Hey gang...
Thought I would start a restoration thread on my new Superbird ( albeit it doesn't look new ). This will be a slow process, but hopefully there will be constant progress at some rate:
Initially, here's how this car came to into my Mopar-World..
1. Way back when, I used to have a cool white with burnt orange interior '70 Charger R/T, v-code 440 six pack auto. At the time, it was my daily-everyday car. Those were the days. It was my first R/T and my first car to hit the "big time" with a photo spread in Musclecar Review magazine.. I big deal for a 20 year old, especially it being my everyday car. It was a great car.... Into its retired years, I traded it for my future '68 Hemi Charger R/T which eventually became part of my Troy-trade for my current Daytona.
2. Fast forward years later. While surfing eBay, I came across a '70 4bbl Charger R/T in which. It was a nice car, so I sent the owner a complimentary email that I like the car and good luck. I mentioned I used to have a white '70 v-code Charger R/T and would love to have one again. ( of course, this is way before my Daytona, but during my '68 Hemi Charger R/T ownership days ). He replies back with thanks for the compliment and tells me he has a white '70 Charger R/T v-code.. What?! But, I didn't have enough money for it... Then, out of the blue, I get a call from a friend who's passing on a '70 Barracuda and wanted to know if I was interested or knew anyone that would be... So, I call the guy with the car, ask him to describe it and read off the VIN, I'm at work during this time and figure it's nothing more than a 318 car, 383 Cuda at most... Well, when the dude reads off B..... S.... 23..... V.... 0..... yada yada yada... What? I ask him, "Did you say "V" or "U" on the fifth digit.. He says "V"... Lordy.... Need I say more.... Sooooooooo I bought it for $1350
Six Pack Cuda found story (http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,4201.0.html)
Well, long story short, I was able to make a butt load of green on this car and voila, now I'm able to buy the v-code '70 Charger R/T...
3. Here, here's the '70 Charger R/T v-code I bought... It was a real solid car, white, built 710 ( same as my first one - last day of scheduled production ). I had a complete burnt orange interior to swap out the original green.. Yeah, I know.... But, at the time, I wanted a car like my former '70...
Six Pack '70 Charger R/T story (http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,6008.0.html)
4. Next, '69 Charger 500... This is the time I eventually did my patented Troy-trade ( traded my '68 Charger R/T Hemi-car project and '69 Charger 500 440 4speed car ) for the Daytona. By this time, I'm missing my former '69 Charger 500 ( Dana ).. I posted on mopart.com a thread on the possibility of trading the '70 Charger R/T for a '69 Charger 500. Within an hour, I get an email that Pete C. wants too. He was converting a '69 C500 into a Daytona but would put everything back... We exchanged pictures and within a short period, we agree to trade straight up... Yes sir !!! Two Aeros !!!
Y2 Charger 500 trade story (http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,67060.0.html)
5. Well, with all good intentions, the C500 was more than I wanted to tackle rust-wise. So, years go by after fixing this and fixing that. I eventually trade it plus some cash to Allen K. for his '69 Charger Daytona clone Larry built. At the time, I wanted a car I could just jump into to compliment my real Daytona. But, just like Allen, I didn't want a clone, albeit it was a very cool car.... So far, I only have about $11,000 of money in it ( initial money I spend out of pocket that went with the cash I made on the 'Cuda ). Not too bad..... Well, I sold it on eBay for $47,500 !!!.....
6. Next episode: Goin' E !!! After I sold the black Daytona, I found out a friend of mine had a '70 Challenger T/A 4speed. Right after I sold the black car, I was focusing on a real nice '70 Charger R/T, B5 on blue, 440 4speed car ( now owned by Bill W. ). Well, I past on the Charger and thought I'd try my hand on an E-body with racing pedigree.. It was a real nice car as a lot of you know. But, after a while, the E wasn't the thing for me. I wanted another B. Sooooo. Off it went to ebaymotors.... I sold it for $54,500 !!! Man, great return on a partial initial investment of $1350 for a rusty 'Cuda...
1970 Challenger T/A story (http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,114477.0.html)
I did find a few other 4speed Charger R/Ts, but then found a B5 Superbird project out of Florida. I chatted with the owner, but then remember our very own Allen V. has a Lemon Twist Superbird.... So, I contacted Allen the following morning on the way to work at 5:30am, hoping I didn't wake him. Asked if the green I had made on the T/A would be enough to get the Superbird, even if it was available. He replied back with it was almost there, but would need a little more..... We agreed on the price and next thing I'm doing is shaking my head that I'm about to be a Superbird owner, a dual-winged garage....
Now, Operation: Superbird...
Took out the carpet this weekend to assess the floorpans. From underneath they looked clean, but the proof to the pudding in these old Mopars is under the carpet... Much to my delight they are real solid. Nice knowing no panels need to be replaced. I even found the typical swath of vinyl that is typically laid on the floor to reflect the vinyl top color that is supposed to go on the roof.
I also swapped out the old tired polyglas tires that were on it for the new Goodyears I have. Even the drum retaining washers/keepers were still on the studs of the rear axle. The inner front wheel wells are real clean too... Factory undercoating is in great shape..
undercoating in the front wheel well is in great shape and the tranny's original to the car.. The car looks a lot better with those Goodyears and the rear drums even have the original retainers..
Wow, congrats!
This is a good example of flipping up.
I am looking forward to following along with the progress you make on the Superbird.
Dave
:yesnod: :popcrn:
Good for you Troy. I like to call it a property ladder. It would be real hard for me to let go of any multi-carbed Mopar and thats the reason I don't have a Superbird. Anyways good luck with this sweet find. Any chance the B5 Bird is still for sale in Florida?
Quote from: wingcarenvy on August 05, 2015, 02:26:46 PM
Good for you Troy. I like to call it a property ladder. It would be real hard for me to let go of any multi-carbed Mopar and thats the reason I don't have a Superbird. Anyways good luck with this sweet find. Any chance the B5 Bird is still for sale in Florida?
No idea... I can see if I have their email and you can contact them. Last I heard is was.... It has severe rust issues and cost $65,000 !!! $5000 more than I paid for mine....
Troy
very nice :cheers:
Operation Superbird:
Today I jumped into the rear window/plug area of the Superbird to see how bad it was. After CAREFULLY removing the rear window trim I pulled the vinyl away in the area. Much to my surprise, the metal under it wasn't as bad I suspected. You can see the seam of the plug to roof at the upper passenger side and the filler Chrysler used to smooth it out prior to vinyl. Also seen is the vinyl top was installed prior to glass/trim and clips. You can also see the staples used to secure the vinyl to the window channel at the upper corners and lower section. So, looks like the worse parts is the lower window channel corners, which could be patched from segments of other production Mopar rear window channels?
more of the rear window area..
lastly..
Quote from: hemi68charger on August 04, 2015, 07:31:13 PM
I even found the typical swath of vinyl that is typically laid on the floor to reflect the vinyl top color that is supposed to go on the roof.
It is actually a trimming from when the top was installed. ;)
Quote from: Alaskan_TA on August 29, 2015, 04:00:28 PM
Quote from: hemi68charger on August 04, 2015, 07:31:13 PM
I even found the typical swath of vinyl that is typically laid on the floor to reflect the vinyl top color that is supposed to go on the roof.
It is actually a trimming from when the top was installed. ;)
Man, then all my cars have only had them on the passenger front floor pan.. mmmmmm :scratchchin: I found one on my survivor '71 Charger R/T right next to my IBM QC card and broadcast sheet... Oh well.... ;D
More on the rear window plus.. 3/4 of it is in pretty darn good shape... I sprayed the bare metal with a Permetex rust inhibitor since it'll be bare until I get it all fixed up...
Guess bondo was cheaper in '69 !! :icon_smile_big: Looks REALLY solid! :2thumbs:
It is nice to see a picture of the welds.
Here is an old school, 1988 or so, picture of the back window welds.
Reading David Patik's article on Superbird construction, it seems to say that special parts like the back window plug were done on the side off the line in work holes beside the line. From that, someone, or more likely 2 people, put the plug in and hand welded it in place, and as I recall spot welded at the bottom.
I've taken a couple of vinyl roofs off of Superbirds. I wish I had kept the plasticol. Yours looks exactly as mine were. thick at the joint, thinned to the edges.
They must have really wanted to make sure my car received the correct top. There were two swatches of top material in it. One was under the carpet and one was under the package tray.
Quote from: hemi68charger on August 29, 2015, 07:32:02 PM
Quote from: Alaskan_TA on August 29, 2015, 04:00:28 PM
Quote from: hemi68charger on August 04, 2015, 07:31:13 PM
I even found the typical swath of vinyl that is typically laid on the floor to reflect the vinyl top color that is supposed to go on the roof.
It is actually a trimming from when the top was installed. ;)
Man, then all my cars have only had them on the passenger front floor pan.. mmmmmm :scratch chin: I found one on my survivor '71 Charger R/T right next to my IBM QC card and broadcast sheet... Oh well.... ;D
Maybe because whoever installed the tops wasn't too concerned to pick up the scraps after trimming ! :icon_smile_big:
Quote from: Redbird on August 29, 2015, 11:41:49 PM
It is nice to see a picture of the welds.
Here is an old school, 1988 or so, picture of the back window welds.
Nice picture... Thanks for posting..
front-end Troy-trade.
Traded lower 69 Charger dash pads for pretty much a complete new front suspension rebuild kit for the Superbird...
Operation Superbird: rear window plug area; corners.
Thought I would remove the corner trim seam covers installed in all Superbirds. You can see the edge of the plug as it makes it way from the window down to the trunk train channels.... The area under the covers are in pretty good shape actually.. You see the spot welds used instead of the bead welds on the upper parts of the plug. Driver's side you can see where a pair of wrong holes were drilled from the factory... Opppssssss... I am sure that was a source of a water leak...
Great Pics. and keep up the good work.
Rob
:coolgleamA: :popcrn:
Quote from: kw mopar on September 07, 2015, 06:15:32 PM
Great Pics. and keep up the good work.
Rob
+ 1 :2thumbs: :coolgleamA: :cheers: :popcrn: :popcrn:
http://www.wwnboa.org/patik.htm Now the SuperBird body requires another special step, the application of heat-curing "Plastisol" one-part filler around the rear window plug. Since the car will have a vinyl roof (purposely), only shaping and rough sanding of the joint area is necessary. This avoids the time-consuming (and toxic) joint-leading process that is performed at the roof-quarter joints on all cars without a vinyl roof.
Pardon me if you've already been through this...
It looks more Sunfire Yellow than Lemon Twist to me, even accounting for fade. However, looking at pics on the net of the colors - do some add more 'Lemon' to the 'Twist' part when they restore? Because some examples are super bright yellow. These two images are both reported as Lemon Twist but quite a difference in color, and yours looks close to the second example.
(http://www.fotosdecarros.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/26/07/1970-Plymouth-Superbird-lemon-twist-yellow-fvr.jpg)
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2e/Plymouth_Roadrunner_Superbird_1970_Lemon_Twist_Yellow_RFront_TBS_09Feb2014_(14584527994).jpg)
That issue of having to redrill the holes for the diamond plates showed up on my car as well.
Quote from: Homerr on September 09, 2015, 02:55:22 PM
(http://www.fotosdecarros.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/26/07/1970-Plymouth-Superbird-lemon-twist-yellow-fvr.jpg)
I just love this darker yellow colour. :2thumbs: :2thumbs: :2thumbs:
Quote from: Arnie Cunningham on September 10, 2015, 09:23:26 AM
That issue of having to redrill the holes for the diamond plates showed up on my car as well.
Lordy!!!! That thing is clean inside !!! :2thumbs:
Yes, thanks, it is a very rust free car. I attribute this to the fact that it almost never runs and, fortunately, has been stored inside all its life. :lol:
Quote from: Homerr on September 09, 2015, 02:55:22 PM
Pardon me if you've already been through this...
It looks more Sunfire Yellow than Lemon Twist to me, even accounting for fade. However, looking at pics on the net of the colors - do some add more 'Lemon' to the 'Twist' part when they restore? Because some examples are super bright yellow. These two images are both reported as Lemon Twist but quite a difference in color, and yours looks close to the second example.
:popcrn: :popcrn: :drool5: :drool5: :drool5: :cheers: :2thumbs:: :cheers: : :popcrn: :popcrn: :drool5: :drool5: :drool5: :drool5: :popcrn: :popcrn: :popcrn: :popcrn: :2thumbs:
]
Quote from: Arnie Cunningham on September 11, 2015, 08:07:11 PM
Yes, thanks, it is a very rust free car. I attribute this to the fact that it almost never runs and, fortunately, has been stored inside all its life. :lol:
I'd get in there and spray all the bare metal in the trunk with something like this... I spray all my cars.. It protects and seals the metal with a clear coating. This way, you can see what's going on with the metal over time ( unlike primers and paints ).
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/81iXQeI-WJL._SY355_.jpg)
Well, after a long hiatus, I have done some stuff to the Bird.... Well, not so much doing anything as opposed to checking things and finding missing parts...
Today?
1. Thanks to John, Green Hornet, I now have the proper lower left dash section that was missing. Luckily, it is an original part.
2. Tinkering in the garage, I grabbed the matches headlamp bucket assemblies to see if the vacuum pods still worked and if the buckets would do what they are supposed to do. After all, really hasn't done anything since 84/85.. Tada!!! They worked..
https://youtu.be/F4Ch05jj6u4 <<< link to bucket video..
Just found 2 corners like that in my shed got the pieces over the glovebox to
Quote from: nascarxx29 on February 06, 2016, 05:08:21 PM
Just found 2 corners like that in my shed got the pieces over the glovebox to
What about the center section Dave for non-a/c..
Dont think I have that piece
Looks like this. http://www.ebay.com/itm/1970-MOPAR-B-BODY-LOWER-4-SPEED-RALLY-DASH-TRIM-CHARGER-GTX-SUPER-BEE-/321877549188?hash=item4af165a084:g:0ikAAOSwiLdWCABr&vxp=mtr
Quote from: nascarxx29 on February 06, 2016, 06:28:59 PM
Looks like this. http://www.ebay.com/itm/1970-MOPAR-B-BODY-LOWER-4-SPEED-RALLY-DASH-TRIM-CHARGER-GTX-SUPER-BEE-/321877549188?hash=item4af165a084:g:0ikAAOSwiLdWCABr&vxp=mtr
Thanks Dave. That one is pretty used up unfortunately...
I have one with one small crack . Good otherwise.
Picture update...
Well, seems I can press forward with the body and paint part of this resurrection.
1. one last shot of the backside all together..
2. close up of the good passenger side rear taillamp area.
3. damaged driver's side.. I do have a NOS quarter extension to go there :2thumbs:
4. taillamp assemblies out
1. wing washers, you can see where the factory spot welds have broke.
2. rear window / plug area is in real good shape, filler panel has some rust due to debris setting in two areas and getting wet via the lower corner rust holes in the window plug, may or may not have to replace, we'll see..
3. original and NOS
4. inside is pretty clean too
1. wind deflectors about to come off.
2. unique screws for the deflectors
3. underside of the rear crossmember, all in pretty good shape ( oh yeah, what does the wire clip hold, which wire? )
4. bumper off
temporary storage.. :icon_smile_big:
:2thumbs: :coolgleamA: :popcrn:
So it begins... :2thumbs:
"Wire clip", all I see is the tab to hold the fuel tank filler neck!
Quote from: birdsandbees on February 23, 2016, 06:28:27 PM
So it begins... :2thumbs:
"Wire clip", all I see is the tab to hold the fuel tank filler neck!
Zoom in.. 😀
Ah.. I see.. licence plate light wire.
Quote from: birdsandbees on February 23, 2016, 09:42:44 PM
Ah.. I see.. licence plate light wire.
:2thumbs: thanks.. Makes sense..
Operation Superbird; passenger door disassembly..
Well, today is a good day for the disassembly, pretty much have the complete door disassembled. The door, other then the dent along the body line is in awesome shape. Almost feel bad painting the inner door jambs, they are that clean.. Maybe Sunday I can get the back window assembly out. I took tons of pictures.
Getting all disassembled..
The dang door, other than the dent, is super straight. The drivers door is probably perfect... Darn paint in the jambs is good too.
Operation Superbird;
Driver's side disassembly. Got the guts of the driver's door and most of the rear quarter out.. Driver's side is super clean
1. Inside door is really clean.. Took a lot of pictures of the positioning of the fasteners for reinstallation
2/3. Door jamb is really clean.. Latch/Striker assembly is all out now.
4. Method of removing the glass from the track... Straight out..
more.
1/2. Can't get much cleaner than this.. All the internal guts are out now.. Just a bare door shell with all it's original paint.
3. another of the rear quarter area - reference to the headliner extents for the eventual reinstallation
4. You can see the accent bezel was installed prior to paint. You can see the trademark colored body primer.. ( I believe Dave Patik sells this primer-colored paint still, used it on my 68 Hemi Charger R/T resto.)
Driver's side wrapping up..
1.2.3.. All nice and clean side of the car...... :2thumbs: Again, original paint except over the top section of the rear quarters under the wing..
18 March,
Operation Superbird:
Wow, good day.... In about an hour, with the help of my buddy Dave, we were able to remove the front windshield, back glass and complete dash separated from the 'Bird.. And nothing broke !!! Even the rear inside window trim was still soft and came right out.. Now I have to make room for it all in the garage...
finally.. Everything, other than the corners of the plug obviously, looks super clean, especially the front windshield lower channel..
Got the dash out and positioned on make-shift pedestals I made....... It'll be here for a while until the ole' Bird gets back with new paint.. It'll be fun restoring this...
NICE.. exactly what I need to build today so I can prep and paint my frame!
Car's coming along nicely!!
:coolgleamA: :2thumbs: :popcrn:
Operation Superbird;
Whew.. Long day in the Bird.. Got a lot more taken off from the 4speed/brake assembly to the complete headliner. Interesting discovery on how the assembly line finished up the rear headliner. They actually used part of the door opening finishing trim to secure the headliner to the package tray along with a rod to push the liner back to the side.. Also got the brake and fuel lines out along with the booster assembly..
more..
1. Pretty much done with the engine compartment. I will drop the complete subassembly at some point then put the front of the car on a dolly..
last one today..
You'll notice how there's a rod that routes the headliner to where it needs to be then how it is secured to the package tray panel... yes, that is a piece of the soft trim on B-body door openings on the rear pinch weld by the rear inner interior panel card...
Coming along nicely.. but that engine looks tired ! :coolgleamA: ;D
Quote from: birdsandbees on March 21, 2016, 10:19:23 AM
Coming along nicely.. but that engine looks tired ! :coolgleamA: ;D
:smilielol: Good one...... Had to go back to the picture again and see what the heck you were talkin' about.....
Whats left nosecone dissasembly
Quote from: nascarxx29 on March 22, 2016, 11:04:10 PM
Whats left nosecone dissasembly
Headlamp buckets are already out along with the turn signal assemblies. The nose will stay at this point for transportation to the body shop when that time happens..
Troy,
The disassembly is going along real well for you!
Did you think about the price of that back glass while you were taking it out? :scratchchin:
MJ
He would have broke it for sure... if he'd thought about it's worth !! 1/2 the price of the original car... :yesnod:
Quote from: Mopar John on March 23, 2016, 05:48:19 PM
Troy,
The disassembly is going along real well for you!
Did you think about the price of that back glass while you were taking it out? :scratchchin:
MJ
Oh yes.. Believe me, I was anxious but it came out real well...
Troy... nice work on the bird, keep the pics coming, makes for a great photo archive for future reference :2thumbs:
Love the history lesson on who these cars were built, Thanks for sharing.
Operation Superbird:
More guts and trim taken off. One of the most delicate and hardness parts to take off a Mopar and NOT warp it is the drip-trough molding. Well, with some gorilla tape, bottle top opener and plenty of patience, mine came off rather well. No warpish or scrapes... Then on to the Grrrrrrrrrr-rear window regulators. Put them off as long as I could. Took a lot of reference pictures and marked the placement of the attach hardware so it will all go back as close as possible. Side window adjustments can be a bear. Hopefully this way, it will all go back just like I took it apart. Also go the bulk of the front window trim clips removed. Looks pretty good there. I will leave the top of the window area in the roof as is. Now on to preparing the complete differential for removal.
Rear window regulator assemblies are next... Whew !!! Should be ok to go back in.. With these and other pictures and the FSM, I should be fine..
Where the car doesn't have any rust, this thing is CLEAN !!!! I haven't had an issue one in fasteners and such..... OK.. I'm sure I stirred the Mopar-gods on that one, but I don't think I'm pressing my luck...
Operation Superbird:
Today went to my friends house and got my body dollies for the Superbird. Also got the passenger side control arm assembly off the car in preparation to remove the k-member and place the dollies on it. The cross-shaped dolly is for the k-member and eventually will be used to reinstall the drivetrain.
Steady progress good job.Noticed dash had no map light just a block off plate :Twocents:
Operation Superbird:
Well, productive morning thus far... Finished up getting the rest of the front suspension off along with the nose. This will allow me to get the front dolly on the body. Thanks to my daughter's academic teams prop box, I was able to support that nose as I separated the nose from the framerails.
more nose removal
Operation Superbird:
The front end is pretty much done, as in totally disassembled other than sheet metal.. Worked out pretty good by myself and that nose with nothing in it weighs hardly anything... Ok, front side marker lights are still in.. ;D
more front dolly
This is one way to make a Superbird nose fit the fenders... Best 'em in. The dents on the leading pinch weld was actually done at the factory during mating of the nose to the front clip. The paint on the car is the original paint and I have seen multiple examples of this on Superbird's..
Operation Superbird;
Free floating. Ok, so the car is totally support by dollies now.. Separated the complete differential from the car. So, is is pretty ready to head to the body shop.
Great progress!!!! What happened to your rad support.. isn't the cut right through your hidden VIN stamp?? :shruggy:
more rear removal...
Quote from: birdsandbees on April 11, 2016, 08:06:11 PM
Great progress!!!! What happened to your rad support.. isn't the cut right through your hidden VIN stamp?? :shruggy:
I have it.. It will be welded back in and won't be of any concern or aesthetic compromise.. But, like MANY Superbirds out there, the sequence number stamping didn't happen on this Superbird... There probably a larger percentage of Superbirds without the typical stampings than with....
:2thumbs: Not sure if mine is there either, not peeling the radiator decal to check if it's on top. As it was I had to sand the paint off the trunk rail to finally find mine there and then cleared over it. With my 'Bee the rad support and trunk stamps are readable from a mile, even with three paint jobs.
Great job dismantling. Be careful you don't scratch the Ram or the Daytona, tight quarters there.
Quote from: kw mopar on April 16, 2016, 09:14:47 PM
Great job dismantling. Be careful you don't scratch the Ram or the Daytona, tight quarters there.
I agree! :2thumbs:
How long do you plan for the body shop to have it?
MJ
Quote from: Mopar John on April 17, 2016, 09:24:23 AM
Quote from: kw mopar on April 16, 2016, 09:14:47 PM
Great job dismantling. Be careful you don't scratch the Ram or the Daytona, tight quarters there.
I agree! :2thumbs:
How long do you plan for the body shop to have it?
MJ
"Supposedly" about 4 months.. But you know how that goes...
hows Alen and his charger 500 and the daytona :icon_smile_question: , last I herd he was starting on the daytona :D :D
Quote from: 1969 R/T SE on April 25, 2016, 10:18:56 AM
hows Alen and his charger 500 and the daytona :icon_smile_question: , last I herd he was starting on the daytona :D :D
Allen is doing as well as could be expected...
The C500 is looking GREAT !!
Allen out and about in his C500, aka Blue Thunder (http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,123612.0.html)
Yes, I do believe he has started the Daytona but not sure on its status........
Allen's C500 is a lot farther along than Allen's Charger 500 :shruggy: :shruggy:
Quote from: 41husk on April 25, 2016, 11:01:50 AM
Allen's C500 is a lot farther along than Allen's Charger 500 :shruggy: :shruggy:
Since
1969 R/T SE mentioned C500 and Daytona, I was assuming he was referring to Allen V....
I knew, just playin :nana:
Do you have any good shots showing the area between the plug and the dutchman panel and how they are joined in that area? Are you removing the plug at some point where you could get some? I'm trying to put a plug in mine and need more info on how they were joined.
Quote from: Hemi Runner on April 25, 2016, 05:26:34 PM
Do you have any good shots showing the area between the plug and the dutchman panel and how they are joined in that area? Are you removing the plug at some point where you could get some? I'm trying to put a plug in mine and need more info on how they were joined.
Yeah, I'll take some or I may have some on my camera.. I have already taken pictures of that area....
Quote from: 1969 R/T SE on April 25, 2016, 10:18:56 AM
hows Alen and his charger 500 :icon_smile_question:
He must be having fun. Now he's doing music videos. MTV from Texas! :smilielol:
I'm serious, last I heard his health was declining rapidly
Quote from: Hemi Runner on April 25, 2016, 05:26:34 PM
Do you have any good shots showing the area between the plug and the dutchman panel and how they are joined in that area? Are you removing the plug at some point where you could get some? I'm trying to put a plug in mine and need more info on how they were joined.
Runner.... I had forgotten to get this picture to you after all the flooding here....... Is this what you're referring to? There's a vertical brace attached to the underside of the plug that rests on the original filler panel. There are simple welds used to secure it...
That's exactly the shot I needed. My plug is lacking all that on the underside so I'll have to fabricate it. Thanks!
D-day has arrived; Delivery of the car to the shop....
Prepped the car last night getting it to the front of the garage and today, making the trip, thanks for my buddy Dave, to the shop... Count down..... In the meantime, I'll start restoring parts I have and then store them on the "ready" shelves.... I'll probably get the leaf springs done along with the differential and front suspension done before completion. That way, I can quickly install the rear and front suspension and tow it back home with it's own tires instead of the anxiety-ridden dolly/casters..
at the shop...
Off to a good start continued success
Quote from: hemi68charger on May 21, 2016, 07:42:23 PM
at the shop...
Ask that bald guy why he's driving a Ford !! ::)
:coolgleamA: :2thumbs: :popcrn:
Quote from: 62 Max on May 21, 2016, 09:52:33 PM
Quote from: hemi68charger on May 21, 2016, 07:42:23 PM
at the shop...
Ask that bald guy why he's driving a Ford !! ::)
I have..... He is concerned about fuel mileage !!! Lol...
Troy,
I know you have done your background check on the shop.
But do yourself a favor and check on the car/work every so often.
Also try to keep them moving on it!
Once they stop it's hard to get going again.
MJ
Quote from: Mopar John on May 22, 2016, 09:29:31 AM
Troy,
I know you have done your background check on the shop.
But do yourself a favor and check on the car/work every so often.
Also try to keep them moving on it!
Once they stop it's hard to get going again.
MJ
Oh yeah... I have known this guy for nearly 15 years... We've had our peaks and troughs.. But, he is pretty darn skilled and knows his Mopar. It is my understanding I'll be pretty much his sole priority on this project. Monday all sheetmetal will undergo media blasting and then sit for a while for the metal to cure, then epoxy it all... Albeit he's a distance away, but I'll have no problem visiting every two weeks and spend time working on it.... Thanks for the input John..
NICE work it is a car in very good condition
Not a whole lot has happened in the last few days, but I'm just glad they have the car inside after all these bad storms we've been having in Texas... think the photographer needs to change the clock on his camera... :icon_smile_big:
Troy,
I find that the typical shop camera is way out of date.
Just look back on my pictures.
It will really jazz things up years from now when a picture is looked at on it's own and not part of your post!
MJ
Operation Superbird:
At the strippers.... So, it begins... It's starting to feel a little like things are moving forward from the "big picture" aspect. My friend Smitty has the car and taking good care of it... I was back and forth about leaving the underside alone since it was in pretty good shape and I didn't want to have to duplicate the undercoating.. But, with input from my friend Dave, I'm going to press forward and have the complete car stripped. But, instead of painting the undercarriage with body color, I'm going to do what I did with my former '68 Hemi Charger R/T, use David Patik's factory primer paint to paint the complete undercarriage. Then, when the car is painted apply it as the factory did and let the overspray land where it will.... Looking forward to this process....
Also got my rear passenger taillamp bezel from my friend Ralph and got one of the two rear hood bumper support brackets I need to replace since they were modified by the original owner. In the box are my nose bezels that Mike Goyette, of Dayclona fame, will be fixing for me..
Some more..
finally...
Operation Superbird:
Just got my original Superbird bezels back from Mike G. of Dayclona fame.. They look great. Looking forward in getting these on the nose and painted up...
Great looking trim. Always nice to see quality is not a dead concept. :coolgleamA:
Quote from: hemi68charger on June 26, 2016, 02:34:24 PM
Operation Superbird:
Just got my original Superbird bezels back from Mike G. of Dayclona fame.. They look great. Looking forward in getting these on the nose and painted up...
I see what's on your work bench and it is very nice. :2thumbs:----The term "bench mark" come to mind when I see the bench you have in your pictures.
Your work bench tells many stories. :cheers:
Quote from: ws23rt on June 27, 2016, 08:03:59 PM
...
Your work bench tells many stories. :cheers:
Many indeed.. It is the one thing I have left over from Grandpa... He was a bigtime wood craftsman... He loved building things out of wood..... This bench has been from South Florida to my parents house when Grandma and Grandpa moved in with us...... So, when grandpa passed away and my parents didn't want the bench, I took it.. I extended it another 4 feet duplicating his exact structure and material.....
very nice work :popcrn:
very Nice work :2thumbs:
Stripping....
Here are some pictures of the Superbird as of today. I was pleasantly relieved that the metal was as expected.. The car will go through a different step in the process this coming week and hopefully off to my friend's shop soon afterwards... Looks like I will be using the under support structure of the other hood I have... Should be an ok fix.
Some more...
Here You can see the modification done to the standard Coronet front fender. It is basically lead build up so the top body line meets the rear section on the top side of the cone..
Some more... Again, it was nice having an original paint car, no surprises...
Some more of the front..
car is in VERY good shape, it is going to be a really nice car when done.
Operation Superbird;
Heater box.. Yesterday disassembled the heater box and assess the condition. Looks to be in overall great shape. I have my new DMT rebuild kit, so she will be good as new. I have a place locally that can duplicate the factory part number stamp on the front cover. Does anyone know of a place that rebuilds original heater cores...
Some more..
I used Glen Ray for my last heater core...I figured since they make the repop rads they must know what they are doing. So far soo good.
Dave
Glenray radiators do an awesome job restoring heat cores. They also can do them very fast. I sent my in and I had it back the same week.
Russ
wohh good job
I did a full resto on my heater box too, will be nice when done Troy.
Quote from: C500 on July 06, 2016, 02:49:03 PM
I did a full resto on my heater box too, will be nice when done Troy.
Going to package it up for shipping this weekend to Bob at Glen-Ray...... I enjoyed doing the heater box for my former '68 Charger R/T, and look forward to the before and after on this...
T
Quote from: hemi68charger on July 01, 2016, 09:16:16 PM
Some more... Again, it was nice having an original paint car, no surprises...
:'( :cheers: :icon_smile_blackeye: :drool5: :brickwall: :coolgleamA: :-\ :popcrn: just a little bit of a roller-coaster ride for me...
but, you are doing a GREAT job Troy!
Quote from: xs29j8Bullitt on July 14, 2016, 02:16:53 PM
...
:'( :cheers: :icon_smile_blackeye: :drool5: :brickwall: :coolgleamA: :-\ :popcrn: just a little bit of a roller-coaster ride for me...
but, you are doing a GREAT job Troy!
Totally understand Buddy... When I get her done, I'll cruise up there so you can see and/or drive in it........... :2thumbs:
Didn't you mention some "paper work" you still had?
Quote from: hemi68charger on July 14, 2016, 02:55:35 PM
Quote from: xs29j8Bullitt on July 14, 2016, 02:16:53 PM
...
:'( :cheers: :icon_smile_blackeye: :drool5: :brickwall: :coolgleamA: :-\ :popcrn: just a little bit of a roller-coaster ride for me...
but, you are doing a GREAT job Troy!
Totally understand Buddy... When I get her done, I'll cruise up there so you can see and/or drive in it........... :2thumbs:
Didn't you mention some "paper work" you still had?
I believe that I already gave you the important material like broadcast sheet, but have other receipts, photos, etc. that you might want to keep with the car... for example there were a lot of decals on the Superbird, the vast majority of which I removed immediately... of the ones in the picture below, I left only the round Road Runner decal IIRC...
Strippers......... No, it isn't what you're thinking.......... Shame on you......... :icon_smile_big:
But, there are some Superbird pictures......
The latest....... The car is wrapping up the 2nd stage in the stripping process, the Staurolite media... The shell is a very nice starting point....... It has held up well over the ages.... And yes, I have the center section of the upper core support.
more of the body and there's 1st paint !!!! brackets.......
AWESOME WORK!!! thanks sharing all the great pictures!!
Nice work
Heater Box...
I received my original heater core back from Bob at Glen Ray Radiators and it looks great. I also got my seal kit from DMT.... I used Friday to finish up my heater box for the Superbird. I was able to get a stamp made from a local stamp shop for the part number on the front panel of the box. I used the same font and size as my 68-69 heater box stamp... unfortunately, I didn't get the right "dipping direction" for the stamp.. Oh well....... Still looks good.. :nana:
The box looks very nice and do you have a picture of the rebuilt heater core? The pipe stub side. Thanks.
Quote from: dual fours on August 14, 2016, 01:49:27 PM
The box looks very nice and do you have a picture of the rebuilt heater core? The pipe stub side. Thanks.
Sorry.. Didn't take a picture of the heater core when I got it back from Glen Ray..
Looks awesome! Love that bird
Some more sheetmetal work..
Operation Superbird;
Smitty has begun working on the trunk floor in preparation of the body getting to him from the stripping company. He is striving to duplicate things, spot welds and such, as close as possible.. Since we didn't want to remove the original taillamp panel, the replacement trunk pan will be if the two-panel type.
Smitty has done some more on the Bird. There used to be a dent on the passenger side.. He will work it out some more on an English wheel. But it is coming along
Operation Superbird;
Cleaned all the stainless steel window trim today of all the goob and sealer.. A lot of Mineral Spirits, but we'll worth it. Sooo, from experience, I want to polish up the trim. I have this buffer and some of that polish sticks. What do YOU use?
nice!
I just started parting out a 69 fury convertible and found 6 screws that look like the ones that hold the wind deflectors on. They were holding the upper windshield chrome on. That is also a large thick piece of chrome like the wind deflectors. They are 1 inch long with about a 3/8 head. If there the same as the ones from your car that would be pretty cool. I don't have originals on my bird. :2thumbs:
Quote from: hemi68charger on August 22, 2016, 06:30:04 AM
Operation Superbird;
Cleaned all the stainless steel window trim today of all the goob and sealer.. A lot of Mineral Spirits, but we'll worth it. Sooo, from experience, I want to polish up the trim. I have this buffer and some of that polish sticks. What do YOU use?
no offence , I would not use the buffing wheel , unless you could slow it down to say one hundred rpm , windshield trim is so flimsy , one slip on the buffing wheel , could well twist it or worse :Twocents: started doing mine with a buffing wheel , , ( been poilishing up stuff with the correct soap & buffing wheel for as long as I've been around cars etc & never any mishaps , seen plenty happen though :icon_smile_blackeye: ) but after one catching the wheel wrong & slipping out my hand , luckily no damage , I was not going to risk it :P
I done all mine by hand , used 3m polishing compound & then chrome cleaner
A nice fresh start. :yesnod:
As TT said one slip and things can get dangerous fast.....I have done this in the past and learned quick it is dangerous and time consuming to tackle.
I have a guy here in Ft Worth that does high quality Polishing/repair on trim...
Have you tried 0000 steel wool with polish?
Quote from: moparnation74 on August 22, 2016, 08:40:47 PM
As TT said one slip and things can get dangerous fast.....I have done this in the past and learned quick it is dangerous and time consuming to tackle.
I have a guy here in Ft Worth that does high quality Polishing/repair on trim...
Have you tried 0000 steel wool with polish?
Not yet, but I probably will.. I'm starting to remember once when I used that buffer and piece of trim got away from me and it wasn't nice..... I'll use the ole hands for now with the 0000 and polish...
Quote from: hemi68charger on August 22, 2016, 08:55:36 PM
Quote from: moparnation74 on August 22, 2016, 08:40:47 PM
As TT said one slip and things can get dangerous fast.....I have done this in the past and learned quick it is dangerous and time consuming to tackle.
I have a guy here in Ft Worth that does high quality Polishing/repair on trim...
Have you tried 0000 steel wool with polish?
Not yet, but I probably will.. I'm starting to remember once when I used that buffer and piece of trim got away from me and it wasn't nice..... I'll use the ole hands for now with the 0000 and polish...
:badidea:
Don't waste your time with 0000 and polish.
Build some fixtures to support your windshield trim and buff in the direction of your trim (not across the width). Does that make sense? There are great videos on YouTube.
Send me a message if this is unclear.
Yes, metal buffing and polishing can be dangerous. Especially with these thin and flimsy trim moldings. Minimize the risks by educating yourself how to properly go about it, then work slowly!
Don't let a past bad experience compromise the quality potential of this high impact job.
Trunk - Old is gone.........
More body work progress... Smitty has really gotten into the trunk, literally.. All the bad metal is gone. From the looks of it, the framerails and wheel wells look to be in really good shape....
Very nice. That looks amazingly solid. You found a great one to restore.
Troy,
I agree the wheel house's and frame rails look great.
Now all you need is a clean donor trunk floor!
MJ
:coolgleamA: :2thumbs: :popcrn:
Progress!
Double Wow !!!!
Well, didn't expect to see this, but it is only because I have never had a car down this far before.. Smitty and I made a command decision to go ahead and replace the complete roof skin since AMD makes such a good product. The rear filler panel is something that'll be replaced too. The plug is out and the roof is gone !!! Buddy Smith, what did you do !!!??? smile emoticon:-)
Rectorial question of course, he's making it better... Before you know it, it'll all be better.. The rear window plug is in great shape actually... Whew....
Looks like he may have found the original trunk key too
Operation Superbird:
Here are the latest/greatest... Smitty took the Bird back over to the strippers to take care of the support structure and the back glass plug area (after removal). The car seems to still be in good shape without major surprises... So, it's press-forward time. I'll take the new roof skin and other parts I have probably next week. Hopefully AMD has the shipment on the way. Interesting picture on the roof.. Looks like there was a bonding application between the roof skin and support structure.. Don't want a rattle-can feel.
some more.
Good to see another resto being done thoroughly, :2thumbs:
Nice work
Man, this thing is going to be beautiful when its done. :2thumbs:
why nothing to protect from flashrust?
Quote from: Charger-Bodie on September 25, 2016, 03:08:10 PM
why nothing to protect from flashrust?
Curious as well, my Bee was in zinc epoxy primer within 24 hours of being media blasted and continued to be blasted and primed throughout the metal replacement stages.
Quote from: birdsandbees on September 25, 2016, 03:25:04 PM
Curious as well, my Bee was in zinc epoxy primer within 24 hours of being media blasted and continued to be blasted and primed throughout the metal replacement stages
Yes, that is the intention... The car isn't done yet with it's stripping process... Yes, we stripped it previously as is shown, but we wanted to further clean things after the bad metal, to include the roof skin, was removed.. Then, clean up the exposed areas THEN epoxy primer everything..... Just not there yet... It'll probably be done this week. Then, back to my friend's shop to start the brunt of the sheetmetal repair/replace...
Quote from: wingcarenvy on September 25, 2016, 01:23:19 PM
Man, this thing is going to be beautiful when its done. :2thumbs:
The car did come with the undercarriage sound deadener, but I will go the route of shooting the car with Patik's primer colored paint then do the regular intentional overspray of color like I did with my former Hemi Charger R/T...
Updates: doors and fenders primered..
The doors and fenders are done with the stripping and clean up process.. Now, back to Smitty's shop to start the repair work. He says they are in great overall shape...
some more... Sealed up with epoxy primer.....
last
Nice work. Looking good :2thumbs: :popcrn:
This is going to be scary !!!!
doors and fenders.
nose is getting there..
Perfect work
Nice :cheers: You may have the bird done before the 500 :brickwall:
Operation Superbird:
Well, the peak of the mountain in terms of body repair has been reach, panels going back on/in... Here Buddy Smith, aka Smitty, has installed the trunk pan, mocked up the rear filler panel and started repairing/replacing the water gutter area at the trunk/quarter union ( there was rust through there ). But, the main part of the gutters have remained original. Great since that's where body number stamps are... Looking good thus far !!!
We choose the trunk half options since we didn't want to remove the rear taillamp panel since it was in great shape... He as also positioned and attached the special wing washers to the quarters. The wing support brackets and scissor jack hold-down plate stud will be attached soon. I need to mock up the scissor jack since the factory had the stud too close to the quarter and the scissor jack assembly wouldn't fit right. I could position everything, but the hold-down bracket wouldn't fit over the stud
some more of the wing washer attach weld.
Looking GOOD !! Don't forget your nose jack bolt !
Quote from: birdsandbees on December 03, 2016, 11:58:03 AM
Looking GOOD !! Don't forget your nose jack bolt !
Not forgotten... The original was placed in such a way that the hold down plate wouldn't fit. So, when I go back up there next time, I will bring the jack and the hold down plate and mock it up.. It has to go inboard a wee bit more.. The support brackets will be be added at the same time, but we have the original trunk extensions, so they can be placed back to their original locations.
:2thumbs:
Got some updated photos from the rear window corner repair... I was able to acquire original upper quarter panel sections in the area that meets the Dutchman/filler panel. As you can see, the original metal had heavy corrosion due to a rat next on an unpainted surface. For a refresher, the section of the upper quarters and Dutchman/filler panel never got paint on them from the factory since the car was painted after the rear plug was installed. Kuddos to Smitty.
Coming along nicely...man that is a lot of metal fab going on and a good job doing it!
Quote from: moparnation74 on December 08, 2016, 10:07:01 AM
Coming along nicely...man that is a lot of metal fab going on and a good job doing it!
This is the worst part of the car in terms of complexity......
Quote from: hemi68charger on December 08, 2016, 10:41:43 AM
Quote from: moparnation74 on December 08, 2016, 10:07:01 AM
Coming along nicely...man that is a lot of metal fab going on and a good job doing it!
This is the worst part of the car in terms of complexity......
True and this car is in the right hands :2thumbs:
It will truly be a rust free body once it is completed....
Been awhile since I posted on the Bird, but the new AMD roof skin came in today. Buddy Smith, aka Smitty, didn't waste any time in jumping on the mating of the skin with its new car, my Superbird. Progress !!! 👍
Looking good Troy! :2thumbs:
Operation Superbird:
Smitty is really into it now.. Working hard on the Bird, finalizing roof attachment, dent pulling and generally pushing forward... He also gets to work on a cool E-body...
some more..
Can anyone guess the Challenger (year and model)?
finally for today...
:cheers:
:popcrn: :cheers:
Nice progress :cheers:
Smitty, aka Buddy Smith, has been diligent on the Superbird of late. Between the Challenger T/A and my Superbird, he has struck a nice balance of production and more importantly for him ( and me ), he's having fun.. Nothing better than a restoration guy who enjoys what he's doing. Of late he finished up the priming and prepping the sheetmetal to include the roof, floorpans and around the original Road Runner rear window prior to installing the rear window plug back in...
I keep forgetting to put in a plug for him..
Elvis Rod Shop, Crockett Texas
musclecars1999@hotmail.com
Yes, he's a big fan of Elvis
More
Nice work by the King!
Been awhile on an update, thought I'd pass something along......
Mr. Smitty has been at it.. Here are the latest from him on the work on the Superbird. More work done on the quarters and passenger side components being installed in fit-testing... Looking good !! Even have the original door hinges restored..
1. Original hinges restored.
2. Passenger door installed
3. Looking good
4. still good,,,
Some more: Jun 3rd.
1. Gaps look good..
2. Front passenger looking great. Driver's will be even better. Original sheetmetal was in great original shape
3. Door closer
4. Finally
Troy,
Nice progress on your Superbird!
Thanks for sharing the pictures.
I can't wait to see it all in the same primer.
MJ
"fit-testing"??? Does that mean you were having "fits" TEST-FITTING the panels??? LOL! :nana:
Very nice indeed! :2thumbs:
looking good AB -Troy :drool5: :yesnod: :2thumbs::popcrn:
perfect
Looking good.
Update June 29th.. One side almost done.........
1. technique for pulling a dent in the lower rocker panel
2. head on with the front fender
3. angled view of driver's side.
4. another
5. rear where it was tagged and dented.. Pretty much all gone now...
6. fitment of valance extension.. Will be apart when painted independently
Quote from: hemi68charger on February 11, 2017, 10:38:31 PM
Smitty, aka Buddy Smith, has been diligent on the Superbird of late. Between the Challenger T/A and my Superbird, he has struck a nice balance of production and more importantly for him ( and me ), he's having fun.. Nothing better than a restoration guy who enjoys what he's doing. Of late he finished up the priming and prepping the sheetmetal to include the roof, floorpans and around the original Road Runner rear window prior to installing the rear window plug back in...
I keep forgetting to put in a plug for him..
Elvis Rod Shop, Crockett Texas
musclecars1999@hotmail.com
Yes, he's a big fan of Elvis
Whats weird is that Kenny Rogers spent a lot of his youth in Crockett, and he has a pet goat named Smitty.
Luke
Looks great Troy! :2thumbs:
nice progress :cheers:
Looks great Troy!
nice progress :cheers: :popcrn:
Troy, is the water on your street. Hope not. :shruggy: Rick.
Hope all is well with your family Troy.
prayers to you and your family. I hope you stay dry :cheers:
Hows the Bird coming?? :popcrn: :drool5: :popcrn: :2thumbs:
Quote from: djcarguy on October 31, 2017, 02:48:27 PM
Hows the Bird coming?? :popcrn: :drool5: :popcrn: :2thumbs:
Thanks for asking...
Operation Superbird;
Went over to Smitty's a few weeks ago to see the progress on the Superbird. The nose is about to be rewelded back together from having the top skin separated to help facilitate fixing of a dent. The trunk is almost done, went with the halves so we didn't have to remove the taillamp panel.. Brought the wing components so things can be test fitted later. Coming together..
More..
More..
Probably the worst part of the car, lower driver's side of the plug... But very fixable. Can use portions of the original filler panel that needed to be replaced, window channel patch of original is in great shape..
More
Looking Good!!!! :drool5: :2thumbs:
Very Nice
Operation Superbird Hood:
Smitty has tackled a big part of the paint and body of the Superbird, the hood. He has gotten to the point of getting the donor skin trimmed and mocked up with the original extension.. With the protection to the skin underneath, the hood should never rust again. Moving forward...
Last picture is the upper skin template to preserved the body line down the middle during the folding process
:coolgleamA: :2thumbs: :popcrn:
Coming along nicely!
:2thumbs: :2thumbs: :2thumbs:
Great job! Your bodyman is killing it :2thumbs:
Looking good!!
Operation Superbird; it is over.. The last week has been extremely stressful for me.... With increased frustration with the body shop and the unwarranted reaction of him towards me, I have called it quits on Operation Superbird. It is with much regret, sadness and inner reflection, I came to the conclusion to write it off as a lesson learned and feel the pain of the notorious experiences so many other people have endured.. I wash my hands clean of the situation. Needless to say, no referral by me. I do my part over and over and apparently, that isn't good enough, all because I asked for pictures of progress for money spent of services... 90% of agreed price was paid yet the car was nowhere near ready for paint. There is no way the car could have been done with the remaining amount..
So, the car, for all practical purposes has been sold, what I paid for it originally plus money spent at body shop.. Doesn't include the cost of parts.. I will turn this winged car Mopar-page and go down another path... Who knows..
Here is the yellow-feathered Mopar as she sits patiently waiting for its next home. Then pictures loaded up and heading back towards home. The car will be going to a very good home and WILL see its glory again, just not with my constructive hands.
This sucks....... I am tired..... 😞 Sorry Allen..
Thanks all. The Superbird is sold. I will be discrete about that.. I sold it about 2 hours after all this went down... I s6ort of broke even with the purchase price and the cash invested in it, but not the misc sheet metal I bought. I am getting something else, but I will share that after it happens, don't wanna jinx it. But, I will say that one is a beautiful running driving car and the other is a cool running/driving project. Life is too short for bullshit to be handed you. Communication and integrity are important, especially the later. That is one of the personal characteristics I honor most. Like Marcel said, Karma is a bitch.. I wanna thank Dave Points for helping me go get the ole' Bird. But again, where the car is going will be in REAL good hands.. I have a personal history with this person.
Sorry to see and hear that Troy!! I came close with my body shop as well, as time dragged on and $'s continued to fly. If it hadn't been my father's car I may have done as you.
I'm sure there's another toy just around the corner that will bring back the smile ! :yesnod:
Sorry it didnt work out buddy.
Having gone through 2 high level restorations with these cars I am very aware of ALL the things the could go wrong.
I am sorry Troy that it didn't work out for you as we were following along with nice work and progress not that long ago.
It looks like you got the body and your parts back which is some times NOT the case.
I hope you didn't get too far ahead of Smitty on the labor money before the work stalled!
Normally labor money down and timely invoices to keep things moving are best.
I also suggest the shop should have done a similar car so your not paying LEARNING costs and within a days drive to check at least once a month!
MJ
I am sorry to hear this too. Bodyshops kill me. I once had a car sit in a shop for over three years and had to pull it even though I had paid in full. And it wasn't even close to being painted. That was after it sat in another shop got painted and it looked like the skin of a lizard.
That stinks.
crikey ! sorry to hear this Troy ....
sorry to hear this Troy. :'(
Man, that sucks. I guess it could have been worse...glad it wasn't, for your sake.
http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,131991.0.html
Operation Hasta Luego..
After spending all weekend putting her back together as much as I could.....
She's gone... And I have a empty 2 stalls...
More room now for two more..
Sorry for this outcome Troy. This is an emotional thing for you, I know. We hear this way too often.
You are sold your bird ?
Quote from: XS29L9B2 on March 22, 2018, 02:33:54 AM
You are sold your bird ?
Yeap.... Got pretty much all I had invested in it ( purchase price and shop costs ). This was an episode of Body-Shop owner from Hell, he wigged out on me and that, combined with other things going on in my life in a negative way, I just said to myself; enough is enough... So, with the money I got, I have already purchased Danny's former T5 Copper '69 Charger 500 and will be getting another car, a '70 triple black Road Runner, 383 4speed with a/c... It is a running project with a 440 in it now. I'll put my six pack set up on it, an air grabber hood with a modified a/c compressor set-up and drive the heck out of it.... I'll eventually restore it, but it'll be my Mopar to drive if there's a chance of rain.....
Sorry to hear about the :eek2: experience with the body shop- seemed things were going smoothly.
Good score on the T5 and the '70 Runner though. The envy status of your garage was not compromised!
Quote from: hemi68charger on March 22, 2018, 06:25:09 AM
Quote from: XS29L9B2 on March 22, 2018, 02:33:54 AM
You are sold your bird ?
Yeap.... Got pretty much all I had invested in it ( purchase price and shop costs ). This was an episode of Body-Shop owner from Hell, he wigged out on me and that, combined with other things going on in my life in a negative way, I just said to myself; enough is enough... So, with the money I got, I have already purchased Danny's former T5 Copper '69 Charger 500 and will be getting another car, a '70 triple black Road Runner, 383 4speed with a/c... It is a running project with a 440 in it now. I'll put my six pack set up on it, an air grabber hood with a modified a/c compressor set-up and drive the heck out of it.... I'll eventually restore it, but it'll be my Mopar to drive if there's a chance of rain.....
Ok Troy one 500 is cool too
Like you, I would have loved to see the Superbird finished, but sometimes life has other plans for you. Glad to hear that you got it sold, and you got the garage space back. Good luck with your new 500 and the Road Runner project Troy.
Is this the same Body guy hat took advantage of you on the 68 Hemi car you had?
Quote from: Charger-Bodie on March 22, 2018, 12:59:15 PM
Is this the same Body guy hat took advantage of you on the 68 Hemi car you had?
Unfortunately, yes.......... I went many years not talking to him... We made our peace and pressed on.... The previous arrangement was totally different, albeit it still sucked... This time we both agreed this would be a more formal contractual arrangement/agreement with monthly payment installments with production expectations.. It was going well initially, then he got back to his same crap... With other "stuff" going on in my life at the time, his last episode was the straw that broke the camel's back..... There was NO way I would be able to afford starting all over again at another body shop that I trusted... So, I threw in the towel and went another route... Got another Aero and a 4-gear at that... So, it's all good............