[Kokamo]

Originally Posted by BradM

Did you use someone local for the chrome?

No, I am doing my own.

~Joe

[BradM]

"I finally got my headlight bezels back today from the chrome shop....they look amazing!!!"

I meant, was the chrome shop local. If you're doing you own chrome plating, I def want to drive up to Libery Hill

[Kokamo]

Originally Posted by BradM

I meant, was the chrome shop local. If you're doing you own chrome plating, I def want to drive up to Liberty Hill

Ahh yes, I was thinking chrome as in trim and what not. I will be polishing all the stainless on this car, however, the only chrome that is on this car is the headlight bezels and rear bumper, I bought a new repro rear bumper, but the pot metal bezels I had shipped to a guy up in Michigan I believe. I don't have my receipts here with me, but this guy said he had been doing pot metal for all his life. His charges were very fair (compared to others) and he did a fantastic job. I'll get back to you on his name.

Where are you located? And what is your ride?

~Joe

[BradM]

Hey Joe

Lakeway..'65 GTO
We've traded a couple of PM's

Brad

[Kokamo]

Originally Posted by BradM

Hey Joe

Lakeway..'65 GTO
We've traded a couple of PM's

Brad

Yeah yeah, forgot Brad. I replied on my phone and didn't notice who you were. I still need to come out and see ya. I never made it out there that day.

[Kokamo]

Ok, small update...spent the last week installing and aligning the doors/fenders which was absolute hell. The pass side seemed to go together fine but the driver side was a total nightmare....got it done after many frustrating hours.

Had some friends drop by and help with the hood install. Looks like I have some worn hood hinges, especially the pass side, but was able to adjust them out and they seem to be working well for what I need.

Got the bumper on it and it looks like I have my work cut out for me. Gonna need help all over it seems. I did install the lower valance and it looks like I have waaaay to much of a gap between the top of the valance and the bottom of the bumper (see final pic)....I cannot figure it out and not sure what to do. Gonna drink a few cold ones and think about that one. Any suggestions would be helpful.

Happy new year everyone. Looks like just under 4 months left till D-Day.

~Joe

[Greg Reid]

I don't think you're far off at all. In fact, looks good to me...but I may have a lower standard than many.
That valance to bumper space looks about normal to me as well... or at least, not far off. If you've got the valance up tight on each side where it meets the lower front of the fenders, that's as far as it's going I think.

[Kokamo]

Thanks for the support Greg! I just think that the valance needs to be bolted the the bottom of the bumper...I believe that's the way it was originally??? Regardless, I'm gonna try and make it fit correctly, even if it means that I have to add metal to the valance. I hope I can make it right....I'm not quite that far just yet, see the update below.

Aight, so this last two weeks has been one giant joke. First was X-mas, then there was my B-day (had to party justbecausebirthday), then new years.....then the damn cold weather came along and really effed up my willingness and motivation to get anything done...plus I was pissed off at the fact that I couldn't get the nose lined up like I wanted it.....so basically nothing got done over the past week or two.

So today bright and early I went out and tried to make some stuff happen So after about 10-12 hours, I think I have the nose approx where I like it....so some body work on the nose commenced this afternoon. I think I got it pretty close, but sadly the endura didn't line up with the fenders like I would like, so now I know it will need some "fixing". So I got out my 2 part 3M epoxy mix and started filling......now I wait because it seems to take 10 times longer to cure in cold(er) weather (40-50)..... Gonna hit it when I get home from work tomorrow afternoon.

~Joe

106 Days to D-Day


Here are a few pics (apologies for the sideways pics, I have rotated them but it may take a while for that to take effect........

Pass side...




Driver side....




And what it looks like with the sticky gooey mess of 3M filler all over it in needed places.....

[Baron Von Zeppelin]

That body is really looking nice.
You've come a long way man, keep rolling.

Those valances usually tweek/bend into form pretty well.
I'd conform what i could with it and call it good.
Dark Green is going to be real forgiving in that zone.

[scott0]

Looking great! Let me know when you want me to drop off my car! haha

[Kokamo]

Originally Posted by Baron Von Zeppelin

That body is really looking nice.
You've come a long way man, keep rolling.

Those valances usually tweek/bend into form pretty well.
I'd conform what i could with it and call it good.
Dark Green is going to be real forgiving in that zone.

Thanks Baron....and you are dead right on that. I still want it to be as close as it can get tho.

Originally Posted by scott0

Looking great! Let me know when you want me to drop off my car! haha

Bring it!!! and bring your wallet!!! After this one, I'm tapped out. lolz

Ok, a few updated pics....I have spent a ton of time and effort getting the nose to fit the fenders and hood. They are still not perfect, but to my acceptance. Not a show car by any means, but better than original I suppose. I still have the insides of the bumper to do just yet....then it's on to the lower valance. Fun fun......

[Greg Reid]

That's a nice fit. Better than mine and mine's OK by me.

[Andretti]

It's amazing to see how far she's come. All that time and effort you've spent getting it lined up really shows, she's looking great. Are you going to add the endura notch for the hood or leave it straight? I like it like that.
Carlos

[GOAT WHORE]

Damn man, looking pretty friggin good! From the pictures that bumper looks great.

[Kokamo]

Thanks guys!

Andretti, I think you are talking about the gap between the hood and bumper...yes, there is a gap that I made. If you look close, you can see in in the second to last pic. However, I need to do a little more work to the pass side as the gap is a little tight.

Thanks for following fellas!

99 days till D-Day

[Kokamo]

Hello guys! Please check out THIS LINK.

I really need to get a lower valance. The one I have is going to need more work than I am willing to do. Need one cheap!!!! Anyone know of one somewhere???

Thanks,

~Joe

[GREATGTO]

Just skimmed through your whole thread looking at all the work you did, brought back so many bad memories lol, I just finished a 68 about a month ago, now doing a full resto on a 70 GTO. Just thought Id say you're doing a very nice job and good luck the rest of the way, should be a really nice car.

ps. I just ground off about 1/2'' thick of body filler off the valence on the 70 that I'm doing, luckily it was not rusted just beat to hell, I was able to dolly it out near perfect then finished it off with a thin coat of filler. They are pretty workable, the 70 valence is pretty thick sheet metal would guess the 69 is the same way. Took about 3 hrs to dolly it out and about an hour to do the filler work. Laid it out on a paint stand then ran a board down the center to keep the valence stiff while I blocked it out.

[Kokamo]

Thanks GreatGTO. it's been a long journey so far. Hopefully I can pull this off. I have less than 100 days to get it completed. And thanks for the tip on the valance. My original was pretty FUBAR'd. It had so much filler on it like yours...I'm guessing a full gallon, but it had been smashed hard on the passenger side at one point and then twisted back into shape, then on the left side it looks like it somehow got folded in half and yet again, "fixed". A few stress cracks were repaired via brazing rod and numerous welds in various places. I hammer/dollied that thing for hours on end and I can't make it right. Just needs more than I am willing/able to do to it.

Also, thanks for the kudos sir. My motivation is high as a kite right now....hope it stays up...this cold weather sure gives it a beating. I appreciate you taking the time to follow.

~Joe

[Greg Reid]

The good thing is that it's just a valence. You could finish the car and always bolt a nicer one on later if you can't find one now.

[GREATGTO]

Originally Posted by Kokamo

Thanks GreatGTO. it's been a long journey so far. Hopefully I can pull this off. I have less than 100 days to get it completed. And thanks for the tip on the valance. My original was pretty FUBAR'd. It had so much filler on it like yours...I'm guessing a full gallon, but it had been smashed hard on the passenger side at one point and then twisted back into shape, then on the left side it looks like it somehow got folded in half and yet again, "fixed". A few stress cracks were repaired via brazing rod and numerous welds in various places. I hammer/dollied that thing for hours on end and I can't make it right. Just needs more than I am willing/able to do to it.

Also, thanks for the kudos sir. My motivation is high as a kite right now....hope it stays up...this cold weather sure gives it a beating. I appreciate you taking the time to follow.

~Joe

Iv never worked with a steel aftermarket valence but I did use a fiberglass repro for a 69, fit was pretty decent on the sides where it bolts to the fenders.Have to be careful tightening the bolts though so it wont crack.
Hope you can find a decent one somewhere.