JUNE 2002

UPDATE:  WET SAND POLISHING

As I started out last month, I saw an episode of Crank and Chrome (on the TNN network, now called 2 Guys Garage on Speedvision) where they were showing all the steps to wetsanding and polishing. The products were from Maguire, but my local body shop supply store recommended the 3M line.

I bought a quart bottle of 3M polish and glaze, a 3M foam polishing pad, and picked up a Dewalt buffer on sale.

I began very lightly with 1000 grit paper on a small section of the hood, smoothing out the finish, but losing any gloss I had. I then went over it with some 2000 paper, always in long strokes in the direction of the car (front to rear).  NEVER CIRCLES.

The surface was now smooth, but dull. So, I put on some polish/glaze and tried out the buffer. The result was great. The shine came up like a mirror.

I've completed the polishing on all the horizontal and upper vertical surfaces, and then applied a light coat of 3M show car liquid wax, a truly superior product, really beats out all the "department store" brands.  Costs a bit more, but does a super job.

NEW PARTS:

I attended a fantastic old car flea market in the town of Barrie, Ontario, just north of Toronto. Besides some small parts, name badges, engine stickers, etc, I found a complete front facia from a 74, 75 or 76 Gran Torino, complete with a perfect grill, grill chrome, emblem, headlights, headlight chrome surroounds, etc etc.  Paid $40 for the whole thing. It was upholstered and used for a kid's bedroom headboard. So, my next project will be to take it apart and replace my current front facia with the proper one that Starsky had.  This will make my car a very close copy to the Torino used in the Barenakedladies' video, ONE WEEK.

PICS:  Front clip - complete

  74 - 76 grille