Yesterday was a big step forward for the restoration - the crew from the body shop came by and picked up the Chevelle to get started on the final body work. I've been looking forward to this day, because it means that all of the metal work for me is finished and I will be getting an assembled and painted car when it comes back. Just to preview, they will be replacing the passenger side rocker (damaged), part of the drivers side rocker (a little rust), stripping the body down to bare metal, fixing/creating the missing filler piece between the taillight panel and trunk, and fixing rust in the quarters. I'm hoping they save the original quarters, but it will depend on what they look like once they get through the paint. Of course it will still need plumbing, wiring, interior, weatherstripping, moldings, etc, when it comes home, but it will look more like a car again. It also means big bills coming since someone else will be doing the work.
I was not expecting was the other emotions that came with sending the Chevelle off; this must be what it's like to send a child off to school. When will it come back? Will they do a good job without me around? How will others feel about the work I did (car guys are the biggest critics in the world!)? For the past year the Chevelle has been a constant fixture in the garage, and something I could usually go out and work on when I needed to do something with my hands. I guess it's time to clean up the garage while there is space. Perhaps finish powdercoating and sandblasting, and sell off the stove and blast cabinet? What do car guys do while their project is off at the body shop? Enjoy time with the family?
If you have been following my blog, then you know that with some help, I replaced the front half of the floor pan, the trunk pan, and fabricated a tunnel to fit over the T56 transmission. The frame was painted, a used LS1 fit along with accessories, and all new suspension and brakes installed. Everything is stripped off so it is pretty much bare for the body shop to start.
Over the next few weeks and months we'll be stopping by the body shop taking pictures of the progress to keep everyone updated. I have no idea what the timeline will be; I'm hoping for 4-6 months but have no idea if that is too long or too short.
BTW, I've had a lot of people ask about the wheels. They are loaners from the body shop, made from 1/2" plate steel and weigh about ~100 lbs each. The wheels do look strange, but have worked quite well. The large openings and skinny size allow great access to the suspension and were very easy to work around. Pretty useful, even if they do look more than a little odd!
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