ACOTE's 68 2000

[pebbles]

If you "plan" on more glazing, or knocking down high spots in the bondo, you could block it with 120 grit. It cuts a little faster and will fill with the second primer app.
But you probably have the 180 already........

[ACote]

Good Idea, I went overboard and bought a roll of every grit when I started. So I have a lot of 120. I'll give a go tonight.

this thing will be immaculate when its done!

Thanks! This is my first time painting and bodywork so I'll be happy with "nice" lol. I'm very excited to complete it and feel confident from everyone's tips and videos available. I sprayed the primer a little dry so I'll do better the second coat. At least if there's a mistake I know how to fix it. And will practice base color on the inconspicuous areas like the floor boards and trunk.

[theunz]

I found that spraying the trunk was the hardest part. There is not much room to maneuver the gun and you will constantly be fighting the hose! I suggest you do a dry run before you actually try to apply the paint, this will allow you do determine what angles you will need to aim the gun.

[ACote]

I found that spraying the trunk was the hardest part. There is not much room to maneuver the gun and you will constantly be fighting the hose! I suggest you do a dry run before you actually try to apply the paint, this will allow you do determine what angles you will need to aim the gun.

The trunk was tricky. I found myself making my own hissing noise while practicing.
Okay, took a week or two off after my work "trip" to the middle east. SO back at it again!
Received my stuff back from Just Dashes yesterday. Unfortunately it got squished under it's own weight. It was packaged nicely, good box/bracing.
But since I sent it with no gauges the weak spot gave in. I gave them a call and they're very nice, couldn't recommend them more. I sent them pics pointing out the weak spot that'll need braced during shipping next time. Installed my borrowed tach and let it sit out in the sun today. The wrinkles smoothed out and I'm very happy. Very lucky it'll be covered by the steering wheel too, really didn't want to send it back, it just looks too nice. I feel they do a great job, everything is cleaned and painted. Even the Wing nuts for the gauges.
Before:


After:





Squished. Really hurt to see this and if I couldn't fix it they'd Redo it.

Fixed: need's a little more time in the sun, but like i said it'll be hidden under the steering column anyways.


Today I'm starting back one piece at a time. Once it's perfect (enough) I'll go to the next part on the car.. I wasn't happy with how wavy the RH door is so doing more body work now. I'll post pics of that when I get further.

[ACote]

Also have been planning out the radio, I ordered everything today. Wanted a stealthy but nice system. I know, I know, it's a convertible classic. But if it's too much I'll take half it out and put it in my other car lol. I wanted it all ready before I put the interior in.
5.25 speakers, boxes and tweeters up front. Borrowed (stole) the Idea and Picture from BikerMike

Retrosound Model 2. Discontinued but is $150 cheaper than the new equivalent missing only the satellite option.
https://www.amazon.com/RetroSound-HB-41 ... +model+two
5.25 speaker in the lowest hole behind the seats.
And a small amp and sub! The sub is 8.5 inches wide so should fit behind the seat below the package shelf.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003V ... UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BO ... UTF8&psc=1

[2mAn]

Alex, that Dash and center console look amazing!... even after the delivery...

You're going to have quite a nice Roadster when its all painted and done. It will feel brand new, inside and out

[Gregs672000]

I did the speakers in that same hole, only I made new panels out of, yes, left over plastic political sign boards covered in new vinyl... worked great. I also used a half inch thick or so speaker mount that allowed me to put in a bigger speaker with enough room for the larger magnet. Since the rear panel was already cut/holed for speakers by the previous owner, I mounted two 8 inch subs there (one would have been enough!). I also did surface mounted, directional tweeters with built in cross overs up front on the little triangle spots under the dash. High frequency sound is very directional, so being able to aim them was important. Not much money in it, but it sounds pretty good for an open air car and having to compete with the foam socked Dellortos! Have fun!

[2mAn]

Not much money in it, but it sounds pretty good for an open air car and having to compete with the foam socked Dellortos! Have fun!

Why compete, let those Carbs sing!! Haha

[ACote]

Alex, that Dash and center console look amazing!... even after the delivery...

You're going to have quite a nice Roadster when its all painted and done. It will feel brand new, inside and out

I think so too. I'm excited to paint it and get back to driving it.

I did the speakers in that same hole, only I made new panels out of, yes, left over plastic political sign boards covered in new vinyl... worked great. I also used a half inch thick or so speaker mount that allowed me to put in a bigger speaker with enough room for the larger magnet. Since the rear panel was already cut/holed for speakers by the previous owner, I mounted two 8 inch subs there (one would have been enough!). I also did surface mounted, directional tweeters with built in cross overs up front on the little triangle spots under the dash. High frequency sound is very directional, so being able to aim them was important. Not much money in it, but it sounds pretty good for an open air car and having to compete with the foam socked Dellortos! Have fun!

Exactly why I'm glad I saw Mike's car setup, didn't even think about tweeters. Good idea on the sign board, I'm sure I can find something at a hobby store like that. I'll probably make the kick panels and a few extras since my car is missing most of that.

I'm getting better at fixing the small chips and pinholes taking a while since I'm learning, but at least I can say I did it myself lol. Just put some primer back on the door after fixing all the spots I missed.
Looking a lot nicer

[S Allen]

Looking good Alex. That new dash will look great as well in your freshly painted car. Just beginning my body work. I have a long ways to go.

Steve

[pebbles]

Looks great Alex. Dont forget to slide sandpaper around the edges. Chunks hangin off of an edge infuriates me .).)
3 screws pull the latch

[ACote]

Looks great Alex. Dont forget to slide sandpaper around the edges. Chunks hangin off of an edge infuriates me .).)
3 screws pull the latch

Thanks! Yep the edges have a few rough spots and I am going to round them out. Sharp edges would be weird lol.

Amp/Sub combo came in, don't think plan "A" will work after carpet and padding goes in, Plan B is a piece of wood and laying it down angled at the back seat. But that's not until later.


Sprayed the hood yesterday after the door. Much better than my first time, turned the pressure down and it went on a lot smoother and not as dry/rough.
Still drying:


After guide coat and sanding with 120: you can see the low spots on the front of the scoop and some small low spots that will need some glaze


Not bad but need more than primer:


Little wave between 2 high spots:


And currently waiting to dry before sanding today. The other dark spots are very minor and should be fine after another coat of primer

[pebbles]

Wish i had the dicipline to hold the board flat lol. I cheat so bad.... 6’ bottom radius lol

[ACote]

More progress. hood and door are Fully primered and ready for paint. Now finishing up the fenders so I can do the undercoating and mount them. Running low on space so the plan is to mount the fenders. Paint interior black, door jams, under hood and inside doors, engine bay, trunk and under side of trunk lid. Then bolt it all in place and paint the exterior in one go. Doing some final touches on the RH fender.
Little wave and crack on the flare. welded it now smoothing and already hammered it straight
Before: don't have an after pic yet but It's much better. probably will snap one after primer.

Left hand fender looking pretty good just a few edges to straighten later

And for fun I Got those side marker redone. quick test before a little soldering. The mount pins were gone so counter sunk some screws and a little JB weld to hold them in place.

[ACote]

Wish i had the dicipline to hold the board flat lol. I cheat so bad.... 6’ bottom radius lol

I'm starting to cheat a little more. Never going to be perfect with my schedule but If it looks good in primer then it'll look even better in that creamy yellow!