Fresh Paint

GJ dropped off my freshly painted wheels for the ford last night and I couldn't be happier. Way back when I started this overwhelming project I had the wheels powder coated in red. This was back when flat black cars with red wheels were just becoming the trend. That trend has moved on and so have my plans for the ford. So in keeping with the new direction and color scheme the wheels were expertly repainted gold. GJ did a fantastic job and his attention to detail never ceases to impress me. All I had to do was explain to him what I was looking for and he took care of the rest. The color he choose was spot on and I didn't even have to look at color chips. My new Firestone whitewalls will be here next week and then the new wheels and tires will finally come together.

Let the cutting begin...

So Saturday was a big day for me. I spent a few hours working on the Ford over at Lavery's shop and luckily my buddy Chris was there to provide some motivation. I got the rear window removed from the car and we got the gas tank out without too much trouble then the fun began. I have had plans to french the tail lights with some custom stainless steel bezels that I purchased from the HAMB, but didn't think I had the know how. Well Chris said let's go for it so go for it I did. It was a little nerve racking cutting into your own car for the first time. I just keep thinking what if I mess this up...am I going to ruin the whole car??

So I started by sanding the paint off the tail lights.


Next I actually cut out the opening to make room for the new bezels.


After a little clean up with a grinder it was time to place the new bezels. I had James hold it in place so I could take a good look and make sure they were level then Chris tack welded them into place.


While we were at it I decided to remove the pinch seam on the body where the rear quarter panel is attached to the body so I had to grind the seam down to expose the joint and weld it back together.


Chris finished welding the bezel in place and then I started sanding down the welds to smooth everything out.


Once Chris tacked the 2nd bezel in place I took over the welder and went to town securing it in place. I still have some smoothing to do and finish welding up the body seam but overall I'm pretty happy with how it's turning out and a great learning experience.