More primering and fitting

My friend finished with leading the seam welds on the passenger side, so I was able to epoxy primer the quarter panel. I spent an other evening sanding the door and front fender and primered them as well. The door was loose when primering, but I couldn't resist the temptation and hung it back the next day.

The outer rocker was primered too. It only needs a small patch to the rear end near the rear wheel well.

I test fitted the rear seat because I wanted to ensure the correct position for the brackets which hold the bench and I am going to weld screws to the floor where they'll lock the lower end brackets of the backrest. Fits fine. It only needs a couple of nice girls sitting there.

During the summer of 2008 Destiny's engine and transmission worked fine. The 200 cubic inch six-cylinder is known to be a durable engine if maintained regularly. There is no reason for a total overhaul and I had planned only a minor cleaning and painting for it. Anyhow I was glad and surprised when an other friend of mine offered that he would like to do this part of the project for me. I thought that he's only interested in V8-equipped GM-products with +400 hp. But his own restoration project is ready and he needs something to do to pass the polar night. Here is a glimpse to what's going on in his garage with my 200.

We have agreed on a schedule that Destiny's engine and transmission is delivered back and installed on Finland's independence day, on Sunday the 6th December. I've got two weeks to prepare Destiny for that.

Underside floor

I spent about nine nights lying on my back. My neck and shoulders are still aching but finally I think I've come through the worst of it. Not the swine flu but preparing the underside of the floor for painting. I wasted hours with angle grinder and every other scraping device I could imagine. I have used 0.8 mm string in my welder. Now I understand why someone adviced me that 0.6 mm would be enough. The reason is, the thicker the string, more to grind. I'll have to remember this prior to starting with my next project.

In the above picture is a view to transmission crossmember and propeller shaft tunnel. Some remainders of seam weld between the tunnel and floorpan can be seen. The flaps which connect the frame rails with reinforcement pans are not alike with each other. But WHO CARES as long as they are solid. Below is a shot to passenger rear wheel well and rear crossmember. This was the nasties area for grinding. My advice to anyone who is clearing this area: Have it media blasted !

The areas under the rear seat. Yes, I made them myself ! They may not be alike either but at least the rear seat passengers do not have to fear for dropping on the highway.

You may say that you've seen better. So have I. But...

... it is very rare to see something like this anymore. Yak !