1972 Chevelle: September 2015

Day 101 - 7/6/12

Got a package in the mail today! Received my vinyl top material, and we're pleased with it. It has an interesting feel/texture to it, makes it kind of fun to look at/touch. Just plopped it on the roof to see how it looks.

The material is all oversize since it's universal, to fit multiple different quarter panel/window applications. So 68-72 Chevelle, GTO, LeMans and other A-body cars.

Interesting seams...but man, look at that fresh windshield, that's nice.

Day 100 - 7/3/12

Day "100", that means 100 updates, 100 days of working on the car (about)...that's quite a few! Today we do a little tune up work, to make the car a little better and nicer to drive. The radiator was cracked and leaked a little, so I got a new one. Kinda went cheap on it, and got the plastic tank/aluminum core one from auto zone and hey, it's been great. What's cool about that one is it was just an order away, but it also has the tranny cooler lines built into it. It's been a little challenging sometimes to get motor parts for it since 6 cylinders aren't really the most popular motor... Anyway, the fuel pump and water pump needed to be replaced as well, so we did it all in one fell-swoop.

Getting the barbs out of the old fuel pump, kinda rusty.

Day 99 - 7/2/12

It's glass shop day! It's been a huge project so far and today is yet another big step in putting all the pieces back together. The original windshield was pretty nasty, bubbly, and the upper tinted part was faded so we threw it away. Had Jan at Hampton Auto Glass install a new windshield (with antenna) and re-set the original rear window. Keep in mind, the car has been sitting in the garage and now all of a sudden we're going to drive it for one day. Hmm...yep. No insurance, no current plates, no windsheild, no problem! We're just showing you what NOT to do!

I'm just happy as ever, since I get to drive my car for the first time in "forever"!

Better get some gas, so we can get there. If I remember right, this was my first real gas station stop of owning the car.

They call it a windshield for reason! It was quite chilly that morning.

Arrived safe and sound, time to let the guys do their thing. Can't wait to get it back!

Day 98 - 7/1/12

Today a bunch more progress of putting the interior back together happens. Using a mix of original when we can and new parts, the end result is pretty cool, check it out:

I lied, a little exterior work too...time to replace the outer side glass felts since we're done with welding and grinding. The originals were just plain rotten.

Installed: they compliment the original paint quite nicely. Got the jute padding and the rear package tray cardboard installed from the last update too.

Reglueing the headliner to the metal strips.

I came up with using these big paper clamps to hold the headliner in place while it dried. I went to the store, and of course the only ones they had left where the flowers/pretty in pink packs...oh well.

Oh hai dar.

Bunggied the upper rear seat to the gutter to scrub the mold and garbage off of it. So nasty...

Restreched and glued the sail panel's material to some interior grade cardboard.

Used a high strength 2-part epoxy to glue it all together along the edges.

More clamps.

Grub time.

On to the front, using some plastic to avoid getting glue on the paint.

Andddd done!

She's ready for the defrogger, glass and moldings!

Day 97 - 6/30/12

A little work on the inside and outside today. Got all the studs for the front and rear window molding clips screwed in. As well as begun to button up the headliner and other interior pieces.

Fogged where the rear defrogger goes, later learning that there is a black plastic piece that goes on top of the cardboard, but under the actual vent...duh.

Cut the new rear package tray cardboard for the defrogger, since they don't come pre-cut. I've heard it's a rare option to have a rear defrogger, so that's why I'm guessing it's not an option to buy one pre-cut

Getting ready to reinstall the headliner, I'm very thankful and surprised the original tread held it together during our welding venture.

Reinstalled the freshly painted vin tag back to it's correct place.

Day 96 - 6/24/12

It's finally roof paint day! More specifically epoxy primer day, but you get the idea. This is a very exciting day and part of this project since it kind of ties everything together, and you can get a little glimpse of the more or less finished product. Automotive painting is another one of my Dad's fortes so it was really fun for me to see him in action. On to the pictures!

The workbench is ready for paint.

More prep: wiping and cleaning.

Epoxy primer likes bare metal.

Washed the front and side interior rubber moldings today while Dad did his thing.

He likes to use lots of tape...

Entire roof is fully prepped and fully masked off and finally ready for paint!

GM black for around the windshield.

As well as the rear glass, since they are both visible when the glass and moldings are installed. Why dark red oxide in color for the rest of the roof? It's one of the first batches of color for my Dad's '32 Ford roadster, and since the new vinyl will cover it all, why not use it eh?

Anddd done!

Day 95 - 6/23/12

Today is filled with more sanding and preparation. It's almost paint time...for the roof, not the whole car. Scared you a second didn't I? Here's some pictures:

Put on an incorrect yeared California black plate on for fun.

Lots more sanding, almost there.

Cleaned up the Titianium Putty and primed the A-pillars.

Washed the rear inside window molding as well.

Day 94 - 6/22/12

Back for another update! The last coat of primer for the rear window opening has been applied and we roll it outside to give it a breather and quick clean out/blow off. As well as we button some of the rear of the car back together, getting it that much closer to drive-ability time!