'83 Cutlass Cruiser Build Thread

[Blake442]

Time for an update!

Tuesday I wanted to prime the doors again, but thought we were still out of reducer. Turns out we had some, but I was already distracted.
Instead I sanded out the ribs on the roof, since I had been putting it off for a while now...
Today I did some more sanding along the perimeter of the roof and hit a few spots that I had overlooked before.
Once I was satisfied with that I gave the whole roof a quick pass with 320 and cleaned it up to inspect my work.
All in all, I'm happy with it.
There's still a bit of a dip around the C-pillar area in all 5 ribs that just wasn't worth my time.
Realistically it's not that bad... though it will probably bug me, but **** it. I'm so over dealing with the roof I don't even care anymore.
The rest of it turned out really nice, so I'm calling it a draw!
It's tough to get a really good look at it in the picture, but it's not hard to see the difference if you look back at how it looked after the storm!
I'll shoot some sealer on the roof in the next week or so and get back to the front doors so I can get them back on the car.



A few days ago I was ordering some more supplies, and in a moment of poor judgement I committed the cardinal sin of adding up what I had spent so far...
And I was pleasantly surprised that I am still well under budget!
I've got a little over 1/3 left of what I got from the insurance company, though I'm sure that once I pony up for my base and clear, I'll be well over...
Luckily the only things I have left to buy are fresh trim clips, a windshield, carpet, door seals, door glass channel and sweeps...
Didn't seem like that much until I typed it all out! 😱

 

[liquidh8]

The roof is a pain the *ss! Trust me I know! It looks great in the pictures though for sure.

 

[Longroof79]

It adds up fast, my friend. Roofs are a b*tch on these cars, no doubt about it. Don't worry, it's going to look good, regardless, trust me.

 

[motorheadmike]

Funny how the long roof builds are the most detailed around here, eh? I think we are trying to prove something... 😉 Nice work!

 

[Blake442]

It might prove that we're all cut from a pretty similar cloth! lol

Time for an update!
Tuesday I shot a few more coats of surfacer on the front doors and header panel.
I blocked out the doors yesterday and gave them my stamp of approval.
Once I finish cleaning up the rest of the hinge bolts I can get the doors back on and lined up.
When everything is where I want it, I can start blocking the 1/4's and inevitably reprime them and the tailgate.
Then all that's left to prep is the fenders, hood, 1/4 window trim and bumper fillers...

 

[liquidh8]

Making some progress! That's great. I think you will be in color before me, I just can't seem to cross the sh*t off my white board that needs to be done.

 

[Blake442]

It'll be a close one, that's for sure!
My goal is to have it painted by August/September at the latest.
That way I can spend the winter putting it back together.
You might cross the line first since you're calling in some reinforcements!

 

[liquidh8]

I am looking at the time frame it seems. If I can get the car to my friends between now and end of July I will be happy. That puts in in color Aug/Sep timeframe. I just keep hitting setbacks and other stuff keeps popping up.

 

[Longroof79]

Guys, one of these days we're going to have to organize a reunion of sorts, once the cars are together and road worthy.

 

[Blake442]

I like that idea, as well as the get-together they've got planned at Carlisle in a couple weeks.
I've also wanted to do at least part of Power Tour for a while... we'll see where next years route ends up.
The 442 would be a fun to take, but for any extended distance it's pretty hard to beat the wagon...

Next summer I'll be able to get some miles underneath the wagon for sure.
Once it's painted, the interior will go back together pretty fast.
This winter I'll tackle the front suspension and the rest of the engine compartment.