Body and paint....in the works!!!

[roosterrusek]

Just wanted to let my fellow Opeler's know the progress on my 71' GT.

I picked it up from the mechanic last Wedneday, so I could bring it to the paint and body shop. I had it at the mechanic's due to the black smoke / non-starting and running really weird issues I was having. For those that do not know I have an engine in it from and 88' Ford Thunderbird complete with front mounted intercooler and the turbocharger. Well, as I had thought it was the Fuel Pressure Regulator that had been causing some problems. The mechanic also changed out the spark plugs, changed the oil and filter, and Coolant Temperature Sensor. Now, the car starts right up, no weird smells or smoke, and it RUNS LIKE A CHAMP and did not cosst me all that much!

So I went from the mechanic to the body and paint place. I have been incredibly fortunate to have a friend who was in need of a final project for her school where she is training to do custom paint and body work. It is at a local technical college, and not some Bill and Ted's Paint and Body School. That, coupled with the fact that she (yes SHE) is a good friend is leading me to believe that this will turn out pretty well. I am also betting that since there are so few Opel GT's out there that she will be getting some help from her instructors. The color I have choosen is a deep bugandy red that will have pearl metal flake finish and a few coats of clear coat. I have taken a "before" shots which I am posting, and over the next few weeks will post more pics. There really is not much to fix on the body, just your normal dings and dents, and in about 4-5 weeks it should be complete.

To see the light at the end of this 3.5 year tunnel is amazing. I know there will be more, but the paint job give so much more life to the project, not to mention it will make my wife happy!

[namba209]

I see you have the lenk tuning hood on your GT. If you have not found a way to secure it down, I may be able to help. On Willit?, I made up a small 3/16" hood pin setup, with a 1" stainless washer, held down with double sided tape. Very similar to the huge hood pins, but much smaller and unobtrusive. The pins are secured to the flange that is along each side of the engine compartment. HTH.

[ungermm]

The deep burgandy with pearl should look good. My 2nd GT was a metalic burgandy and looked nice. I know the enthusiasm of getting close to the finish line. Today, I happen to grab an old CD of the Tubes and went to work priming my project. I didn't realize the CD included the track Prime Time. Now, my ratty GT looks great in one single color. A little more sanding and color will be on it soon.
Jerry

[roosterrusek]

Went to the shop and got some pics...here is one where you can see what my 71 GT is looking like...still a little ways to go but I think that a month or so barring any unforseen poo.

Paulie

[BQS4]

Looking good there Paulie. Glad to see that got thee hood straighten out without getting too crazy to cover the turbo/intercooler

[namba209]

That looks like my Lenk Tuning hood, but with the nostrils covered. Nice touch.

[roosterrusek]

I honestly just did not like the nostrils...purely my own decision and I actually fiberglassed them in myself. After doing that I really can see the ease of some stuff....like I am getting some new door panels that have no covering so I can do them myself. After reading so much here, I know I can cover them myself, make them custom and pretty much cherry.

Hey, this is a forever project as far as I am concerned. I love this car, and I have already warned anyone that I know who will be there when the car is done that I very well may break out in tears. The GT just has so much personality that it is impossible to ignore. I actually see part of my life changing when it is done.

BTW, like myself I am sure there are plenty of you that peruse many of the auto rags. I think it was Motor Trend that I was looking at, but it is really hard not to notice the similarities to the Maserati Gran Turismo? The raised areas over the front tires and such? Is is just so crazy how you can make the Opel GT SPECTACULAR just by changing the wheels and tires and lowering the car!

Anyway, enough of my gushing, I can see me talking for hours and hours on this...I doubt that my 71 will be ready by the 28th meet, but after that you can bet your a$$ I'll be at the next one.

Paulie

[RallyBob]

Originally Posted by BQS4 Looking good there Paulie. Glad to see that got thee hood straighten out without getting too crazy to cover the turbo/intercooler

Yea, for I like thee hood this way as well, as yee hath good taste....

[namba209]

Originally Posted by roosterrusek Hey, this is a forever project as far as I am concerned. I love this car, and I have already warned anyone that I know who will be there when the car is done that I very well may break out in tears. The GT just has so much personality that it is impossible to ignore. I actually see part of my life changing when it is done. Anyway, enough of my gushing, I can see me talking for hours and hours on this...I doubt that my 71 will be ready by the 28th meet, but after that you can bet your a$$ I'll be at the next one. Paulie

Yeah Paulie, you said it all right there. Just wait 'til you get it on the road for the first time and get all the accolades from other motorists. Lotsa smiles per miles, for sure.