Bondo. Lots of bondo. With paint coming just around the corner it was high time to get the body in shape... or at least in better shape (the bus, not me). Those illegal blinking lights up top were just taking up valuable space that could be used for Hokie propaganda. There were also some fold up/down "school bus" signs that had to go. First step was to remove the lights and the hinges that held the signs in place.
A little sheet metal, epoxy, and pop-rivets to close the big ugly holes.
Gotta love that grinder for bondo prepping.
After days and days and days of the bondo-sanding-bondo tango and everything looks reasonably better. This case is just the opposite of the interior - the pictures look better than the real thing. A career in body work is not in my future.
No, those aren't maroon rims. Just primer. Rims will be white.
The passenger rocker panel was rusted completely through in several places (sorry I forgot the "before" picture) so I bought a replacement panel and used some high-tech installation technique. Like the blinking light covers, epoxy, rivets, and bondo gets the job done.
A little primer and it's as good as new (sorta).
Rob Lends a Hand
Rob came down for a day of Hoopty work. He jumped right in and took over some of the most unglamorous jobs. The wheel rims needed to be cleaned up so they can be painted. With a large selection of sharp paint-scraping implements, Rob went after it with a seriousness that only he can muster.
The bench seat backs were looking pretty ugly with all those staples and loose vinyl edges. Roberto cut some plywood, painted it and installed it like a pro. The backs also needed to be installed in a way that would allow them to be easily removed. Thanks to big Pitera we now have a block installed with dowels that insert into the bench seat frames. Nice.
Rob had plenty of help and it seemed that the two of them were communicating well and working like partners. 
Thanks for all your help Rob! It really did help me stay on schedule. I would also like to thank you for all of the bits of wisdom you passed on to my daughter. It seems she can't stop helping everyone understand that you should "keep the drama for your mama".
Jeanell has added some nice interior decorating touches. The Kirk Herbstreit picture is on the other side. VT ladies football clinic - $75. Pictures with all the coaches and "Herbie" and other experiences that the guys can only dream of having - priceless.
Now we're down to the short rows. If the rains stay away, I hope there will be paint spraying next weekend. I hope. Prep work has begun. The first wash job. A scuff sanding to follow this week. Sorry for the blubby soft-porn. Certainly not the safest, but clearly the most efficient method of roof washing.
Go Hokies.
A little sheet metal, epoxy, and pop-rivets to close the big ugly holes.
Gotta love that grinder for bondo prepping.
After days and days and days of the bondo-sanding-bondo tango and everything looks reasonably better. This case is just the opposite of the interior - the pictures look better than the real thing. A career in body work is not in my future.
No, those aren't maroon rims. Just primer. Rims will be white.
The passenger rocker panel was rusted completely through in several places (sorry I forgot the "before" picture) so I bought a replacement panel and used some high-tech installation technique. Like the blinking light covers, epoxy, rivets, and bondo gets the job done.
A little primer and it's as good as new (sorta).
Rob Lends a Hand
Rob came down for a day of Hoopty work. He jumped right in and took over some of the most unglamorous jobs. The wheel rims needed to be cleaned up so they can be painted. With a large selection of sharp paint-scraping implements, Rob went after it with a seriousness that only he can muster.
The bench seat backs were looking pretty ugly with all those staples and loose vinyl edges. Roberto cut some plywood, painted it and installed it like a pro. The backs also needed to be installed in a way that would allow them to be easily removed. Thanks to big Pitera we now have a block installed with dowels that insert into the bench seat frames. Nice.
Rob had plenty of help and it seemed that the two of them were communicating well and working like partners. 
Thanks for all your help Rob! It really did help me stay on schedule. I would also like to thank you for all of the bits of wisdom you passed on to my daughter. It seems she can't stop helping everyone understand that you should "keep the drama for your mama".Jeanell has added some nice interior decorating touches. The Kirk Herbstreit picture is on the other side. VT ladies football clinic - $75. Pictures with all the coaches and "Herbie" and other experiences that the guys can only dream of having - priceless.
Now we're down to the short rows. If the rains stay away, I hope there will be paint spraying next weekend. I hope. Prep work has begun. The first wash job. A scuff sanding to follow this week. Sorry for the blubby soft-porn. Certainly not the safest, but clearly the most efficient method of roof washing.
Go Hokies.
No comments:
Post a Comment