Steve Richards' Body and Paint Job (Pics)

[SeanMatteson]

I received a couple of emails from Steve late today, and he included pictures of his car at the body shop. He mentioned not having the ability to post the pics from home, and he invited me to post the pics for him. Here goes...

1. Steve's new '92+ style trunklid and lights

[SeanMatteson]

2. The right side of the car without skirts and belt moldings

[SeanMatteson]

3. Close-up of the right side rocker panel

[SeanMatteson]

4. Left front shock tower

[SeanMatteson]

5. Front, minus bumper cover, headlamps and header panel

[SeanMatteson]

6. Lower portion of left rear quarter panel

[SeanMatteson]

7. Engine bay from driver's side

[SeanMatteson]

8. Engine bay from passenger's side

[SeanMatteson]

9. Base of windshield on driver's side

[SeanMatteson]

10. Base of windshield on passenger's side

[MY90SC]

Looks good Steve. Can't wait to see it all done.

[T1Bird]

replace your upper control arms if you havent already while its like that, i hated doing those

other then that impressive, the lower rockers seem to be really damn good.

Is that at Don's shop? Im going to take my car there i think next spring or late this fall before I put it away to have my drivers side rocker fixed

[the SPIN Doctor]

Steve,

Doesn't look at all as bad as I thought, buddy. It looks like they have a fairly decent body to work with, which is great. Keep the pictures coming, and let us know as things come together.

What colour is it going to be again....blue?

[Steve Richards]

The Company I am using for the work is a shop called B&B Automotive Collision (www.bb-auto-collision.com). They do a lot of collision work for our truck fleet. The manager there is Carlos Raposa, he's a really good guy. Some of our employees had their cars done there and the work is excellent. I feel very comfortable working with this guy - seems very honest and customer service oriented, points out all the issues and gives options, and is flexible. This was the only shop I had a quote from before the head gaskets blew so I did not have a lot of options.

The rust is worse than I expected as the rockers are shot and there is rust perforation in the shock towers. On Friday, a bit more of the car will be stripped down and I will have a better assessment of the damage. What do you expect from a 14 year old car that was driven in the winter the first seven years?

The next step is sand blasting all the rusted areas, then cut away the damage and weld new sheet metal in. The rockers have been ordered and received. I will be present as each of these steps are completed.

The body side molding was damaged and I need to decide whether I get aftermarket stuff, splurge for the new style (ouch), or go without.

I think I might have it painted the same colour. I still have time to decide. The new paint will actually be lighter than it is now.

The roof molding is being replaced. The front windshield is going to be removed to get at the rust under the glass. The hinges will be repaired. New door handles, Cervinis Mach 1 hood, and front air dam.

Now if only I can get an engine...

[Steve Richards]

I checked on the car last night unfortunately I could not get the Company digital camera.

The front fenders are off and I seem to have some rust where the front fenders contact the firewall and there is a concern that if they start welding in that area, the dashboard and stuffing could catch fire. Any ideas guys?

The passenger side has now been worked. The new rocker panel is in place, rust has been sandblasted, new metal welded in place to patch the rust holes. Next they will do the same on the driver side. Then progress to the rear, and finish off in the engine bay.

I'll keep you informed of the progress. Next visit, I will have the camera with me.

[SeanMatteson]

Steve,

The shop's concern over starting a fire is a real one! I've heard many horror stories about this type of thing happening. Usually, it's backyard mechanics trying to patch floor boards without removing all of the sound deadening material or carpet.

You may be into a situation where the proper thing to do is to pull the dash. ...An ugly job. Let me know how this pans out, and if you need a hand.

Cheers,

Sean