V8TV's 1969 Chevelle "SS496" SEMA car

[Kevin O]

The main video library and the first 23 weblogs for the SS496 can be found
HERE... we're posting the dailies in this thread and welcome comments.    We don't have that much time left, but it's a pretty simple car, right?   RIGHT? 




We only have about 36 days left to finish this car... here's today's update...

[Kevin O]

Today's update -

Make sure you can get your coil spring compressor out of the control arm...   

Then, hang on for a rant about the super-cheap paint stories that are always popular in the enthusiast magazines.    Feel free to post your thoughts!



More tomorrow - 36 days left to finish this car!

- KO

[Kevin O]

Today's update -

The block sanding is over, and we sprayed the final layers of primer before wetsanding and color!   It's getting closer!


More tomorrow - 35 days left!

- KO

[Kevin O]

Today's update -

Sealing up all the body seams with some 3M sealer to keep the moisture out!


More tomorrow!

- KO

[Larry Callahan]

Today's update -

Make sure you can get your coil spring compressor out of the control arm...   

Now you tell me about the spring compressor. Where were you 5 years ago when I ran into that problem. LOL!

Seriously, I love watching the buildup and will defiantly follow it to the end. I can't wait until I see it in person.

[Kevin O]

Today's update -

Make sure you can get your coil spring compressor out of the control arm...   

Now you tell me about the spring compressor. Where were you 5 years ago when I ran into that problem. LOL!

Seriously, I love watching the buildup and will defiantly follow it to the end. I can't wait until I see it in person.

Yeah, somethings you have to check before you actually dive in.    I'll wear the idiot hat for that one!

Today's update:   Color in the jambs!    We shot the PPG base / clear combination in the doorjambs, under the trunklid, backsides of the doors... all the places you can't get to with the car assembled.   It's 1969 Butternut Yellow, and it will definitely command attention. 



More to come!

[Kevin O]

Today's update:   Spraying the firewall - the firewall, dash, and windshield posts are all blackened with PPG DP90.     The firewall was supposed to appear basically stock, so we welded up all the extra holes that appeared over the years from people adding accessories and stuff.   



More later...

[Kevin O]

Another update - Fixing / Polishing Aluminum Trim

You can repair aluminum trim if you remove the anodize coating, tap and sand it straight, polish it up and protect it.   Here's how. 



More later...

[Kevin O]

OK, it's Sunday night, and we have a couple blogs to post, but we're pretty trashed right now so they'll go up Monday morning.    The car just a couple steps from paint on the outside, so we're getting closer.    Goodnight!

- KO

[Kevin O]

We got the body up off the jig... it's always nice to see that happen - to use a NASA reference, it's like the Command Module leaving the Landing Module behind and getting ready for re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere. 

OK, so we're getting a little weird...



More later...

[Kevin O]

The body's back on the frame, and we got the doors installed along with the rear decklid.    This piece shows how, along with a body bushing kit from OPGI.   



More later...

[Kevin O]

Tonight, we re-installed some of the front sheetmetal.   Even though the panels were pre-aligned on the jig, the jig had is different from the Chvelle's frame from a strength standpoint.   Even though the jig maintained the exact GM dimensions, the additional strength of the jig did not account for the amount of flex inherent to a 40 year old GM frame.    Be sure to allow some time to realign the panels if you built your car on a fixture!



More later...

[Kevin O]

So we put the hood on the car, and had an idea about giving something back in appreciation to all those who take the time to watch these videos and have helped and supported V8TV along the way.   Here's what we came up with... it's time sensitive, so act fast.    Simply register in the V8TVforum - www.v8tvshow.com/forum before midnight central on Friday, October 5, 2007.    By registering in our forum, we'll have your info an it will automatically be entered into a random drawing for a FREE case of Royal Purple Synthetic Oil!  All you have to do is register and you're entered.   If you are already registered on the forum, you're already registered in the drawing.    Once registered, feel free to post to your heart's content on the forum.  The winner will be picked at random on Saturday, October 6, 2007, and will be notified via email shortly thereafter.   There will be 1 winner this time, but we may do this again before SEMA with a different prize.     And speaking of SEMA, there's a special "gathering" invite for Thursday, 11/1/2007 at the end of this video... see you there!


VooDoo Lounge Info -
http://www.riovegasnights.com/index2.cfm
More later...

[Bill Howell]

I am so there Kevin. I am guessing this is after the Pro-touring Dinner.
See ya there.

[Kevin O]

I am so there Kevin. I am guessing this is after the Pro-touring Dinner.
See ya there.

Yeah Bill, Thursday, 11/1, around 9pm, top of the Rio, VooDoo lounge, bring your thirst!    Invite whoever you'd like to hang with.   That's the only criteria.

- KO