Front end sheet metal is completed. Paul, Steve's father, and I clean up seam seal putty that Ford seemed to have just thrown at the car rather than applied only were required

March 11, 2007

Steve prepares the etching primer in his HVLP spray gun.  This primer used on metal as it chemically etches into the steel providing a seal and base for primer and finish coat

March 11, 2007

Steve applies the initial etching primers to the front end section.  This will serve as a base for regular primer.         March 11, 2007

The engine compartment is looking superb with just the initial coat of primer                                                                        March  11, 2007

Here's a wide shot of the complete repair work now in primer. Work now will be focused on rear section.        March 11 2007

The car is now turned around with the tail-light panel as rear quarters getting attention                                     March 17 2007

Peter Hammer, the car's 4th owner stopped by the shop showing us the piston and rod that blew through the original block in 1979.  Full story here                         March 17 2007     

Peter also shared with me a photo of him and the car taken shortly after he purchased it from David Calma in 1977

photo from Peter Hammer 1979

Here's the damage when a rod blows in an SCJ engine at about 6300 RPM                                          March 17 2007  

Tail-light panel has been removed ready for replacement. Here Steve is cutting out the transition panel.              March 18 2007

The drivers side door post was very rough however the donor car was solid.  Here's the transplanted B post ready for primer.   The quarter panel will be replaced so it was never media blasted.                                                       March 18, 2007

The new tail-light panel is now welded in place replacing the badly deteriorated original.  The left and right rear quarter panels have arrived so they will be next for replacement.

March 29, 2007

The new trunk floor and transition panel are now in place.  There were almost 100 spot welds that needed to be opened to remove the old floor and then 100 new spot welds to secure the new steel                                                           March 29, 2007