It might finally happen
So I have been in a queue for getting paint and body work so long I only know it is over a year but not whether it is closer to 18 or 24 months. A month ago I got tired of the delays from my shop and discouraged by all the cars they have in the shop at one time even though they said I was next so I called another shop to check in. Slightly more money but they seem to get cars in and out quicker and I aint getting younger. I want to enjoy my car not just leave it to my kids.
Today the second shop said they were moving me up in line from March to late December/early January. So excited. Now I'm talking to an individual and a shop on rebuilding the engine that burns oil/fouled plugs while it is at the body shop. Reduce the amount of time the car is down and get the engine bay detailed at the same time. I have pretty much done everything else myself and these are the last steps. My wife actually seems peeved that I have saved for so long towards this goal and would rather I spend it on something else. Fuck it, I'm happy and here to share the excitement with like minded people.
So share your stories, encouragement and advice.
Drivetrain Plan:
Pull the engine, AC, Radiator and transmission
Give the engine to the rebuild shop for a mild stroker build (331, heads, intake, cam, stay carbureted)
Optional C4 to T5/TKO swap and upgrade the 8" open diff to LSD with taller gears
Body and Paint plan:
I remove the interior except the dash
I disassemble the headlight buckets
I remove door glass and vents
Shop does
remove the stainless trim
remove the front and back glass
Strip the paint from whole body and door jams
shave the fender emblems and fill antenna hole
prime and paint with base clear in 2part formula for the original Candyapple Red
Outsource the headliner install before the glass is reinstalled
Detail the engine bay
Get the glass and stainless reinstalled
Align doors and fenders
Install new rear louvers and front chin spoiler
optional add a '70 Grabber c-stripe to the sides
Engine guy will install the engine transmission and diff.
I could potentially do all the following
Reinstall door glass, vent glass and interior including Ridge Runner sail panels
Install all rubber seals
Reinstall fender extensions/headlight buckets, side scoops and qtr panel extensions
Reinstall headlights, tail lights and marker lights
reinstall engine accessories and radiator