibre/steel/fibre layered seal that was there before:






There's a lot of shade here, so it really looks like deep waves, but they're only about 1/16" deep. The white stuff is body sealer, which I painted after my friend left. Again only to protect the sheetmetal from the winter elements and roadsalt spray.




Tailgate closes and aligns fine. I may need to adjust again, but it can wait until Spring.


That's all folks (about the tailgate, anyway)!

I've been at this for almost 12 months, so I think I've been patient enough about getting her on the road again. She'll get more TLC in the Spring. It's all re-assembly from here on.

 

Stormin' It looks great again you pulled it off.

 

Thanks guys. Now to get 'er up and running. I'll get our new member, and my secret cameraman, and fellow Fairmont Wagon pal, HandyAndy, to come and take some completion pictures later this week.

 

dang dude you did a bang up job looks mighty good,,,,,you done a tremedous job of makin chicken noodle soup outta chicken poop,,,,(thats a compliment ) plus it saved ya a handful of loonies eh funny thing i was lookin on the can of mud (bondo) i had in the garage and it says not recommended for thicknesses over a qaurter inch thick,,,,,a little bit of pickin and filing you can maybe metal finish that repair

 

Thanks 80. It's just about 20 degrees to friggin' cold until the Spring. Then I'll really spit-shine it right!

http://www.instructables.com/id/Appling-a-Mirror-Finish-by-hand/

 

your an inspiration pal!
i'm 5 years younger and have about 1/5th your get upn go!!!

 

Thanks Rev, but I think I'm running on fumes. At times, it feels like my Get-Up-And-Go, just Got-Up-And-Went!

What's keeping my nose to the grindstone is the mere idea of walking 6 blocks to get groceries in MINUS 30C or 40C, and spend more, or drive 4 miles, toasty warm, and save a week's worth of gas.