-----------------------July 21, 2008----------------------------

Well, after searching high and low I have been unable to find a replacement wheelhouse for a reasonable amount of money. So we made the decision today to repair what was there. My buddy Daniell busted out the hammers, dollies and welder and worked a miracle. He managed to reshape the wheelhouse and repair the ripped metal. I am heading back over in the morning- hopefully we can get the quarter fitted and mounted. Progress is happening.....I just have to be patient.

------------------------July 22,2008----------------------------

It was a busy day, lots of metal cutting. I removed most of the quarter panel skin today and exposed the welds. Found a little more bondo on the upper quarter panel by the window at the seam- this time only about 1/4" thick. We didn't get the panel installed, only worked on fitting. The wheelhouse needs a little more attention. The more I work on this car, the more I would like to meet the morons that did the previous body work. The welds are horrible and weren't cleaned up with a grinder. Add that to the liberal use of bondo and that makes for a very messy process to get down to a clean car. Maybe we can get the quarter skin put on this week........

On a positive note, test-fit the wheels and decided the 17x8's with 235/45r17 all the way around didn't look right. swapped out the rear wheels with 17x9 with 255/45r17. They fill up the fenders much better (I didn't take any pics of the test-fit, wheels are in storage until the body work is done-don't want to mess them up).

--------------------------------------------August 24, 2008-------------------------------------------------

Sparks were flying today!  We test fit the quarter panel.  Ground off the remaining bondo- went all the way to the roof line!  Don't get me wrong, a little filler may be necessary to ensure a perfectly smooth surface, but when it is almost an inch thick in places- gimme a break- it is filler, not a replacement for the fundamental basics of body work.  For now, all bondo is gone.  The guy in the pictures is Daniel- an awesome paint and body guy and a great friend.  Still need a little more trimming and adjustment here and there to final fit the panel.  Hopefully, we can get that knocked out this week, get it all welded up and primed.  It may not be fast, but at least there is forward progress being made.....

----------------November 15, 2009------------------------------ 

Not a whole lot has taken place since the last photos- other than my car is now covered in dust and becoming a piece of furniture in the shop.  I can't believe it has been over a year already!  I am doing the adult thing and paying off all my bills before spending any more money on my project.  Sometimes it sucks being a grown up.  The good news is that I should have the bills paid off soon (thanks to 60+ hours a week working).  With any luck progress should begin on the car in the spring.  I will post pics of progress as soon as possible. 

On a lighter note, a friend of mine gave my son and I another project- a 1967 Ford F100 stepside.  I will make a page for it as soon.  My son is only 8 and we have plenty of time to have it completely redone before he can drive it.  Thanks for all your comments and words of encouragement.  I cannot wait to get back on the ball and have this baby back on the road.

------------------Things to do after bodywork-------------------

1. replace the valve cover gaskets- one is leaking pretty bad onto the exhaust manifold and smoking
2. relocate the battery to the trunk(?)
3. replace the rear brakes
4. change differential fluid and gasket
5. clean up the wiring,vaccuum lines under the hood
6. remove y-pipe cutout and install a catco catalytic converter
7. install the sound deadening material
8. make the rear seat braces
9. re-install the interior
10. lower the suspension at least 2" or go with AirRide
11. install the stereo system