I know that I have not really been doing anything on the Vette since October, however I have been working very hard, saving up every penny for the new motor and 5 speed trans! I plan on purchasing both this winter, and installing them prior to the paint...otherwise I will never get it done! If I have to drive it in primer, well then so be it.
I did pick up sand paper and a flexible longboard to start block sanding, but I have not been around to do anything in a month. The good news is that I've been working hard and saving hard for parts. I also have been researching a bit, and I think I know why my paint was not flowing out.....not enough air pressure with my HVLP guns. I will have to practice on the hard top first. Happy Thanksgiving!
Today I shot a black guide coat over all the seperate body pieces. I had a little bit of black left over from the Honda Accord, enough to cover the hood, roof, doors and deck lid. I had to use a rattle can for the body, but the results are about the same. I started to sand the door jambs, and the rear valance...but it is getting dark and I am hungry...so that's it for tonight!
Finally primed! I had to get the body primed before the weather gets too cold. Three coats of Dupont 2K on the body, hood, doors, rear valance, deck lid and roof. I also filled some extra holes in the firewall that were not used, but I need to fill some deep scratches on the inner fenders and clean up the area around the parking lights. Now comes the wet sanding with 400 grit and the block sanding.
I am also really doubting that I am qualified to paint this car...way too many complex curves on those fenders and quarter panels. We will see.
Ok, so I am still stripping paint...but I'm almost finished. We picked up a lot of good parts at Carlisle, including a new windshield, weatherstripping, more stripper (obviously), door handles and more. Now that the doors are off, all I need to do now is finish stripping the paint from the door jambs and then I'm ready to prime it. I can't wait to get started block sanding, because that means I'm closer to painting.
Now that I have finished (I ran out of the stuff) stripping the paint, I have to sand the body down and prep it for sealer, and then primer. It has been slow going, due to the vacations over the past few weeks. I am making plans for Corvettes at Carlisle on August 25, 2006 with Tommy and Zach, where I hope to get many of my parts I so desperately need.
After degreasing the engine compartment and bottom of the car, I started stripping the hood... both inside and out. I have a few repairs to do, mainly filling the holes where the hoodpins once were and a small crack along the side. The Captain Lee's paint stripper works great, now that I have a system down...but what a mess!!!
I also stripped the rear valance and cut the holes for the exhaust trim pieces.
Monday, June 26, 2006
So, I finally got started on restoring the Stingray to my ultimate Pro-Touring Vette-Rod. I stripped everything off the body, and pulled the interior out. I have more of my vette in my bedroom and attic than in the garage. I have hundreds of little paper bags filled with screws, nuts and bolts and each is labled for its eventual cleaning and replacement. Today I pulled the motor and trans, and will get started on cleaning up the engine compartment tomorrow. Since I've already restored and rebuilt everything under the car, including the suspension & brakes, all I need to work on is the body, fresh motor and the new 5 speed!
Welcome to South Hill Customs! I will be posting information and links on this blog for my gearhead friends to check out. I'm currently working on my 1964 Stingray, which I stripped down and am getting ready for some body work and paint.
This was my last pass down the track....
Check out some of my other projects in my links section.
