My very last restoration!!!

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Very little progress unfortunately due to the cold still,
Apart from a few hours underneath, just Hav’nt got the enthusiasm and my shoulder/Bicep damage is causing me some issues!

I have however been able to get other stuff done at work,
Drums disc’s spindles etc, and made a start on repairing my radiator support as these still aren’t available and JEGS finally refunded my payment for the one I had on order,
I’ve all but given up on having it done this now so working on 2026 ,

Saw my consultant on Friday regarding possible procedures to repair the damage, but he said it wasn’t a good idea,
Zero guarantee of any significant improvement and lots of time recovering, so basically I’ve got to live with it now,

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Managed a few hours on the TA, some at work getting more parts into colour and started to repair the Deck filler panel on the shell,

This part has suffered some rust damage and would hs e been replaced it I was fitting new rear quarters,
However my quarters are not bad so I’m having to repair the deck panel
I’ve a new deck filler panel to fit so 90% of the underlying area is invisible once the filler panel is fitted so I just need a solid water tight and rust free repair,

I just applied the epoxy by brush just to keep it all clean and dry, most of this will be removed once I start the finish process

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Managed a few hours this week on my Wheel houses,
Now these looked a bit sad and scruffy with a fair amount of corrosion pitting, but being where they are not surprising !

Any way I’ve blasted them and then used Ferro Bet acid to remove any rust spots etc, one had a couple of bits that needed replacing, so made a pattern and welded them in

Should get them in primer next week.

[Steve]

Very satisfying bits to do as you know they will look really good when the car is back together. Its details like this that make your restoration so good

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Cheers son
Yep the top section will be satin black and the tyre side I’ll Raptor ,
Next up will be the front subframe, and Radiator support, hopefully it will warm up a tad so I can finish the rear deck work,

My parts to do box is definitely getting smaller,
Just the front control arms and the suspension is done,
So apart from some odds and sods the heater box assembly is the last big piece to do,

Obviously still got the axle to do, then the motor
Such a lot of work doing a complete car from top to bottom
I’ll be honest and say I finding it tough going,
But generally happy with the progress considering I’m still working a 35 hour week,

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Managed to get the rear deck completed today
Still got some corrosion to remove from the rear window aperture but still heading in the right direction!

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So finally finished the rear deck,
Been doing some annoying corrosion to the rear screen aperture,
Also had some corrosion to the edge of the roof where it joins the sail panels,
Also been refurbishing bumper brackets etc at work so still moving forward!

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I’m almost ready to start refurbishing my rear quarters
Hopefully I’ll be at polyester stage by Easter?
And could be looking at colour by August?
Currently at 400 hours ,
So my estimate of 1000 was pretty much on the mark
Got lots of new parts but still have tons to source

[Steve]

Inspirational work, honestly, what a fantastic job you are doing! Could you imagine resto shop prices for all that work

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Haha
Yes you can see why it never never pays to restore a basket case if you have to fully fund it!
However as a labour of love then I guess it’s justified!
But I keep a record to lend perspective to the job
I can mess about and maybe redo stuff without worrying that I’ve got to justify this to a paying customer,
I personally witnessed loads of people commissioning restoration work that was ultimately going to ruin them,
Another reason for getting out while I still had some sanity left!
I struggle with the lack of space and definitely the lack of necessary tools but most of the time I’m reasonably satisfied with the progress!
One things for sure the old girl will out live me !
The ultimate goal is usability, doesn’t have to be a show car but super strong, good steering and suspension
Strong motor and trans and I fully intend to rag it !
Next year will be the 50th anniversary of my first ride in one and I’ve wanted one ever since!!!

[Steve]

Yeah, when its for you and you have the skills, then you dont have to put a cost on your time so to speak. If you take all day on one small bit, then so be it. Done properly and soon forgotten but if its rushed and you arent happy then its going to stick with you. My garage has been a similar labour of love. Ive spent a lot of time on tiny details that are a bit meaningless once done but would grate on me if not done properly to the best of my limited skills. I dread to think what it would cost to get a builder to do it!

Its going to be as good a car as any and you will be using it as you want to knowing its a cracker of a car that you built. I cant wait to see her painted, going to be a beauty! Great photos of the build too, they really help for understanding what you are doing and how you are doing it

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Ok so another busy week,
Finding it hard going at my age , 6 day weeks now for 7 months!
But I feel it’s worth the extra effort, I can relax when I retire!
Mostly been doing the front subframe, blasting and cleaning for refinishing,
I was going the epoxy it but once fully cleaned it was so good, a Coat of Eco Phos etch , and then 2k urethane was a better choice,

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Managed to get the frame in colour
Now repairing the radiator support, the lower beam was quite rusty and since I can’t get a OER or a Dynacorn replacement , so thought I’ll refurbish my original one,
Pig of a job due to the very strange shapes !

[mopar_mark]

Great to see your progress, I look forward to reading your updates. I don’t envy you repairing the lower beam, it would definitly be a case of slowly slowly catch a monkey job for me.
Keep up the great work

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Haha
Thanks son, I wonder sometimes all this a a tad tedious!

I’ve got a support on back order but absolutely no idea if/when they’ll return to stock?
So hence the repair,
One way or another it will help with the general progress for front end alignment and panel work,
And if a replacement does happen I can Bananarama! and fit !