Discussion Forum - Northstar Chevelle Club

Lost in the 60s · President

RE: 'Stanitization of a '72 Malibu Vert' Thread

dashboard · 2K+ Club

Looks great, I see Matt there checking out the finish product and Jacob just a few frames back. I’ve always noticed a high degree of ownership and pride displayed by all the artisans that played a part the finished product.

So, how long are you going to make us waiting on this “theme' for the project” thing?

Blu's coming home!

SteveS · Super Poster

The paint does look incredible, I'm jealous .

I see Matt there checking out the finish product and Jacob just a few frames back.

I noticed the guys in the pictures too, but how come they look like they're pulling their hair out in both pics, or did you have them at gun point trying to get them to finish?

Did the vert always have sport mirrors, or is that part of the new theme?

-- Edited by SteveS on Wednesday 5th of June 2013 06:42:20 AM

-- Edited by SteveS on Wednesday 5th of June 2013 06:42:41 AM

Jon H · 1K+ Club

Lots of blue, looking good!

Scott Parkhurst · Super Poster

Outstanding work Stan! Your own attention to detail and 'short leash' approach has really brought out the best from these Maaco guys. It wasn't too long ago that the word "Maaco" was univesal for crappy paint...like Bondo is for filler. This is proof it can be done right with the proper approach and shop owners who still care. Can't wait to see what else you have up your sleeve...and really can't wait to see the car back on the road! You've made some impressive progress this year.

SShink · 3K+ Club

SteveS wrote:
The paint does look incredible, I'm jealous .

I see Matt there checking out the finish product and Jacob just a few frames back.
I noticed the guys in the pictures too, but how come they look like they're pulling their hair out in both pics, or did you have them at gun point trying to get them to finish?
Did the vert always have sport mirrors, or is that part of the new theme?

-- Edited by SteveS on Wednesday 5th of June 2013 06:42:20 AM

-- Edited by SteveS on Wednesday 5th of June 2013 06:42:41 AM

Steve, I figured somebody would pick up on the 'would this guy stop coming by here and checking out his car' arms over the head looks in the background.

No, it didn't have sport mirrors originally. That's one of the 'treats' I gave myself was to buy the set. We all know that the SS came with the drivers side only, and Chevy didn't make a passenger side sport mirror, so these are ones that have come from a Camaro and have the bases shaved to fit the angle of the Chevelle door. They are one of my 'Malibu Sport' touches.

Thanks Scott. It's been a long haul, and lots to do yet. I couldn't have done it without Tim H.'s help on the disassembly, floor pan, rear sheat metal, trunk pans, and on and on fer sure!

The guys at Maaco take great pride in the classic cars they run through the shop. They love hearing the stories we bring back from car shows that people think it's a joke when they're told 'Maaco did it'. It's still like the Earl Schieb stigma. They are working on a '74 Dodge Dart all original 4 speed, numbers matching car that is going to run 3 times the price of mine. So, they do some cool stuff. But... not all Maaco's are created equal. Even the guys at the Burnsville Maaco will tell you that. Some other Maaco's do this type of work, but not as good according to the Burnsville guys!

dashboard · 2K+ Club

A suggestion, don’t dispose of the old tank until your new one is installed; if the filler neck is off a little on the new tank you’ll have something to compare it too. Get new straps and some longer carriage bolts to help with the install.

The new tank should have foam pads on the top. I used 40# roofing felt between the straps and tank, I just happen to have some left over from the yellow convertible.

If you need any help installing the new tank get Jon H, he’s great at it he has long fingers and very strong hands.

How did the chrome come out?

-- Edited by dashboard on Saturday 8th of June 2013 10:29:51 PM

SShink · 3K+ Club

Spent 3.5 hours cleaning the 40+ years of grunge, oil, and rust scale from the gas tank, painted it all nice and pretty, then discovered it had a thin area where one of the straps was, and was able to poke a 1/8" hole in it. Darn it! This was one of the few things I was trying to re-use, and looks like I need to buy a new tank, which means 'why stick a 40 year old sending unit in a new tank, so probably a new sending unit too.

Before:

And the pin hole. Of course it's on the bottom and not on the top where I could smoosh some JB weld in to patch it up.

Chris R · 2K+ Club

Yup. Gas tanks are never worth restoring when a nice replacement is fairly inexpensive.

Lost in the 60s · President

Lesson #1 always remove rust scale and check for pin holes BEFORE restoration..

Bring it over next Saturday and we'll give a demo on welding a patch over the hole.

SShink · 3K+ Club

Mitch, this was one of those rusty areas you couldn't really tell it was compromised unti the paint went on. I'm not coming to the meeting Saturday as I'll be turning wrenches on the vert. And, if this has one thin area on the tank, there are probably others. So for the $100 or so for a new tank, I'll go that route for insurance. It's a good thing I spotted it when I did as the hole is under a strap, and I would have started filling the tank and had a leak, or worse it could have started leaking when driving it.

Kevin, I'll get the tank, straps/insulators, hardware, and sending unit from Auto City Classics. They stock all of that and I bought the whole shooting match last year when I replaced the tank in the last Chevelle. It fit perfect, no filler neck clearance issues. Looks like another trip up there Friday afternoon, so I'll pick up your gas line and return it for you.

No stainless polishing yesterday. Didn't get started on the projects until 10:30 a.m., then with all the tank prep/painting, trans line clean up/painting, painting the spare tire rim, and starting to minimalize the shop area to make room for the vert on Monday (i.e. putting the box of exhaust system stuff in the back of the truck), it was 4 o'clock and time to get ready for another grad party. I have to jump on the computer for work this a.m., then will teach myself the joys of stainless trim polishing.

John D · 2K+ Club

"then will teach myself the joys of stainless trim polishing."

tips:
- wear leather gloves (it gets hot and sands off skin as fast as crud on the metal)
- heat is your friend. The rouge really doesn't cut/polish until there's a little heat involved
- practice on a spare or replaceable piece - one lapse in concentration and ziiiinnnggg it's ripped out of your hands and flying across the room
- more on ziiinnnggg - orient your buffing wheel so if something flys, it won't HIT THE CAR
- hang an old bedsheet behind/around your buffing station. The compound and strings from the wheel fly everywhere
- wear OLD clothes or a smock of somekind, you will get messy
- PATIENCE -

Home Depot markets a nice little kit by Ryobi - wheel(s) and rouge sticks. I did all the trim on Blackie using it and a bench drill press.

SShink · 3K+ Club

Thanks John. No car near the buffing wheel since I don't pick up the vert until Monday. That's why I'm doing this step today.

Good tips, and had them all covered thanks to Mr. Safety/Dashboard since I'm borrowing his polishing kit. A comment was made, "... this can be as dangerous as falling through a ceiling", and Lord knows I don't want to do that again!

SShink · 3K+ Club

Well after 4 hours of buffing and polishing, things turned out pretty good. Parts only took flight a couple of times, and mostly when using the final cloth buffing pad! Did have the motor grab the trim at a 90 degree turn and it put some dents in it, but it's fine for now. These are driver quality, and not show car chrome, but it does look Way shinier! Thanks Kevin for letting me use the buffer kit!

And some before pics:

And after:

And now it's back to organizing the shop to bring home the vert tomorrow!

SShink · 3K+ Club

5 hours and counting down.... until picking up the vert from Maaco!

I tried not to think about it last night while sleeping, but woke up at least 4 or 5 times. It's adult Christmas morning Defcon level 5 for me today.

Stopped by at lunch and settled up on the bill as they were finishing installing the inner fenders, and now it's just the wait to pick it up. It's been a long 3 months in paint jail that was supposed to have been 3 weeks. It won't be in the cave longer than an hour before the hood is off to install the engine/trans this week to make some room to move around. Then it's just 1000 more pieces that have to be installed before Car Craft...

dashboard · 2K+ Club

And then the seconds became minutes, and the minutes became hours, then the hours became days, and the…………..

SteveS · Super Poster

T minus 3.5 hours...

How do you get it home Stan, haul it yourself, or hire somebody?

Enganeer · Mega Poster

Isn't hail predicated?

Stan must be going crazy waiting.

Chris R · 2K+ Club

Get some photos when you get it Stan. Looking forward to seeing how good it looks.

Do they give you any specific instructions once you take possession of it for the next month or so while the paint continues to cure? No car cover during this time, no washing, something along those lines?

At least the weather decided to play along for once so you can go and get the car.

John D · 2K+ Club

"IT'S THE NCC BATTLE ROYALE OF THE CONVERTIBLES..."

IN THE YELLOW CORNER...CORNER...CORNER...CORNER
We have "Dashboard's - '65 Buick Special"

IN THE BLUE CORNER...CORNER...CORNER...CORNER
We have "Stan the Caveman's - '72 Malibu "Sport"

Current points tally:

Dashboard - 997 tasks/pieces left
Caveman - 1000 tasks/pieces left

WHO WILL BE THE ONE TO DRIVE THEIR "DROP-TOP" TO CAR CRAFT???

SShink · 3K+ Club

John D., that's a hoot!

Well, at least my contender is back in the gym and starting it's rehab program thanks to Santa's/Pops red truck delivery service!

And yes... I can't keep a secret with my 'Malibu Sport' theme. Check it out.

And all tucked away waiting for all the new parts:

Let the thrash begin!!!

Tim H · Mega Poster

Stan it looks awesome and it was fun to see all the people on the way to your house looking at it and giving the thumbs up especially the two cops.

gearlube · Active Member

Simply stunning and sooooo happy it has stripes. They say a paint job is only as good as its body work and prep....kudo's to Dr. Tim H.

SteveS · Super Poster

Looks great, love the stripes. So are the interior and top changing color too?

Lost in the 60s · President

I like the stripes. They will go good with the White interior...

Probably should have the meeting at your place and whip that car together in a day...

dashboard · 2K+ Club

I don't even want to drive through Rosemount until the car has it’s first chip. Car looks great, as Tom says it’s all in the prep.

SShink · 3K+ Club

SteveS wrote:
So are the interior and top changing color too?

Eventually...

66 RAT · Vice President

WOW, the new blue paint (along the white stripes) really looks nice !!

Jon H · 1K+ Club

Stan, too bad they couldn't add a couple of headlights while they were doing the paint job!!

Lost in the 60s · President

Jon H wrote:
Stan, too bad they couldn't add a couple of headlights while they were doing the paint job!!

................

SShink · 3K+ Club

SteveS wrote:
Stan, too bad they couldn't add a couple of headlights while they were doing the paint job!!
That would kind of defeat his "sport" theme.

And, it already has 4 tailights, which is what 4 headlight cars will see! (O) (O) (O) (O)

-- Edited by SShink on Wednesday 12th of June 2013 01:35:37 PM

SteveS · Super Poster

Stan, too bad they couldn't add a couple of headlights while they were doing the paint job!!

That would kind of defeat his "sport" theme.

Chris R · 2K+ Club

SShink wrote:

And, it already has 4 tailights, which is what 4 headlight cars will see! (O) (O) (O) (O )

So your putting nipples on the back of your car then?

These are the symbol for nipples right? ------>(O) (O) (O) (O )

SShink · 3K+ Club

Hmmmm... not sure what sites you've been on lately Chris, but those are tail lights to me.

BLyke · 1K+ Club

the car is looking great Stan.

dashboard · 2K+ Club

Ok, I’ll avoid the great nipple debate…………….but they do look like they belong on the front.

SShink · 3K+ Club

Spent a few hours last night cleaning off all the body shop dust and buffing compound, then got up this a.m. and put down the Fat Mat. It went down pretty easy and only took about 3 hours to finish off. I double layered in the footwells, toeboards, and anywhere the floor/back aren't covered by the seats. It should quiet down the rattles and heat, but it's still a convertible so always some noise/heat.

Now it's time to push it back out, put down the plastic, clean the underside, and get ready to mask off the whole car to touch up where there's some overspray, and paint the spackle paint in the trunk.

Before:

And had a moment of filtered sunlight, so snapped a shot:

dashboard · 2K+ Club

After seeing Stan's Fat Mat last night I ordered mine this morning from Amazon.

-- Edited by dashboard on Sunday 16th of June 2013 08:32:46 AM

Lost in the 60s · President

dashboard wrote:
After seeing Stan's Fat Mat last night I ordered mine this morning from Amazon.

-- Edited by dashboard on Sunday 16th of June 2013 08:32:46 AM

Order everything you want from Amazon soon before the sales tax kicks in.

bowtie · Secretary

Nice work

SShink · 3K+ Club

bowtie wrote:
Nice work

Thanks Bryan.

Spent a couple more hours today cleaning the underside, and had a chance to paint a few more parts. Here's the before and after on the wiper motor:

SShink · 3K+ Club

Masked off the car and painted areas where there was overspray and body shop gooey's, the rear inner fender wells, and spackle painted the trunk last night. It all turned out awesome and delayed installing parts by a couple of days, but will be worth it when finished.

Will clear coat the spackle paint tonight, then start installing some parts! Only 996 more things to do.

66 RAT · Vice President

All of this progress looks great, Stan !!

gearlube · Active Member

Uh Oh Turing into a traveler queen!!!

Course I am jealous though...

66 RAT · Vice President

I was at the QA1 website and noticed a picture of what I thought was Stan's car (in the "before" state) . . .

Stan's vert at QA1

I wasn't sure that it was his car until I clicked on the picture and saw the NCC license plate.

From the updates we've been seeing, the "after" pictures have been showing a very nice restoration of his car!!

OscarZ · Mega Poster

Tim's 69 is next to it and Chad's 72 is in the background too.

SShink · 3K+ Club

66 RAT wrote:
I was at the QA1 website and noticed a picture of what I thought was Stan's car (in the "before" state) . . .
Stan's vert at QA1
I wasn't sure that it was his car until I clicked on the picture and saw the NCC license plate.
From the updates we've been seeing, the "after" pictures have been showing a very nice restoration of his car!!

Good catch Ron! I didn't know those pics were out there.

Actually... that pic shows 3 member cars if you look close you will see Tim H.'s '69 COPO tribute to the left of mine, and Chad's '72 in the row behind.

And, I found this pic with someone with an NCC shirt, but I don't recognize who it is:

Chris R · 2K+ Club

Interesting. I cant tell either. But small world though. I know the guy in the 110 shirt and his buddy in the black shirt on the far left though. They have been regulars in the car scene for years, used to run into the both of them up at Porkys every weekend as far back as 91 and at all the big shows locally every summer in between friday and saturday night cruise ins. Now I see them all the time up at Anoka every saturday night. One of those deals where we have no idea what our names are but we always manage to say hi and chat here and there when we cross paths.

bowtie · Secretary

Can't remember the name (Kyle maybe?), but maybe the guy with the black 72ish and the 6.0L?

Derek69SS · Founding Member

Looks like Loren to me.