Aaron's 76 Type LT Project

8 minute(s) of a 383 minute read

The most notable thing I've done recently is getting the rest of the dash pieces installed. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I can't install anything else like the glove box door, etc until I get the side vent pieces. Those should arrive tomorrow. Once the HVAC vents and hoses are installed then I can move forward with the other small pieces. But the "guts" are installed which is a good step forward.  

I have some pieces getting powdercoated, such as door handles. So I will be able to assemble the door guts once I get those back. I have Mon and Tues off so I am going to turn my attention to sanding and buffing the rear filler panel below the back glass, the rear tail panel and the trunk lid. Those SHOULD be pretty easy. That way I can install them and get them out of the way.





Here are the fender braces installed that I got from Custom Works. They go with the close out panel I got from Keith. These are nice pieces that I recommend to anyone.

I got the tulip panel and the trunk lid taped off for sanding. I got the tulip panel sanded to 2500 and will sand it with 3000 tonight. I plan on doing a lot of buffing on Tuesday so I can set myself up for some more "late night" work.



This might be obvious, but I created a little rig for the tulip panel. I screwed the panel to the wood using screws with rubber washers and added a piece of support wood in the middle (wrapped in tape). I then zip tied the wood to the work stand.

2-21-2017

Today I am buffing the panels as I mentioned earlier. I want to at least get the rear tail panel and the tulip panel done so I can keep installing parts. The trunk lid is not as critical but I want to get it done soon. I can always buff that in the garage at night.

The tail panel turned out pretty good. There are some flaws that you can see up close but I can't change that now. I guess my car is a "5 footer"??

Tulip panel is buffed...now on to the trunk lid

2-22-2017

BTW, here is the process I am using for the "cut & buff" for anyone curious. This is just one of MANY ways to cut & buff, but it's one I adopted based on my own findings. I also buy these products from Amazon or other places, not necessarily directly from the links I provided. Hopefully this gives someone some inspiration.

For sanding, I use Soft Sanders "Super Flex" wet/dry sandpaper for 1500/2000/2500 grits and Meguiars for 3000 grit. I also have 1000 and 1200 grit for any isolated runs/trash, but hopefully I can start with 1500 grit for the first cut. I tend to sand with 1500 until there is just a little orange peel left, then I move to 2000. Some people go from 2000 to 3000 but I have found adding 2500 helps the polishing process, but that is strictly personal preference. The Super Flex sandpaper has an adhesive backing which keeps it secure on the sanding block. It also lasts a long time. I buy the rolls and cut as needed.

For blocks I use Dura Block products. I took some and cut them down to smaller sizes as needed. I never dunk the blocks and paper into a bucket. I always have a spray bottle with mild soapy water (blue Dawn) and a squeegie to clean the panel. I have a hose nearby and will frequently spray off the panel and re-apply soapy water - it's cheap. If I hear that little "scritchy scratchy" sound I stop and wash off the panel. One little grain of sand under your paper can put a real damper on all your hard work.

I like to tape 1/8" - 1/4" of the edges with 3M "403" green tape when sanding. When I polish I use thinner blue painters tape to protect any sensitive areas, but I haven't had issues with needing to protect all edges when polishing. I did protect the upper corners on the trunk lid, for instance, since those we sensitive areas when I was block sanding. But I remove all tape for the final polishing step.

After sanding I buff with Chemical Guys pads and polish on a Torq polisher. I start with their "32" polish on an orange pad, then "34" polish on the same orange pad, then "36" polish on a white pad and finish with "38" polish on a black pad.

Super Flex paper: http://www.shop.softsanders.com/Super-Flex-Wet-Dry-Sandpaper_c8.htm

Meguiars paper: https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-S3025-Mirror-Unigrit-Finishing/dp/B000IE7Z6K

Chemical Guys polish kit: http://www.chemicalguys.com/V_Line_Polish_Compound_Kit_16_oz_p/gap_vkit_16.htm

Medium/Heavy cutting pad: http://www.chemicalguys.com/Hex_Logic_Medium_Heavy_Cutting_Pad_6_5_Inch_p/bufx_102hex6.htm

Light/medium polishing pad: http://www.chemicalguys.com/Hex_Logic_Light_Medium_Polishing_Pad_6_5_Inch_p/bufx_104hex6.htm

Finishing pad: http://www.chemicalguys.com/Hex_Logic_Finishing_Pad_6_5_Inch_p/bufx_106hex6.htm

Torq random orbital polisher: http://www.chemicalguys.com/TORQ_10FX_Random_Orbital_Polisher_p/buf_501.htm

3-3-2017

I spent a few nights getting the trunk lid buffed. I got it to the point that it can go on and then can be detailed the rest of the way later.

I'm still waiting on some parts to get powdercoated so I can do some more assembly. I think the next few weeks will be a lot of fun once I have more parts in my hands.

3-4-2017

I turned my attention to installing the door hardware while my son was napping. I got the handles and lock bezels (and all other exterior trim) powdercoated in gloss black and they turned out nicely. They need to re-do the driver side lock bezel so I cant get that installed this weekend but it won't be a problem. I thought it would be more difficult remembering how the handle and lock installed but it wasn't too bad.

I will work on getting the window tracks installed and the outer window felt so I can get the glass installed.

3-15-2017

I've been chugging along on various items, such as installing the tulip panel, trunk lid and middle spoiler piece. I mocked up the outer spoiler pieces but want to buff the quarter panels before installing them permamently. So the list keep getting shorter.

I mocked up the air intake and need to get some parts powdercoated. I am not sure if I can powdercoat just the exterior of the intake tube but I'd like to just to keep with the black theme. We'll see what the powdercoated has to say. The polished chrome looks good but I'd rather it be black

I cut the tube at the intake so it's not as close to the fans as it is in the below photos, fyi.

I am off three days next week so I hope to knock out a large # of items.