January 29, 2000

Stopped by the shop again. The whole trunk is now completely welded in. Both sides of the trunk are also boxed and welded. While this work was being done, I had the rear springs blasted and powder coated black. Got them back and looking great...

February 19, 2000

Looks like Monday, the shop will be picking up my completed rear axle from Art Houser's Rear End shop. I was so induldged in my rear axle dilemma, in the meantime, I had ordered and received the complete set of upper control arms and lower boxed control arms which included the rear anti-sway bar from AMES Performance.

February 26, 2000

Visited the shop again today. The drivers side rear quarter is just about completed with the fine sanding and prep work. He is now starting to work on the drivers door.

The rear axle is now at the shop. I have to say, Art did a GREAT job!! It is a completely rebuilt 3.55:1, 4 pin posi, which includes new brakeshoes, brake springs, wheel brake cylinders, and a beautiful black paint job.

March 4, 2000

This time I headed to the shop, they put me to work. I media blasted the whole rear chasis, the back trunk panel behind the bumper, above the area where the rear axle mounts, and along the frame and rocker panel on the drivers side. Came home and took a long awaited shower. Looks like I'll be doing some more blasting next Saturday.

March 11, 2000

Made it to the shop again. Talked with the guys on having them finish cleaning the undercarriage. Media Blasting is a dirty job!!!! I QUIT!!! Under the passenger compartment is all that needs to be done and they are going to finish it. The complete undercarriage will be painted chassis black. I also managed to remove the rest of the chrome door molding along the top and removed the chrome gutter moldings.

March 14, 2000

The shop called me today and asked if I wanted to see the undercarriage. After work, I went over to take a look. It is now all cleaned and painted chassis black. It looks better than new. At this point, I guess it is only one step from being a "Frame Off" restoration. The rear axle is now ready to be installed tomorrow.

March 18, 2000

Stopped by the shop to see the progress, and was amazed. The rear window was removed and the channel around the window and the trunk are all primered. Fom mid roof towards the rear is now all in sealer/primer, including the quarter panels. The rear axle is now up in place, too, and it looks SHARP!!!

I also managed to find a metal polishing and plating shop. I dropped off the 2 piece mirror, headlight bezels, turn signal bezels, and the 2 chrome extensions that go on the front fenders behind the bumper and the 2 chrome pieces for the rear quarters, under the bumper.

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