CraigH

Headlights lids out.

Was amazed how easy they came out. Just removed the 3 bolts holding the end bearings and one front bolt a little twist while they are up and out they come.






Putting them back after the paint will be a lot slower

CraigH

Tail light bezels have been blasted painted etc and put in storage.

CraigH

And storage of parts has become a pain. Things everywhere so i went online and orders some cheap metal tool drawers.

Then i put all the restored and bagged parts in drawers for each area of the car.

I was getting concerned with so many its in so many seperate spots etc so this is way better.

Once its done i will move them to my shed for general storage.

wabco40

Looking real good Craig. Just about ready for paint.

I was wondering if you had enough VPA, hopefully it doesn't run out before you finish.

Your right about the headlight covers. Just take your time putting them back in.
I masked up the edges of the top surround panel to try protect them. If you do this only lay the masking lightly on the edge, you don't want to peel off any fresh paint when removing the tape.
Also remove the vacuum actuator pushrods and springs from the linkage and carefully cycle the covers up and down by hand. This will also make it easier to adjust the position of the hinges/collars to get it central and flush in the opening.
I found on mine that the gap had to be slightly larger at the rear of the covers compared to the front. This is why I suggest cycling the covers by hand as it's possible to clip an edge if there is any binding (don't ask me how I know this).

Alan 71

Hi Craig,
Having restored parts carefully packed away ready for when you'll need them is a GOOD thing!
All 4 tail-light housings originally had a bright white coating on their inside surfaces. I don't see it on your housings... maybe you still intend to add it?
It was heavy bodied and seems to have a bit of iridescence to it.
I think the intent of this coating may have been to brighten the level of illumination?
Regards,
Alan

CraigH

Thanks for that Alan, I had no idea the surface was painted white.

Mine were blue !!!!

So is it just the surface inside the gasket so it reflects or the entire side.

Easy enough to add it a this stage.

Alan 71

Hi Craig,
There is some debate as to just how much of the housing was painted white.
Some folks feel the gasket was in place when the paint was applied....paint on the gasket but not under it.
I'd remove the gasket, paint the whole surface, and put the gasket in place.
Regards,
Alan

caskiguy

Great template. Looking great Craig. It's going to be a beauty when finished.

doorgunner

It's going to look great when finished!

Alan 71

Hi Craig,
Looking at your photos.....saw the Quick-Jack in one of them....
Remember when all there was to talk about was THAT.... who would have thought you had these ADVENTURES waiting for you!
Regards,
Alan

CraigH

Oh yes Alan. The last 12 months have certainly been interesting.

And like another recent thread I have certainly felt “over my head” many times but have just stepped back, walked away, thought it through, researched and then continued.

When I first got the Vette in 2009 the paint was one of its strong points and I thought I would just work on all the other systems.

How things change.

MrNatural

This thread is a gold mine for me. I have just finished a complete rebuild of the entire rear suspension & drive units on my '68 coupe. Interior removal and full-on wiring is next. It will be a while before I get to the body work, so the above posts are very timely. Craig, all the detail work and the personal "do it right" attitude you are doing is close to my heart. I appreciate all the recommendations from the other members, too.

OldCarBum

This is an excellent thread.
Thanks again for all the hints on how to do it the right way.

CraigH

Thanks for the feedback, much appreciated.

CraigH

I decided to test fit the reinforcing brackets for the rear shocks that are used with the VanSteel coiler rear end setup.

A little bit of cleaning up ready for welding got out of hand.

Initial scrape off of the under body treatment put there previously.







Cleaning up each rear arch area will take a bit of time but at least it is started.

CraigH

Something else turned up in the mail today



Will make some of the remaining sanding a bit easier.

wabco40

If that's an original 70's STP t-shirt Craig it's a collectors item.

Alan 71

Hi Craig,
"Thanks again for all the hints on how to do it the right way."
You have a pretty good hold on doing it the right way!

I didn't realize a coil-over system was in your future!
Very nice!!!!
Regards,
Alan

CraigH

Yes Brad an orignal Target version though 😀

CraigH

Thanks Alan, yes the coilover rear has been gathering dust while I have been side tracked with body work.

It’s Vansteels while the front is Global West.

Decided that once I get it back from paint I will swap it over.