Trunk LId

The trunk lid is workable. We had to have a little filler to make it smooth. It did have a couple rot holes that we did some work to with new metal. The top of the lid is pitted. Our plan to make it smooth is get some primer paint filler and smooth it out. It appears that is what the previous owner did as we didn't see the pits before I sanded all the paint off.

Passenger sanding

Walking around the car, it seems our sanding days are actually coming to an end on the major stuff. Before paint we'll walk the car again and do as much as we can before we tell the professionals to clean her up. We have also decided to find a replacement passenger fender. The sheet metal is pretty thin we declared. I'm not too heart-broken as the body line of that fender was killing me. Money can't always buy happiness, but in respect to that line it sure will make me happy!!!

Love them Lines

Any car guy knows lines on the body are very very important. I have never worked with filler before this car, and it's not easy by any means. I wanted those lines to be as close to perfect as I can. Before paint I will ask the professionals to look them over, but I am doing what I can and enjoying the process. I know to work away from the lines and just keep working until it's right. I make sure to make a fake line with a marker to keep it straight. This takes a lot of time to do, probably too much time, BUT I'm on the job training here.

Sander's Land

My dad fired up the sander to knock off what he could until it was time to do the rest by hand. We decided to fill the body creases by the back window to create a slippery slide for water. I have seen this done on many many chargers after restoration (when they're not going for shows). She is smooth around the windows now. Remember this?!!!!

It's Been a Hard Day's Night... Part 2

As the day turned into night, we called it quits about 10:30pm. Many little things were accomplished today. Though they were little things, nothing glamourous like putting in a new panel or anything, it was a lot of little details that will be rewarding later. I just can't wait until I don't see anymore weldiong marks or filler.

It's been a Hard Day's Night... Part 1

Accident welding holes next to the back tire from the trunk extension from way back!! Just noticed them now months later. Had to grind and clean them up.

Pictures speak louder than words right? I started at 11:00 am this morning: I stopped about 10:30pm. Many things done today. The short version goes this way: I first welded the rocker panel under the passenger door. I grinded many things from corner valances, rocker panel, sail panels, trunk, ANd area under the back rear lights. Threw a sander on air and tore off some paint where filler will hide the welds around these areas. Put on my "mixer hat" and mixed some bondo filler for my dad for a while. As I waited for the filler to dry I worked on the fender lines, NOT PICTURED.. Pictures continue in the next post...

Passenger Side Panel Work

We started to work on the passenger back panel. Grinding down the welds as smooth as we could. Then apply the filler. Sand it off. Put it back on. Build it up more. Sand it off again.

Driver's Side Done?

I would love to say this side is ready to paint, BUT there are a couple small blemishes that need to be filled first. Once we fill the small imperfections we'll paint the car all the same primer color. The light primer helps us to see the body lines and other details on the car. I want to push the car outside to see the lines in the sunlight, then we can call it done.

And more clean metal parts

A couple more clean parts after a "run-in" with the wire wheel. Much much better looking now.