COMP Cams 40th Anniversary Camaro at V8 Speed & Resto Shop

[V8TV]

Back in the bodyshop, the COMP Camaro’s body is ready for bodywork. After the panel gaps were set, Craig cut down the top layers of paint with the intention of not entirely stripping the car. This is done for several reasons… the existing paint was not terribly old or abused, and did not demonstrate any adhesion problems. Also, the deadline and overall project budget dictate expedience and efficiency in this area. So from this point forward, the body shell is treated like a high-quality repaint.



The substrate was sanded smooth, with dings & dents removed with hammers & dolleys, and then a skim coat of Evercoat filler was applied where needed.

[V8TV]

Once the car was straightened, it went back into the paint booth for some epoxy over “sand throughs” and then several coats of high-build primer.

[V8TV]

Jeff applies Epoxy to the bare steel areas.





Soon, the car is again one color after being sprayed with Axalta high-solids primer.

[V8TV]

Back in the body shop, we test fit some new YearOne trim parts.



The side mirror mount for proper fit. This car will be wearing a new set of bullet style 2nd generation Camaro side mirrors.





The new trim from YearOne was tested again to make sure the wheel arch mouldings fit correctly, and the new RS grille surround and headlights were also test fitted. This needs to happen in this stage of the game… you don’t want to learn that a piece doesn’t fit after the car has been painted.













This car was originally an RS nose car, so any parts that could be restored were refurbished, with new YearOne parts installed where needed.

[V8TV]

Craig begins to block sand the black guide coat to make sure the Camaro’s panels are nice and flat. The guide coat helps to reveal low and high spots while sanding the Axalta primer, and it also lets him know where he’s already sanded.







The front sheetmetal was removed to sand the panel edges and the firewall and cowl areas. Note the mock-up engine in place to keep some weight on the chassis to ensure the gaps remained consistent.









Details…



Soon, the Camaro body tub was removed from the subframe for final underside detailing and so that the Heidt’s subframe could be prepped and painted.

[tmadden]

Such great work from you guys

[V8TV]

Originally Posted by tmadden

Such great work from you guys

Thank you sir!