Close to THE ROCK, 1970 R/T S/E Challenger, 8/13 update

[DAYLEY/CHALLENGER]

A major step in the process..........Off to the paint shop...

Now I have room in the garage to start polishing the chrome trim pcs.

 And I talked to the factory about the vinyl top.  No padding offered on the correct boar grain top.  There is one with padding that is cheaper but is a universal top.  I will probably work something out with my paint guy and get the top put on there too. 

[DAYLEY/CHALLENGER]

While she is away I have time to polish the trim.  All is in good shape except the windshield top/side pcs.  Pics attached.     If you think they are cleaning up well.

[mackschallenger]

What method are you going to polish The trim?

[DAYLEY/CHALLENGER]

I have an old 120 volt motor that I have attached a shaft to that holds a couple of buffing wheels that I got from Lowes and Grainger.  Using the stick polishing compound that gives high gloss.  One wheel buff and one to polish off the buffing compound.  So far so good I think.

[DAYLEY/CHALLENGER]

Got word that the paint shop is going to start on my car this Friday.  I will try to get pics as it goes along. In the meantime I have been working on parts for reinstall.  A couple of pics to keep the thread updated.  David

[DAYLEY/CHALLENGER]

A few more pics while she is away...Started on the exhaust tips.  They looked kind of useless but when the price for new ones are $150 each, well you try to salvage what you can.  Worked on them today patching  and will try to save what I can.  These are the before and I will have after by the end of the week.  Keep in mind that only about 1 1/2" extend past the rear valiance.....

[DAYLEY/CHALLENGER]

   Should be able to get some pics of the paint process tomorrow.  Visiting tomorrow afternoon and viewing.  I really don't know what to expect but hope I see some progress.   Later, David

[DAYLEY/CHALLENGER]

Ok.  Took some pics today of the first of the body work.  I know now that since I didn't know much about body work that I should have waited.  My paint guy is redoing  my attempts.  He doesn't want any of my handy work to show his work up as bad.  I can't blame him.  So all you folks that think you know what you are doing, but don't, DON'T DO IT....may save you a little money later.  He uncovered more flaws than I knew about.  I will post more as I get them.   By the way, the guy in the yellow shirt is my paint guy.  The shirt is just about the right color too!!!   And the guy with the white hair is Me.  I took after my grandfather and my hair turned white early!!

[Bullitt-]

David, the body looks generaly very good but I hope you plan on welding up the A-pillar rust.
Any idea how long all this will take?  Need to get some summer cruising in.
Wade

[DAYLEY/CHALLENGER]

Hey Wade.  He is planning on fixing any rust spot he finds.  And he is finding more that I knew about.  I hope to get it back in 2 to 3 weeks.  However, I have to start putting back together then.  The only crusing I will be doing soon will be in and out of the garage probably.  I still have some parts to get together to complete the project.  My plan is to be able to actually have it on the road next spring.  By then the gas prices should be down...  

[DAYLEY/CHALLENGER]

Well, knowing that the exhaust tips are not in good shape and trying to salvage them, I have done a little modification to them and until I am able to get replacement tips I will sturggle along with these. 

[chevyconvert]

lookin' good

Is your inside rearview post plated or painted?
Seems the SE is unique......

[DAYLEY/CHALLENGER]

I painted the rearview mirror post.  It is a Chrylser color but I forgot the number.  And it isn't a 70 post.   I think the 70 had where you could secure the tips of the visors in.   

[DAYLEY/CHALLENGER]

Just an update. I stated that my painter was part time.  I know it has been 5 weeks now and found out it will probably be about 4 more.  I can wait for quality.  Should be able to get more pics in about a week.  David

[Madmax440]

There appeared to be a Plum Crazy Challenger parked right next to the Yellow Cuda - I wanted so bad to walk around to the other side of the car to see it, but ........