Matt1821

Im sanding and priming my 89 Firebird today.
This is how it started. . .

Matt1821

Removing the hood

Matt1821

Sanding and taping

Matt1821

What it looked like before
Faded black, red and rust spots, with gold trim

Matt1821

Almost ready to paint

Matt1821

My workshop

jharrison5

Sanding sucks! LOL Keep up the good work.

quickkris2006

iTrader: (2)

i know that u taped off the lights and stuff but do ur self a favor.. take everything off the car that u can and paint it on it own.. u will be much happier with the result.. yes it takes more time but will come out better.. aka bumbers lights even the doors so that u can get the jams.. fenders.. u get the idea.

white gold 88

I'm with kris on that one. At least take off the bumpers, headlight doors, and mirrors. They're not too hard to remove. Taking out the handles and locks is not as easy but the more you take off the better the results. Even those hood hinges will make it tough to get the top to the fender while you're spraying. Not trying to pick on ya, just letting you know. Looking good, keep up the good work.

naf

iTrader: (7)

Agreed. You don't even need tools to pull the tail lights. Once the door panels are off the window sweeps, mirrors, door handles/locks come out easy. Pop up the headlights and remove the plastic cover attached to the lid (and the bulbs).

One of my peeves is a body colored gasket between the mirror and the door...and I found an awesome set of grid TA tail lights at the JY the other day with over spray on them. I mean it takes longer to tape them than to remove them. Really.

Matt1821

thanks guys, your all right. . . it was rediculous how much sanding i had to do, i just primered it the other night, il take pics n post em up soon

Matt1821

Heres the most recent, so far. . . I think its turning out great for the tools and equipment that i have available to me. Its only the first coat of PRIMER, but i already think it looks 10x better than it did when i first started. Thanks to the people who like it, and to the people who dont, get over it.

Matt1821

I think this ones my favorite

puma1552

iTrader: (1)

looks good but why did you unmask it? still gonna lay paint, no?

Matt1821

Ya, but i had to take it to the MVD to get it registered and smog tested. No big deal, Thats what my girl is for, taping and masking EVERYTHING. . . Shes actually getting pretty good at it. haha

I think its turning out pretty good for my FIRST paint job.

puma1552

iTrader: (1)

haha what color will it be?

Looking forward to more pics, keep up the good work.

Matt1821

My plan is to do another coat of primer and a protective coat, and call it a day. Until I have some REAL money to put into it. I even thought of leaving it primer and painting all the trim (strips on doors, plastic pieces on front and back buper, etc.) black, and top it off with a clear coat. But Im not sure yet, Right now im just trying to get it back home in one piece ya know? Its been sittin for 2 years, and ive done so much work to it, if you guys only knew how bad this car really was. Not to sound wierd but, it makes me feel pretty good gettin this car to where it is today. . .

Matt1821

P.S. Dont be a stranger, I could use some more TGO friends. You guys come in handy when troubleshooting. I appreciate the comments guys, thanks -Matt

Matt1821

Good news guys! stopped by the local junk yard today and found a nice new hood, fender, and front bumper. Pics uploaded soon, merry christmas to me! All the parts only cost me $100.00 bucks. Cant beat that. The hood is a little differant than the one I have. It has some kind of scoop on the drivers side, but it seems like its only for looks becuse the "scoop" area where the air is supposed to enter is closed. I think its the hood from a Formula Firebird, but i dont know.

I also just bought an open element air filter from SummitRacing.com, should be here by tuesday. This car is really coming along compared to what it came from.

naf

iTrader: (7)

Good deal. Post Pics.

Matt1821

Hey everyone. I know I've been gone a while. . . Just been really busy and hadn't had the time to take new pics or do any more work to it. BUT, I have a little bad news. The company I was working for went out of business due to this **** economy. So I dont know when the next time I'll have the money to start puting into this thing. For now I have to let it be where it stands today. Couldnt buy the hood or new fender. I hate bills!
-Matt

Heres a couple pics I took the other day.

Matt1821

This is the good side, every time I look at the drivers side tho, I get a little depressed.