Well the time has finally come, I have decided to get my 1983 Daytona Pace Car restored (visually, meaning paint and body).

It has been dropped off at a local reputable restoration shop and it will receive a full body break down, sand blast and repaint (engine will not come out, however I cleaned up the engine bay about 6 years ago when I had the engine out.). All rust will be sandblasted and etched. 2-3 coats of base and 2-3 coats of clear, from what I was told, will go on.
All new weather stripping, new locks and the original wheels will be repainted.

Only thing I need to decide on is if I want to replace the windshield (likely will do) and I need to order a fresh graphics kit.

The car was gone through mechanically about 6 years ago and some of the interior has been replaced, such as front carpet and headliner.

My goal with this car is to keep it primarily original. Original paint scheme will be kept.

I was undecided for a long time whether to invest the money into a paint job because I know I want more cars (ultimately I want an older trans am, 2nd gen), however, I need to see this car through and realize its full potential.
I shopped around for quotes and was surprised to find a reputable place that would do the level of body work this car needs (which isn't really that bad) for a decent price.


Here are pictures from last Monday when it was dropped off. Should be done in 1-2 months, Ill post up pictures along the way, and ultimately, the final product!

 

Congrats!! Big decision, I hope it works out well for you. You likely know, but budget a bit more than the shop said in case they find the unexpected and check in with them as often to take pics of the process for your album. If you are willing post back with in process pics, I always enjoy seeing those and I think others do to. The transformation is inspiring to others working on projects.

 

Absolutely, Ill be sure to feed some updates along the way. I'm excited, however I don't think it has really sunk in yet.
I'm cautiously optimistic on the price not ballooning as he digs in, but we will see!

 

Good to see another one being restored. I look forward to following along.

 

The feeling you get when it's done will be more than worth it if you ever doubt the decision....congratulations.

 

Update from 2/17/2018:

Stopped by the shop yesterday and found a fair amount of progress has taken place over the past week... Plenty more to go , but I am stoked to see the car in progress.

 

It's awesome to see progress, isn't? Keep em coming.

 

It's great to see another 3rd Gen restoration

I hope everything keeps going well and stays on budget. For me the excitement only really sank in when the first color coat was sprayed on the car.

Replacing the old wind shield is a good idea. It's amazing how many nicks glass picks up over 20-30 years. My 91 Convertible RS Black Echo had the wind shield replaced. It started to delaminate. it was well worth it. Every time I drive the car I'm glad the glass had been replaced. It's also easier for the body shop to repaint all of the wind shield frame all the way around with the wind shield out of the car.

 

Good luck with your restoration project

 

Some update from last week. I will be checking on the car today or tomorrow to see if its made it to the paint booth.

 

I had brought him a bumper from another 82/83/84 car (cant remember year)
He ended up fitting that bumper to the back, and bolted on the GFX. Looks like the original one did, was worried there was going to be a slight difference.

Its come along, slowly but surely. I would say another 1-2 months at this point.

 

Finally some more updates. Paint is finished. Seats and interior are in work. Rims will be repainted. New Radial TAs were delivered today. New windshield is almost done. New 4x6 speakers installed (with adapters).
Getting close!!!!

edit: cant tell if the photos successfully uploaded from my phone....

 

Nice

 

 

 

wow the paint came out great!

 

looks good!

 

Excellent!

 

That car looks great!

 

I'd say that's a super job on the paint, and the car is well worth the time and money spent. Can't remember when I've even seen one of those, pretty neat.

 

Paint looks fantastic!

 

I've only seen one more like it in recent years at Cruisin the Coast 2016. Very nice collectable car you have there!

 

Now let's get down to the bottom line. Dying to know. What did that body work cost you in round numbers? Looks like a superb job and probably not cheap.