408 Build Thread

BrianT said

Thanks guys. Not much to report. The Dart is back down on it's tires and off of the jack stands. I talked to my buddy Shawn who does my paint work and he said to bring it over this week and we can get started next weekend. We are going to do the engine compartment and install the hood scoop. He has room at his place, so my car will probably be out there for a while. I am waiting to hear back from a friend with a tow truck, he'll drag the Dart out there (about 30 miles) but I have to wait til he is off the clock.

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Take lots of before pictures of problem areas and make sure to write down ALL your expectations of how and where the body metalis to be fixed prior to plastic filler being used, including catalyzed primers. (THEY ALL SHRINK). so letting it sit for a month or two after all the body work is done and the catalysied primer is on would not be a bad thing.

Include instructions that you want the whole car hand blocked sanded in its entirety with a guide coat prior to the final wet sanding and paint.Hopefully you are using a solid color basecoat clear coat with no metallic or iridescent, so the color match and touch up can be done easily.

Let him know you plan to have he entire car color sanded from top to bottom to get the orange peel and imperfections out, so to leave additional material on the car to allow for that prior to final staged sanding and the multiple polishing phases. They will charge a lot for this service, but it makes all the difference in the world and all it takes is one mistake to burn through an edge. It will be money well spent.

Buy soft, thick blankets and quality tape to protect the car as you assemble it, in some places add cardboard on top of the blankets for extra protection. Take you time. Pay him for his. Five years from now you will be glad you spent the extra money on these important steps.

Your job will be to learn how to clean the car without swirling it up or scratching it.

Good luck!