Green Machine II - 71 LeSabre Custom 455 Four Door Sedan

Discussion in 'Projects' started by Smartin, Jan 29, 2008.

  1. GoldBoattail455

    GoldBoattail455 462 -> TH400 -> Posi

    Looking good, I think some warmer weather is due in this week. Their talkin' 45-55*F. :bglasses:
     
  2. Smartin

    Smartin antiqueautomotiveservice.com Staff Member

    I hope so! I've had the bazooka heater running all day!

    Only 2 weeks until the Easter show...gonna have a car by then?
     
  3. GoldBoattail455

    GoldBoattail455 462 -> TH400 -> Posi

    I don't think so, but maybe I'll have one of Bob's there. Which one to take, oh so many choices.....:grin:
     
  4. Smartin

    Smartin antiqueautomotiveservice.com Staff Member

    Finished the rear portion of the interior today, with the exception of the left door panel...I can't open the doors on that side.:rolleyes:

    Here is the left panel that is still dripping with smoke tar...and probably some other things as well.

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    Here's the clean one! I wish the top portion would come out a little lighter, but it looks like it's baked in.

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    Another shot..

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    Seat's in!

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  5. austingta

    austingta Well-Known Member

    It's looking good, Adam!
     
  6. Smartin

    Smartin antiqueautomotiveservice.com Staff Member

    Thanks Frank! This car isn't rusty, but it sure is rotten!:laugh:
     
  7. Floydsbuick

    Floydsbuick Well-Known Member

    I assume the oil pressure trouble has been resolved?
     
  8. Smartin

    Smartin antiqueautomotiveservice.com Staff Member

    Yep, took care of that last weekend. Runs great now!
     
  9. SpecialWagon65

    SpecialWagon65 Ted Nagel

    Got posi?
    I have a spare 2.9:1 if you want it.:TU:
     
  10. Smartin

    Smartin antiqueautomotiveservice.com Staff Member

    ...not sure how I would get it back here...hmmm
     
  11. chryco63

    chryco63 14's or bust!

    The Buick stork, naturally...

    Adam, it's all lookin' really good. It's amazing what a little elbow grease can do. :TU:
     
  12. Smartin

    Smartin antiqueautomotiveservice.com Staff Member

    I got really tired of looking at the ratty 72 rear bumper and decided to take action:rant: :grin:

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    It only took a few hours...mostly because I had to clean and repaint all the silver trim pieces.:Brow: I had to replace the left upper taillight bezel and find another lower metal piece that goes below the taillight itself, because they were both damaged in the wreck.

    I also installed the lower quarter stainless trim that was graciously sent to me:beers: :beer :beer
     
  13. staged70

    staged70 RIP

    Did you straighten the bumper yourself or replace it?
     
  14. Smartin

    Smartin antiqueautomotiveservice.com Staff Member

    I put an NOS bumper on it. The other one was a 72, and you can see how it was bent in the middle. The NOS one has some light pitting from sitting, but it's nice and straight:beer
     
  15. Smartin

    Smartin antiqueautomotiveservice.com Staff Member

    All done with the buffing!

    Arms and left shoulder are going to be sore tomorrow...

    I was hoping the repainted quarter panel would blend a little better, but it still sticks out like a sore thumb.


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  16. dmfconsult

    dmfconsult Devil in a Blue Dress

    very nice job (as usual) Adam! What products are you using to come up with that result... also, is this all by hand or do you use a machine?

    Beautiful work!
     
  17. Smartin

    Smartin antiqueautomotiveservice.com Staff Member

    Thanks Doug!

    The process I go through is this:

    Wash car.

    Wet sand with 2000 grit paper (1000 then 2000 on the nasty spots like the hood and roof)

    Wash car again.

    Buff using a DeWalt (or equal) buffing machine with a wool pad. I use 3M Perfect-it 3000 for the initial buffing.

    Wash car again.

    Polish the swirl marks out with 3M swirl mark remover.

    Wash car..........again.

    Wax car to protect freshly exposed paint.
     
  18. austingta

    austingta Well-Known Member

    I need to do that to my car. Do you think it can handle it? How do you tell if the paint is thick enough?

    Frank
     
  19. Smartin

    Smartin antiqueautomotiveservice.com Staff Member

    Can't tell...just go for it!:grin:

    2000 grit should be fine enough for you to get by withour going too deep. Just don't sit on one spot too long. And stay off the edges.
     
  20. dmfconsult

    dmfconsult Devil in a Blue Dress

    with results like that it's worth the practice. My wet sanding skills are too weak to start cold on my car... I think I'll find an old hood or trunk lid to practice on first. It's really amazing the difference it makes to the finish. Thanks for the info Adam!
     

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