Snake Skin Green Challenger Restoration

[YellowThumper]

In for the finished product as well. 

[magoo426]

Evening.  I bolted on the fenders to the car tonight.  So far it turned out good.

[larry4406]

Nice progress.  Are you painting this in a booth or your garage?  If garage, what kind of setup do you have?

[magoo426]

Hi larry4406.

I will be painting in the garage.  Basically build a makeshift paint booth in side the garage using rigid conduit and plastic sheets around the perimeter and on the top to.  It helps keep the most of the dust.  It's not perfect but it's better than nothing.  I can take photos when I paint the car and post them.  It might be a while unfortunately, but I can do it.

Everyone thing thus far has been painted in the garage without a setting up the makeshift paint booth.

Thanks!!

[larry4406]

Thank you!  That is encouraging regarding painting in the garage. I think when home comes I will only have that option and hope to achieve similar results.

[twalker]

I painted in my garage without out a booth, just cleaned it and put an exhaust fan in - that part I found to be critical.  I also laid down several coats so I could cut buff and polish any imperfections.

You can do it!!

[magoo426]

I agree twalker.  An exhaust fan makes a world of difference.  I'm planning on doing the same thing as you did with putting on several coats of clear so I can wet sand and buff it out without worrying about cutting into the paint.

Spent yesterday cleaning and painting the hood/door latches and strikers.  I temporarily bolted on the rear valence to see what it looked like.  Below are some photos of it.
 

[anlauto]

What bumpers are you using ?
You'll want to remove the 73-74 licence plate bracket it you're using 70-71 bumpers/brackets....otherwise your plate will stick way too far out

[magoo426]

Hi anlauto.  You have a very good point!!!  I didn't think of that one, I didn't realize there was a difference.  Worse case the license plate bracket is held on by two spot welds on each side of the bracket.  I can take one of my mill bits and take out the spot welds without cutting into the surrounding metal.  Doing that will leave a spot where it wasn't painted, but the license plate will cover that up.  So, like I said, I'm not sure what my next step is.  I have to get new bumpers.  I currently have 72 bumpers, but was planning on getting 70 bumpers. 

Any suggestions?

Thanks again for the heads up!

[anlauto]

Nope...think you got it covered..that bracket has to come off when using 70-72 bumpers...That area would be an easy "blow-in" the next time you have paint in the gun.

[YellowThumper]

Saw the bracket and was going to comment on it but Alan is on point again. Just learned that myself because I am pushing in the bumpers in on my 74.

Main panel appears to already have the square punch outs for the plastic thread inserts.

Mike

[magoo426]

Yup I agree about making the change.  I'm going to remove the 2 spot  welds on each side of the bracket. 

Are 1972 bumper brackets the same as 70-71 brackets?  My car is originally a 1972 but I'm cloning it as a 70.  I would like to reuse the 72 brackets if possible.

Thanks!

[anlauto]

YES..72 brackets are the same

[magoo426]

Awesome! One less thing to buy then!

[magoo426]

The vinyl top is on, finally.  Painted the steering column as well to this weekend.