Restoration
Wellsir, it looks good because in a photo of this size (or even in person at this distance) it is impossible to see the deteriorating paint, rusting chrome, tatty interior the hodge-podge wiring and grimy engine compartment.
The car has, however, always run strong and thus there has been a real reluctance to take it off the road for the many months that would be required to properly set things right.
In the end though, perhaps we owe it to these cars to maintain them in the best condition that our means and abilities allow, and from time to time this requires a bit more than mere maintenance and repair.
Thus it was that on May 22, 2000 I began removing the various bits that would need to be refurbished, replaced or just gotten out of the way while the body was restored. On June 5, 2000 the body & chassis were delivered to the firm which will do the body work.
Or you may go directly to a particular step in the process by selecting below:
Paint stripping at Desert Sky in Tucson, Arizona -- click here
Body work begins -- click here
Upholstery & Chrome work -- click here
Under wraps -- click here
Finally in primer -- click here
Parts is parts -- click here
More primer -- click here
Back in the Red -- click here
Homeward Bound -- click here
Assembly is Reverse of the Above -- click here
The Final Chapter -- click here
It now has a fit and finish appropriate for the wonderful driving machine that it has always been -- and drive it we certainly will. The first 100 miles (first day on the road) brought back all the fun so now I close this commentary and take to the road.
