HOK Lime Mist
 

The Camaro above is actually painted, Dodge Viper, Snakeskin Green.
The color of choice for me is, HOK (House of Kolor) Lime Mist. It was a limited edition color. I was about 2 weeks too late in getting the factory offering of this color, but luckily I found a paint supplier, that has the formula to make it for me.

https://i.imgur.com/ScHoOfp.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/IpApJnq.jpg

Here's C10 Chevy truck that was painted in this color

https://i.imgur.com/BsdcvMn.png

I painted a test fender, to see if I liked the color, and I just fell in love with it!! Even today, when I open the garage, and see it there on the stand,it still blows me away.

I first primed the fender with HOK KD 3000 primer/sufacer


https://i.imgur.com/haTyH1z.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/zUzwMxc.jpg

I then wet sanded it with 400 grit

https://i.imgur.com/1QU0A61.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/BeD8sNR.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/z2Z8pRW.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/2NFEXeu.jpg

As my paint guy suggested, instead of using a silver, gold, or white base, he said to use a tinted sealer, that's close to the paint color, so as to not have use as much of the expensive paint, to get the same coverage.

https://i.imgur.com/U1Ckuyn.jpg

The real test!
 

Base coat. 3 total coats

https://i.imgur.com/58QxxSK.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Ooedxif.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/mgtSaQo.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/fZkA3Gm.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/kgvIyw2.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/OAMRV6v.jpg

2 coats of clear

https://i.imgur.com/Q9cjQyU.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/fiQ9VdW.jpg

That's a cool color choice and great job with the fender :flashie:

You are going to love that color! I do. I had my Harley painted snakeskin green 9 years ago, still don't regret it. My wife thought I was nuts, but I get a lot of compliments, and every time I do I give her a big smile.

I still turn my head at Vipers painted this color. I love the bright greens. I swear there is also a 69 Firebird that is painted this green out there, too. If my memory serves me correct, they also changed the front to a camaro.

Test painting models was a smart move.

Keep up the good work!

Thanks. I got a little too excited and had some runs in the clear coat, but it was just a test piece.

I think the Snakeskin green would have been cheaper to buy, but not sure. This might have a little more pop to it, maybe. I've never actually seen a Viper with the green, to judge it.

My wife wasn't sure about the color either, till I painted that fender. Now she's a fan!!

Thank you. I have never seen the Snakeskin green in person. Be cool to see if there's much of a difference between this green and the snakeskin.

I believe you're correct and the HoK Lime pops more. Would probably have to park the cars side by side to see a difference.

Hi John, I just went through your build and YouTube posts, Nice job! You did a lot of nice work. Subscribed!!

Great work, looks fantastic!

Looks great John!

I'm sure I missed it somewhere, but what brand body panels did you use? Car is coming together. Should be killer.

thanks,
Jim

Thanks brother. I'm finally getting motivated :gitrdun:

Thank you!! I appreciate it!!

Thanks buddy!!

Thanks Jim. I did end up with an AMD passenger fender, and an OEM used driver fender. I also just bought an AMD 4" cowl hood, so I'll have to see how well it fits!

Today's shenanigans!
 

Today, I worked on the passenger side rear quarter. I had a lot of holes to weld shut, from a previous slide hammer experience (likely in the 70's) They actually did a decent job of getting the panel pulled out, so I basically just had to close the holes up. I'm not to handy with the welder on sheet metal, or it's just too hard to get it adjusted correctly (old Millermatic 200)

Had a guy tell me to just replace the whole quarter panel, but I just didn't feel it needed to be done. The fit of aftermarket panels sucks so bad, I just didn't want to deal with the headache, plus it would have been way more work that just closing up a few (50) holes. Only took a couple of hours, instead off weeks, for a quarter replacement. Plus the door gaps are perfect, and it's only original once.

https://i.imgur.com/BVaU2pn.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/ZO18F8K.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/t6EKdnI.jpg

Using a brass rod or copper plate behind the holes, helped immensely with keeping me from blowing the sheet metal away like tissue paper.

https://i.imgur.com/HbxLgir.jpg

In some areas, I couldn't get anything behind the hole and it shows (yes Angry Johnny made his presence known :censored:

https://i.imgur.com/OSKgtOL.jpg

Finally cover up the mess

https://i.imgur.com/D09EQAR.jpg

Geez, it got dark :lol:

https://i.imgur.com/0Bo2OZT.jpg

Today's update
 

Finished out the skim coats on the passenger quarter and rocker panel. Next is the B pillars, but now the hardest part is behind me...I hope
Then, prime, block, repeat over and over.

Passenger rocker panels

https://i.imgur.com/TOyVH34.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/6iQyBBa.jpg

Driver side

https://i.imgur.com/gJ7bVi1.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/FyGFVkj.jpg

Passenger side

https://i.imgur.com/vpXvReU.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/IKX79YY.jpg

Block Sanding Wednesday
 

Did some more work today. Got the roof, B pillars, and quarters all blocked, but this is only the first pass, so there will be more.

https://i.imgur.com/5NJ398T.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/IhwRI3T.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/7fSDDKM.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/wNuJA1o.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/lh7LSeZ.jpg

Low spot on driver side

https://i.imgur.com/60qTXkD.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/82Noqp6.jpg

Finished with the first sand

https://i.imgur.com/itTqjJW.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/JISCNTR.jpg

Roof

https://i.imgur.com/rwSeg7S.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/w6TrH2Q.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/GLiWuLo.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/rwSeg7S.jpg

Getting there. It's crazy the amount of hours you need to put in at this stage, and then spray and do it all again..

No kidding. And then all that money on material, ends up being dust on the floor :hairpullout: :G-Dub:

The car looks great! You do nice work.

Thank you Wayne!! You'll notice I don't do too many close up pics. If I do, it will show all my mistakes :lol:

Ride Tech fuel filler/cap
 

Got the hardest part of the Ride Tech fuel filler/cap finished. Installing a 67/68 tank in my 69 and using the 67/68 style Ride Tech fuel cap. Also purchased a nifty little plate from Holohans Hot Rod Shop. This was worth every penny of the $38 they charge for it. Saves a ton of fabrication time
https://holohanshotrods.com/product/...etmetal-panel/

Tanks Inc tank. Nice piece

https://i.imgur.com/LsW3YQV.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/xdDcE00.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Vx1H0EM.jpg

Of course the 67/68 Camaro fuel filler is offset to the passenger side. Didn't realize this, but luckily the RideTech cap is set up for it.

https://i.imgur.com/yVq40w2.jpg

Here's all the pieces parts. It was really awesome of RideTech to supply me with 7 10-32 screws and one 10-24 screw. Lucky I caught it beofre I stripped the threads.

https://i.imgur.com/qbpXYQg.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/DGfdtgC.jpg

Test fit the tank and start cutting the floor

https://i.imgur.com/geVUn7j.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/fkBEtiI.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/jFRrxPe.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/emJlnCy.jpg

Measure twice (6 times) cut once. My 4" hole saw was dull, so I had a 1 day delay, till I picked up a new one. Didn't want to burn my way through and warp the panel. I just threw my dented and bent bumper up there for measuring purposes

https://i.imgur.com/WSaMAA6.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/xD850Le.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/DybOt16.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Ltf5DHW.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/cNR5MKj.jpg

Ride Tech fuel filler/cap thingy continued
 

OK, continuing on with the fuel stuff. My Eyecrometer says it good :lol:

Notched the top to fit where the trunk lock is at, and trimmed it down a little. I figured I would keep it on the larger side, to help with possible flexing. Shouldn't hurt anything.

https://i.imgur.com/V71i9Hc.jpg

Welded in place. I got rid of the straight Argon gas I had in my mig welder, and picked up some 75/25 CO2 argon mix. Now the welder (not me, the machine), works like it's supposed to. :lol:

https://i.imgur.com/EVMQ9f6.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/QemhSnY.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/togbvET.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/qQMqLi3.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/BKkpCIU.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/JvxXJZQ.jpg

Seam Sealer
 

Been busy lately. I did a little seam sealer tonight, but that was it. In case anyone doesn't know, using masking tape before laying it down, helps keep it neat, and makes clean up a lot easier.

https://i.imgur.com/CYLG9YD.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/zaG9uPB.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/r3nCAE1.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/r8mV4ej.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/kh1AyF1.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/OFH7377.jpg

What primer stage are you up to? I also need to seam seal similar locations and I'm currently in poly primer, I've just been trying to decide the best time to do it. I think I'll apply after epoxy sealer but before base coat but it may not matter. :EmoteClueless:

Jim, I'm only on my second stage of primer, but haven't done the areas shown, where the sealer is. It's just some overspray from doing the quarter panels.

The seam sealer is paintable, so I think you can actually go over bare metal, then just prime over it.

Great job. I really like where this is going !!!

Slacker
 

Man, I've been slacking on posting here. It was buried on the second page..lol
So, anyway, I'm finished with the second round of block sanding on the body. Still a little more fine tuning on the tail panel/valance, then I'll move up to the firewall, which should be pretty straightforward since it's flat and doesn't have all the contours the tail panel has.

Here's the primer still wet, so you can see it's getting straighter.

https://i.imgur.com/In24lIL.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/WhnbeJN.jpg

Close up of orange peel. It's just primer. :mock:

https://i.imgur.com/CSK5dS8.jpg

Primer all dry. Had to leave for work, so it will continue later. At least it will have time to dry.

https://i.imgur.com/LVqSWIW.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/xOYHBVZ.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/4WNWsIz.jpg

Thanks Jimbo!!!

Re do of the seam sealer
 

I wasn't happy with the seam sealer. The primer ended up cracking on me, and as it turns out, paint prep melts it :smiley_smack:

We'll see how it turns out, when I prime it this time. As info, it was Eastwood seam sealer and there paint prep. I guess they're not compatible with each other.. Hmm

This side wasn't too bad, just had to do a small area

https://i.imgur.com/KkRlIHC.jpg

Redid this whole section here

https://i.imgur.com/rBrEcm0.jpg

Had to re-do both sides of this panel.

https://i.imgur.com/2tsktqQ.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/hkpsLLP.jpg

Final Blocking of rear quarters
 

Finally finished blocking the body shell. Did some 320 wet, so I could see how it looked. Seems straight enough to live with it.

Even though it's just grey primer, being wet really shows the light reflection.

https://i.imgur.com/oMyMl8L.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/gRu3pc5.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/s1Lc37H.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/IwY48U4.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/qXc4yXy.jpg

Mixing the tinted sealer
 

I started mixing the tinted sealer the other day, just to see how it looked.
9 parts KD 3003 yellow to 1 part KD 3005 blue, to create a green, that's pretty close to what the color of the car will be.

These are cards listing some of the color capabilities using the HOK KD 3000 series primer/surfacers. Obviously the choices are limitless. You can actually spray your colors over this chart to see what your effect will look like.

I circled the one I'm using.

https://i.imgur.com/aDjMqsk.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/8gEYv9J.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/YUpsFkI.jpg


Close as it gets

I also used Eastwood seam sealer inside my car, also their paint and prep or whatever it's called. They actually have a cool video showing how to use them together to get a really flat and clean result, but you're right, it'll destroy it if you reapply the solvent to it again later. I switched to 3M for my underbody and preferred it.
Bodywork is coming together nice

sorry you had to redo the seam sealer. The blocking turned out great though. That wet panel looks fantastic.

Here are your videos. You just need the letter and number code between the youtube brackets to get it to embed. Like this but with brackets
{YOUTUBE} rvSBBKfXwYI {/YOUTUBE}

Yeah, I tried using it to smooth it out, and it was getting out of hand, so I just dug it out and redid it..lol
I used the 3M self leveling drip check sealer for the drip rail. At least it went smooth :)

Thanks. It's all part of the game/learning curve.

Thanks for that. I was wondering. I'll go fix the original post..lol

Summer's over, back to work
 

Moving along, getting back to the fuel tank mounting, and also made a fuel pump/sending unit access panel.

I originally wasn't going to make this large of a hole, but decided it would be best to do it like this after all. Just easier to work with flat surfaces.

https://i.imgur.com/x6bbFLe.jpg

This is what you do when you don't have a roller to form sheet metal. Improvise..hahaha

https://i.imgur.com/AOI4njl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/8eH9yZy.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/rOrhma2.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/IUIgmAE.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/YgKpyS8.jpg

Lots of test fitting and trial and error

https://i.imgur.com/2cfnTHH.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/vsMzWAJ.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/By6acVl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/koqZyBL.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/zLrabBI.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/wMDYK1C.jpg

Ooops
 

Made the hole in the wrong spot and had to redo it. Didn't allow for the angle of the neck. :wacko:

https://i.imgur.com/vvJBcpQ.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/F4Cpdtb.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Mbn2vZi.jpg

Fuel Pump and Sending Unit Access Panel
 

Decided to make a fuel pump/sending unit access panel. Found one online for $175 bucks. This cost me $20 and a couple of hours.

1" x 1/4" flat bar. Opening is approx 12" x 7"

https://i.imgur.com/FLz2cMg.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/spgDTlQ.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/oKT0WdB.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/I173ajA.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/krxVjHH.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/A2XDpEg.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/LNGvApC.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/JZo7lrG.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/9XrMu3v.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/sQqDBbW.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/FrZfaix.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/t8CF9vF.jpg

Under Body Detailing
 

Time to work on the underbody. I painted the frame rails today. Tomorrow I'll mask off the frame rails and do the floors. I'll do them with Rustoleum bed liner, then I will paint it body color.

https://i.imgur.com/dpVtjun.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/KF5ubtw.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/FNbzTWW.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Z424Hdb.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/3Y4aPER.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/hU6cQbL.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/UfSHOJb.jpg

Ready for the floor tomorrow

https://i.imgur.com/orBN7bT.jpg

Very nice work you're doing there.

Thank you. Just doing what I can, with what I have and my limited skills. I just don't trust people to do my work. I figure I can buy the tools I need, and screw it up a couple of time for what some of these shops charge to do shoddy work. :lol: