Rookie's First Restoration Attempt...

Took a break from the bodywork this weekend. I received an order of parts, so I decided to finish some small projects I started a while ago.

The heater box is finished.

Before...

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After...
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Installed new dash deflectors. These things were a pain to install - the new seals were too tight on the deflectors, so I had to shim them.

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I also received my new door glass and a bunch of other parts...the stupidest things get me excited.
 
I've been trying to stay away from the body lately, due to the fact that I'm just burnt out doing fiberglass work. So here is what I've been picking away at this week.

I needed new plastic bushings for my shifter handle. I've only seen the bushings in a large kit from the vendors, and, being that I'm on a budget, I figured I'd try to make something else work. I opened up the bushing holes on the bracket, and installed some bronze hinge bushings I had laying around. I ran a drill bit through them to get a snug fit on the pin. Zero play...and I probably will never have to worry about shifter slop again.

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I blasted/painted more parts, and polished the slip yoke.

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I also received my new center console. Here is the bezel I restored fitted on it. This one piece really turned my attitude around this week, and gave me motivation to keep pushing.

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Rebuilt the alternator.

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I can't find anymore parts to refinish...no kidding. Well, there are the headers, but I'm probably going to end up wrapping them...so there is no point in refinishing them. The rest of the parts I just don't have and have to buy used or new...so it looks like I'm back on bodywork again. You guys should see all these new shiny parts lined up in my room (the ones I haven't posted pics of)...its insanity.

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Speedo and tach installed...

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Fuel sender blasted and painted..

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Its kind of an odd feeling knowing that I can touch any part now, WITHOUT getting my hands covered in dirt. Even the little screws behind the dash are refinished now.
 
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I've been working hard saving my money, locating parts, ordering parts, going through the AIM to make sure I have every last part which needs to be fit to the body. I have almost all of the interior now too. Mike Smith (mds3013) and Mike Dyer (tracdogg2) are helping a ton with collecting used parts from a wreck down in Texas (thank you Mikes!)...I'm trying to save money wherever I can. Ben (chstitans42) has also been a great help, selling me some parts at a very reasonable price (thank you Ben!). And the other day, forum member Dave J sent me two nuts for the brake switch for free (thank you Dave!). Not to mention all the other members who have helped me over the years (I haven't forgot about any of you who have supplied me with knowledge or parts over the years!). You have no idea how much all this help has meant to me. Mike Dyer especially - if it wasn't for him taking me under his wing, I would not have a career right now, and this project would not have turned out like this.

Here are a couple of pics to keep the ball rolling.

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I keep looking at pics of the right flare and asking myself how I got it to look so perfect...then I realized what I went through to get it to look like that. I can't wait to take molds of these things...it will be like having the holy grail of mods.
 
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stinger12 said:
I've been working hard saving my money, locating parts, ordering parts, going through the AIM to make sure I have every last part which needs to be fit to the body. I have almost all of the interior now too. Mike Smith (mds3013) and Mike Dyer (tracdogg2) are helping a ton with collecting used parts from a wreck down in Texas (thank you Mikes!)...I'm trying to save money wherever I can. Ben (chstitans42) has also been a great help, selling me some parts at a very reasonable price (thank you Ben!). And the other day, forum member Dave J sent me two nuts for the brake switch for free (thank you Dave!). Not to mention all the other members who have helped me over the years (I haven't forgot about any of you who have supplied me with knowledge or parts over the years!). You have no idea how much all this help has meant to me. Mike Dyer especially - if it wasn't for him taking me under his wing, I would not have a career right now, and this project would not have turned out like this.

Here are a couple of pics to keep the ball rolling.


I keep looking at pics of the right flare and asking myself how I got it to look so perfect...then I realized what I went through to get it to look like that. I can't wait to take molds of these things...it will be like having the holy grail of mods.
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Making it sound like an Academy Award acceptance speach LOL
Nice job Jeremy
 
I busted my butt all weekend to get the left flare finished and in filler!

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Good night!
 
I put in another grueling night today...can't say I enjoyed it, but I have to keep pushing.

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A couple more hours, and this quarter is finished.
 
Left quarter is finished.

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Now I have to jump back to the right quarter and fine tune that flare until it is identical to the left flare...its close, but still needs a bit more sanding here, a little more glass there...you get the idea.
 
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I put in another grueling night today...can't say I enjoyed it, but I have to keep pushing.


Sting, that statement bothers me, got a clue from a old hotrodder/car person for over 1/2 a century....

When it is NOT fun, it's time to let go for a while.....push push on any project like this gets tiring....the amount of time and effort gets nutz from time to time, and methinks most of us have been there done that....

Don't let the bitch wear you down.....chill out man....

:thumbs::smash:

For that matter wait till you buy a house, then is when the modifications unlimited come into mind....

:crap::eek::smash::smash::surrender:
 
Looks really good!

In that last pic from the rear, it looks like your spring sits way to low....or is it my eyes?
 
SmokinBBC said:
Looks really good!

In that last pic from the rear, it looks like your spring sits way to low....or is it my eyes?
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There is no weight in the car. Its set so that my car sits at ride height while I am working on the flares.
 
mrvette said:
When it is NOT fun, it's time to let go for a while.....push push on any project like this gets tiring....the amount of time and effort gets nutz from time to time, and methinks most of us have been there done that....
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I know, I know...its not healthy...I'm just tired of seeing this thing covered in dust. Once its in primer, I will be a lot happier.
 
stinger12 said:
Left quarter is finished.

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Now I have to jump back to the right quarter and fine tune that flare until it is identical to the left flare...its close, but still needs a bit more sanding here, a little more glass there...you get the idea.
Click to expand...

LOOKING GOOD! Love that last picture.
 
What's up with that leaf spring? That'll surely cause probs hanging that low, not to mention it looks kinda goofy. Is that a TRW spring ot the hyperco beavertails that are like the stock 80-82 springs?? looks like a beavertail to me
 
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