My 76' and I

[WSSix]

Sounds like a solid plan to me. Good luck with it all!

[1_Car_Guy]

Entry 9: 5/11/2022

It's been a pretty slow spring for me. Lots of waiting around but things have started happening.

The shop called and the '76 goes to paint and body in the middle of June for the things I mentioned in my prior post.

The wife and I are also hoping the new house is ready by July. The third garage bay is pretty sweet. 4 feet wider than a normal bay and 4 feet deeper. I have a bunch of extra outlets and 2 x 220 35 amp plugs. Ceilings rafters in the third bay are an extra 12 inches higher than normal so I'll have no trouble fitting a lift in there.

[1_Car_Guy]

Entry 10: 9/8/2022

Been a while. Got the car to the body shop in July. Not much progress so far.

Was quoted 15,000 for the following:

1) Smooth firewall
2) Repair drivers side cowl section
3) Strip car to bare metal
4) Paint engine bay (flat black)
5) Reassemble (sheet metal)
6) Get car in sealer/primer and paint behind panels. Car isn't coming apart ever again so I'm having them spray behind panels

I have all factory panels, hardware, shims. I did purchase an OEM 1976 front bumper that is in better shape than mine. Also bought a new core support, door hinges...but everything is there; bagged and tagged.

I try to stop in once every few weeks to grab some photos but I don't like to linger and bother the guys. I'm usually in and out in about 5 mins.

As of last Friday they started work on the firewall and removed the damaged drivers side cowl section. I'd have to guess it won't get stripped until late November.

[camcojb]

Progress is good.

[1_Car_Guy]

Entry 11: 9/9/2022

Stopped in this afternoon to drop off the rear bumper and fenders. Still have to deliver the hood, hood scoop, spoilers and a few other pieces but everything else is over there for the most part.

Looks like they have the driver's side cowl panel mocked up to tack. Car was hit in the late 70s and the original panel was bent. My dad had the fender and door replaced but opted not to have the cowl panel addressed. That bugged me so I'm getting it done now.

Replacement panel came from a donor 78 firebird out in Arizona.

[WSSix]

Yeah, that would bug the hell out of me, too. Just because it's not seen doesn't mean it should be covered up. Glad you're making progress!

[1_Car_Guy]

Entry 12: 10/8/2022

Had some time to kill so stopped by the shop. Firewall nearly done. Next up is temporarily hanging doors and aligning fenders before stripping panels to metal. We'll assess what needs to be addressed and get a better idea at what we're looking at as far as bodywork is concerned.

Shop is hoping it's ready to strip to metal in two weeks or so.

Meanwhile, started my workbench. 2 feet deep by 16 feet long. Lots more to do out there before the car is back home.