Roof Transplant

My back hurts... Why? Well this weekend I made it a goal to take Marley's (68 Charger) roof and transplant it over to Rusty (69 Charger). After getting the marks down to cut on the roof, I took the cutting wheel and went to work. First we put some different braces under the roof. The others were dented and really not straight.

Ofcourse it didn't fit exactly right at first. We were hung up on some staples and screws. After a little more grinding and trimming we were set to spot weld. I then spent the next several moments in and around the car welding.

I moved from welding to grinding which is the start of why my back hurts. Awkward positions, leaning over the car all led to the start of aching.

Next I sanded the top and sprayed Rust O Mort on there and let it sit.

Mother's shine

The pictures don't give these pieces justice. I used Mother's polish to give me that shine. You see the before and after here. I scrubbed and rubbed my arms off. I'm satisfied with these for now, but I'll come back for more coats later.

Headlights to Frame

Receiving six lights, 3 high beam, 3 low beam... I was curious if they worked. We hooked them all up to jumpers and sure enough "let there be light". I cleaned them off and then polished the chrome bezels that go around the lights. Hooking them up proved a little more than just popping them in. Everything is cleaned and looking good.

Birthday "Duke" ing it out

I took the day off today for my birthday so I could get some things done on Rusty. First on the list was to go to Belle Tire to mount the new tires and get the burnt ones off. My cousin, Jay, works there and he hooked me up with FREE service. I was shocked and very happy at the same time. My son Brady screams YeeHaw every time he sees the wheels.

Know we move to the front dash pad. I have met both John S. and Tom W. (Bo and Luke) at local events here in Michigan. Not at the same time... Not even in the same year. Why this is important is because I always kept the dash OFF the car. I'm so glad I did, because it could've been toast. I layered it today with clear spray to protect it before I put it on. I also have the glove box door signed by Cooter and Roscoe, but I might be meeting Daisy and Enos later this summer so I'll have that on stand-by.....

Dash Bezel Paint.. Dash Pad

I attached the dash and the dash vents first thing today. I then spent time cleaning and repainting the bezels. The only pieces I had saved from the fire is the piece above the glove box and the small right side piece. I lucked out and took them off days before the fire. The radio section came from a Coronet and will match the b body radio that will be in there.

I painted the black a trim satin black. The outer edges are just chrome paint put on with Q-tips. I also did the lettering on the dash cluster there.

Symbolism??? An URN

Ok, many people know the car burnt to the ground... but does everyone including eBay sellers???!!! I mean, sending me a radio in an URN box?! Yikes.

Dash Pad

This weekend has been a wash... I have been extremely ill and I couldn't get off the couch. With that said, I could only muster getting up and setting the dash cap.

First I sanded the old dash and the underside of the new dash. Then I cleaned both with window cleaner. I put a steady line of dash glue and clamped it down. Had to let it 2-3 hours and all was nice and tight. Now excuse me while I go pass out on the couch again. My head feels like there is a monkey with a hammer trapped in there...