Rudy's Rehab

[FL-Frank]

Rudy is a very respectable numbers matching "driver quality" example that had been repainted about 20 years ago...and shows no visible signs of any rust issues. Since the engine, trans, suspension, and brakes have all be completely redone over the past 5 years, it's finally time for a complete bare metal paint job.

So...let the fun begin!

[FL-Frank]

Week 2 Update

Dismantling/Stripping continues.

"these cars have the tendency to rust from the inside out"

So far...we've found rust in bottoms of both front fenders, lower section of both door skins, right and left rocker panels, lower section of both b-pillars, right and left sides of the rear package shelf, lower right corner of the windscreen frame, and the right and left rear seat pans.

Stripping of the shell is next.

[FL-Frank]

9 weeks (and 190 labor hours ) into the project...metal work nearing completion.

Replaced inner and outer rockers on both sides, cut off and patched lower 6" of both door skins, cut out and patched both rear seat pans, cut out and patched lower section of both front fenders, cut out and patched rear shelf, cut out and patched right side lower corner of windshield frame.

Next step...body work.

[FL-Frank]

Here's Andy doing what he does best...

[FL-Frank]

After 17 weeks and 400 hours of labor....the metal work is done and the body work is nearing completion. Next up...priming....block sanding (x 3)....color coats (x4)...sanding....polishing....reassembly. The color coats will be shot with Glasurit single stage in Bahia Red...exactly as it left the factory 40 years ago.

Projected completion is mid-January (6.5 months start to finish).

Thanks to all of the metal work that was required, the project will wind up taking 2 months longer and a lot more $ than originally planned, however, the end result should be spectacular!

[mimimemegna]

Nice job... good luck!

[FL-Frank]

Week 18 update

Metal and body work completed...finally!!! Body is now primed and guide-coated and ready for the first round of blocking. Restored dash and door pockets back from Tony along with one of his new carpet kits. Restored Fuchs back from Harvey. Engine and trans headed to Phil & the gang for some maintenance. Restored Blaupunkt back from Radioman. Lots of new exterior bits on hand and waiting patiently on the shelf.

This is getting exciting!!!

[Bullethead]

Good on ya, Frank... constant progress takes away a bit of anxiety, yeah? You'll really be itchy once re-assembly is underway!

Looking forward to seeing Rudy after the facelift.

[FL-Frank]

Thanks for your words of encouragement Russ...this project is really testing my patience!

[Mike_Moore]

well done Frank, those 400 hours so far will be worth every minute! I'm sure you're looking forward to seeing it in colour.