BUILD THREAD 81 Buick/Olds Turbo Wagon 02/15/2024 More Parts!

[liquidh8]

Managed to scuff all the gloss black in preparation for the semi gloss clear coat. I am using a flattening agent from PPG.





Then, I went to all four doors and put 1/4"-20 rivet nuts in the holes where the rivets used to be to hold the interior door handles. I usually just use nuts and bolts, but this is easier.



If the weather plays nice I'll spray the semi gloss clear after work tomorrow.

 

[Longroof79]

I'm likin' what I'm seeing so far, Jim.
The tailgate tension rod had given me difficulties as well. What's the real trick to installing them?
I tried another method, and the freakin' thing put a ding in my tailgate. I was able to gently hammer and dolly it flat again. It pissed me off knowing that the tailgate was perfectly blocked to perfection. There's a slight pimple there, but if I don't point it out, no one will know it;s there...😉

 

[liquidh8]

Jack that stinks! At least only you know about it.

The way I installed it was: I put the rod on the gate, with the end in the hole and all 3 clamps installed, but not cinched down tight. Then, I put the lever on the end. I had my neighbor hold the tailgate almost closed, but open enough to get my hand in there. I then put in the bolts holding the lever to the body and used a small 1/4" drive ratchet to tighten the bolts.

Doing it this way took a lot of the tension off the rod. After those bolts were tightened, I centered the rod so the lever hit that plastic pad on the gate when closed. Then tightened the 3 clamp bolts on the gate.

No dents, no scratches.

I took off work today to try and get the pillars cleared, and maybe even paint some jambs on the doors. Supposed to be partly sunny and 72 degrees. I hope it's true.

 

[liquidh8]

Well, the weather played nice and I was able to paint the jambs on the driver side doors and fender. I was also able to use the flattened clear and get the pillers on the body semi-gloss black. Everything looks great.

 

[Longroof79]

Jim,
I originally tried it the same way that you described. I couldn't get the bolts started that hold the spring to the left side jamb. I also tried with the tailgate in the up position, but it didn't leave too much room to get my hand between there. That's why I tried doing it the other way. I certainly learned from my mistake.

Lookin' real nice, Jim. I'm rooting for you, big guy.

 

[liquidh8]

That definitely a pain in the arse. But at least it's done.

 

[Longroof79]

Jim,
I originally tried it the same way that you described. I couldn't get the bolts started that hold the spring to the left side jamb. I also tried with the tailgate in the up position, but it didn't leave too much room to get my hand between there. That's why I tried doing it the other way. I certainly learned from my mistake.

Btw, it's lookin' really nice. I'm rooting for you big guy. I'm glad the weather has been cooperating.

 

[liquidh8]

Got some more work done. I took the passenger side doors and fender, long blocked then out, and lasted the final (I hope) coat of slick sand. All this slick sand will get blocked once the car is assembled, assuring the panels are "flat" with one another. I also got back on the hood. I am never happy with fiberglass, and the hood is no different. There are low spots in front if the scoops, on the sides, and on the scoops. The weather will be wonderful tomorrow also, so I should have more of the hood done, and the doors and fender jambs painted.

 

[Injectedcutty]

Moving right along Jim, looks great!!! I hear ya on the glass hood....mine needs some serious attention before it's ready for paint but that's part of it I guess. Keep grinding along man, I am definitely tuned in as others are too!
Scott

 

[liquidh8]

Moving right along Jim, looks great!!! I hear ya on the glass hood....mine needs some serious attention before it's ready for paint but that's part of it I guess. Keep grinding along man, I am definitely tuned in as others are too!
Scott

Thanks Scott. I hope to have more updates by Monday. I have off till then. We may get rain on Saturday and that could slow my roll a bit.