Just been busy...........

[RACEBUICKS]

In case anyone hasnt noticed I have been kinda scarce from the board lately. I have been working in my new shop trying to make a buck and pay the bills. So far everything is working out as I wanted. I am up to 2 employee's that really do a fantastic job!! I really wanted the first car I was finishing to be a 70 Stage 1 that belongs to Mike Mullen but as it would be getting parts has slowed me down. I have 90% of it in primer which is the hard part so only painting is left so to speak. However camaro stuff is readily available so guess what?? I am almost done with the 67 SS Convert with a 454.....:beer The color is a Nissan cherry red pearl thats about $200 a quart retail!!:puzzled: However it is BAD ASS!!! in the sun. We put 2 quarters, 2 fenders, 2 doors , rear body panel in it. We straightened up 3 other body shops screw ups and now its ready to assemble. Soon I will have a completed picture for you to enjoy but so far here it is....

[hotrod86]

looks good. definitely post some pics when you're done. good luck with the new shop.

[Dana/Beth Andrews]

Who are you??? :laugh:

Beth :bla:

[sean Buick 76]

Your an ispiration!

[RACEBUICKS]

Now that my camera battery is charged here are the rest of the shots I was going to post :Dou: Look ma no paint lines!!!:TU:

[Stage1 Jeff]

Who are you??? :laugh:

Beth :bla:

I couldn't have said it any better :)

[GoldBoattail455]

Nice work Mike, i am impressed. Very clean shop aswell, couldn't get more professional to me.:beers2:

[MikeM]

Dang Buick parts anyways... Take more time but it's worth it to get it done right. '70 white 10 code paint should be more economical though, eh...

Thanks Mike!

[Mister T]

Hey Mike G. I'll be heading to Hays, Kansas this week, any chance I could pop by for a quick tour, if I get back through your way?? I'll have the ph # with me, so if I get the chance, I'll give you a dingle. :TU: (I'd also really like to see your 10 sec car too:grin: )

Of course, I'll need parking for a tractor trailer.:Dou: :laugh:

Oh yeah, nice work.:TU: :TU:

[evil16v]

about time to play with 396 stick car :Brow:

[RACEBUICKS]

Dang Buick parts anyways... Take more time but it's worth it to get it done right. '70 white 10 code paint should be more economical though, eh...

Thanks Mike!


Since the camaro can get new doors fenders and decklids etc etc it was easy to order and put them on. Buick skylark doors and decklids etc are only as good as used are I wish they were available new too :rant:

[RACEBUICKS]

Hey Mike G. I'll be heading to Hays, Kansas this week, any chance I could pop by for a quick tour, if I get back through your way?? I'll have the ph # with me, so if I get the chance, I'll give you a dingle. :TU: (I'd also really like to see your 10 sec car too:grin: )

Of course, I'll need parking for a tractor trailer.:Dou: :laugh:

Oh yeah, nice work.:TU: :TU:

COme on by!! :kodak: I have a parking lot to back into. Ive already had several semis into. You can back it in right? :moonu:

[Stage1 Jeff]

Hey Mike G. I'll be heading to Hays, Kansas this week, any chance I could pop by for a quick tour, if I get back through your way?? I'll have the ph # with me, so if I get the chance, I'll give you a dingle. :TU: (I'd also really like to see your 10 sec car too:grin: )

Of course, I'll need parking for a tractor trailer.:Dou: :laugh:

Oh yeah, nice work.:TU: :TU:

also,ya gotta stop at the Russell Stover outlet store on your way thru!!

it's just off I 70, exit 272 (same location as the factory) :TU:

[Mister T]

COme on by!! :kodak: I have a parking lot to back into. Ive already had several semis into. You can back it in right? :moonu:

:spank: :spank: :beer
Give me a 9.5 foot wide spot, and in she goes!!!!!:grin: :grin: It's all in your set up.:TU:

No guarantee that I'll get by, however, it's nice to know that your welcome mat is out.:cool:

[RACEBUICKS]

:spank: :spank: :beer
Give me a 9.5 foot wide spot, and in she goes!!!!!:grin: :grin: It's all in your set up.:TU:

No guarantee that I'll get by, however, it's nice to know that your welcome mat is out.:cool:


I built a 24 foot drive entrance right off the bat here just in case .... so far it was worth the extra money. :TU:

[RACEBUICKS]

Well we are just waiting on a rh 1/4 to repair the previous body shop job. And then its block and reprime then paint !!! Anyway I guess it will be ok to show Mike's car to you all. Its not to far away from colorizing it!:bglasses:

[Mister T]

COme on by!! :kodak: I have a parking lot to back into. Ive already had several semis into. You can back it in right? :moonu:


:spank: :spank: :beer
Give me a 9.5 foot wide spot, and in she goes!!!!!:grin: :grin: It's all in your set up.:TU:

No guarantee that I'll get by, however, it's nice to know that your welcome mat is out.:cool:


I built a 24 foot drive entrance right off the bat here just in case .... so far it was worth the extra money. :TU:

Well Mike, in case you've been wondering if I fell off the face of the earth, I ended up making a right turn at Salina toward Hays, then another right turn back up to Kearney, Nebraska. :Dou: :Dou: Then I came back to Canada, so hopefully another day will find me stopping by.:TU:

[RACEBUICKS]

Here is the camaro as we get ready to ship it off to the mechanics. Once we get it back we will finish assembly on the front and interior.

[rex362]

very nice ....:TU:


wish you were closer to me ...

[RACEBUICKS]

very nice ....:TU:


wish you were closer to me ...


Its only 8 hours away!!:idea2:

[Eric Schmelzer]

Its only 8 hours away!!:idea2:

As Mike drives, Closer to 10-12 for everyone else.:laugh: :laugh:

[1967 Big Buick]

Look ma no paint lines!!!:TU:

Have I got a story about those nasty things.

I had a guy ask me to paint his Superbird about 3 years ago, and I told him it would take me about 6 months to do it right. And roughly $15,000. He told me I was crazy. So he took it elsewhere, where they charged him $20,000 and 7 months.
After it was all said and done he brought it to me to look at. What a mistake. I was shocked to see all the tape lines in the jambs,and trunk area. He never noticed them until I pointed it out.:Dou: Needless to say he was pissed, so he took it back and the shop owner basiclly told him that's what you paid for.:beer

[1967 Big Buick]

Nice work Mike! Looks good.

[evil16v]

Here is the camaro as we get ready to ship it off to the mechanics. Once we get it back we will finish assembly on the front and interior.

The pictures still don't do that car justice. If anyone had seen that car from the last shop it was in they wouldn't believe it was the same car. when it came out of the last shop, the quarters where so hacked on you couldn't shut the doors... literally.

[Greg Schmelzer]

The pictures still don't do that car justice. If anyone had seen that car from the last shop it was in they wouldn't believe it was the same car. when it came out of the last shop, the quarters where so hacked on you couldn't shut the doors... literally.

...but after they massaged the quarters with a ball peen hammer, you could shut the trunk!!!:Dou:

[RACEBUICKS]

Had to touch this up and ad a hood !! Looks like it will be for sale on Ebay soon as per the owner.

[RACEBUICKS]

DEER HIT!!! Makes me sick to have to work on this ride!! Good thing for insurance thats for sure

[1967 Big Buick]

OUCH.......So how much will an insurance company let you get away with on and oldie like this? Are they fair? I'm assuming he has Hagerty insurance.

[Nitro71455]

Very Cool Mike,

I'm glad to see you've gotten stettled in turning out some great work already. that Vert looks Killer in the Sun! Very nice job.

[RACEBUICKS]

THanks Rich. As for the Chevy I have to meet with the adjuster in the morning from HAggarty. And even if it was some other company I can get them to pay to fix the car correctly under my rules in my shop. REputation has alot to do with that ..............

[T-Type 86]

OUCH.......So how much will an insurance company let you get away with on and oldie like this? Are they fair? I'm assuming he has Hagerty insurance.

Ya, SHE has Haggerty Insurance. Mike, word in the garage is that the deer ran off with a procharger and a 6 speed too. :3gears:

-Adam

[RACEBUICKS]

This Is When The Fun Starts........:tu:

[RACEBUICKS]

Well here are a couple from the last few weeks............:TU:

[GS Shari]

I love the red!!! Both cars look awesome!


:TU:

Take care,

Shari

[BillMah52]

I see you found all the needed parts for the cheb.
She should be very pleased with the results.
Very nice work Mike.
You should post both on the Cheby boards too.
Pays to show the goods!:Smarty:

[greatscat]

Well here are a couple from the last few weeks............:TU:
Great job,mike.Whats that white stuff??
gary

[RACEBUICKS]

Great job,mike.Whats that white stuff??
gary

I dont know it just keeps falling out of the sky!!!!!!!:eek2:

[evil16v]

white stuff? I call it $#!T!!!!!!!!!


Looks good Mike.

[Nitro71455]

Very nice Mike!

[RACEBUICKS]

GS Time ....putting the top on today

[MikeM]

Thanks Mike. Some would probably think I'm nuts to have you put a new brown vinyl top back on that car but I think it looks great. When we're done it will have the "sleeper" look with white & brown wrapping and steel wheels with dog dish/trim ring caps over blackwalls. Maybe nobody will notice the GS Stage1 badges on the fenders...

[Freedster]

When's my number up Mike?

Just curious. My wife wants her garage back. :)

- Freed

[RACEBUICKS]

When's my number up Mike?

Just curious. My wife wants her garage back. :)

- Freed


Still moving towards your car not quite yet however. I need to finish what I started this last year. Getting closer to finishing a couple ....

[RACEBUICKS]

Well finally after I had Duane run over the finer points of putting a vinal top on .....Its DONE!:TU: Thanks Duane :kodak:

[evil16v]

nice and tight!:TU:

[SpecialWagon65]

Mike and Mike, that is looking awesome! Love to see a plan coming together.

[Tom Miller]

That will be a neat looking car.
Back in 1970, Buick used a white 70 Stage1 with brown top/interior for a lot of the factory sales literature photo's.
It's an uncommon combo to see today, which makes it neat and unique:TU:

I think it needs a set of redline's however

[MikeM]

That will be a neat looking car.
Back in 1970, Buick used a white 70 Stage1 with brown top/interior for a lot of the factory sales literature photo's.
It's an uncommon combo to see today, which makes it neat and unique:TU:

I think it needs a set of redline's however

Tom, you hit the nail on the head. That's why I'm redoing it into these original colors. It's same as a GS on the cover of one of the Buick GS reference books I've got. I decided to go with the plain wheels rather than ralley wheels as it came with and in the publicity pictures (it's a real documented stage1, I got the as built info from Wayne so I know it came with ralleys). Ralleys are just so typical. By luck I was able to score a set of correct date coded steel wheels with dog caps and trim rings from someone on this board (thanks Chris and Bill). It'll be a sleeper look at first glance, although the tires will be beefy to deal with the Hotchkis traction stuff on the rear suspension. It's going to be a fun driver, not a trailer queen.

[RACEBUICKS]

Well after dicking around looking for the smallest of parts (that the original owner took off and tossed) We have the back window area ready so we can install the back glass. I need more hours of the day. :Dou: The package tray is now in along with the speaker. Speaking of speakers. You cant believe what it takes to find just a decent speaker that fits in the factory bolts. And after going to almost every sterio place in town of all places Walmart has the correct replacement stock speaker..... Anyway We should have the rear glass in tomorrow as long as everything goes well. Next step is to start assembling the doors and side panels onthe interior. I have a brand new set of carpets to install too. Very soon this car is going to ROCK!:Brow: More pictures yet to come.

[RACEBUICKS]

be alot easier if the car was setting here. Making a panel without being able to fit it somehow would be tough.

[Mr Big]

That will be a neat looking car.
Back in 1970, Buick used a white 70 Stage1 with brown top/interior for a lot of the factory sales literature photo's.
It's an uncommon combo to see today, which makes it neat and unique:TU:

I think it needs a set of redline's however

My 10F, 70 Stage 1 is a Twin to this one...It's really exciting to see the pictures.

Michael: I will be following your work here very closely. Where did that top come from? I recently had SMS make one from NOS material, $400, ouch! hope it looks as nice as yours does once installed. Everybody tried to discourage me from putting the dark brown top back on the car, but I'm stubborn.

I have the 14" wheels with trim rings and redlines for display, but drive the poverty caps on 15's.

Can't wait to see it gets further along...keep the updates comming.

[RACEBUICKS]

The top was purchased thru Then & Now and it was over $400 yes:dollar:


My 10F, 70 Stage 1 is a Twin to this one...It's really exciting to see the pictures.

Michael: I will be following your work here very closely. Where did that top come from? I recently had SMS make one from NOS material, $400, ouch! hope it looks as nice as yours does once installed. Everybody tried to discourage me from putting the dark brown top back on the car, but I'm stubborn.

I have the 14" wheels with trim rings and redlines for display, but drive the poverty caps on 15's.

Can't wait to see it gets further along...keep the updates comming.

[Mr Big]

On that top install...

In first pictures it appears you have already laid out and glued down. My top has some wrinkles along the heat pressed seams, did you have to work those out?
If so, how, did you use heat?

Was it Duane Heckman, who helped you with the tips on the install?

Thanks

[RACEBUICKS]

On that top install...

In first pictures it appears you have already laid out and glued down. My top has some wrinkles along the heat pressed seams, did you have to work those out?
If so, how, did you use heat?

Was it Duane Heckman, who helped you with the tips on the install?

Thanks

I laid it out for a few days in the heater area. I used no heat to install the top. Room temp only. Then I measured it to be in the middle. I clamped it using 2 inch tape with paint sticks and vise grips to stay in place. Then I sprayed the glue and starting in the center I smoothed it out until the edges so then I used a plastic spreader (new) to get the top down into the cracks etc. As I went along I slowly trimmed it back to the correct size. I did learn that the glue needs time to dry before the top is laid down. After that it wasnt that hard just time consuming. Like nearly 3.5 hours just to get it all trimmed and glued. And Duane is my contact , he is the most knowledgeable person I know about this deal. :beer

[RACEBUICKS]

Here are a few shots from the last few days. Got the back glass done installed a door and aligned it. Polished out the sides, ready to paint the trunk next. We are starting to roll again!

[MikeM]

Looks nice Mike. Thanks for the pics.

[RACEBUICKS]

Looks nice Mike. Thanks for the pics.

More to come very soon....:Brow:

[RACEBUICKS]

Here is where we are as of today. Should be doing a rear bumper install tomorrow. Will be installing a drivers door and aligning it as well. More shots soon!:TU:

[BillMah52]

Nearing the final stages. Looks great Mike.
Backwoods Mike should be very pleased.:laugh:

Is someone actually doing a 1st gen Bug resto???:)
Bless them!!!:TU:

[1967 Big Buick]

Looks goooooooood! I always love the trunk finish when it's fresh. keep up the good work.

[Mr Big]

Mike, Is the black base in the trunk POR-15, Rust Encapsulator, or just black paint?

I've used POR-15 with success, but it can be a pain to work with. Thanks

[RACEBUICKS]

The trunk was black epoxy sealed and just painted.

[RACEBUICKS]

As of today the back end is all done and the dash has a nice new coat of paint to look good for when we get a good dash pad:Do No: Should be installing a windsheild by friday if it all goes back together fast.

[RACEBUICKS]

Glass is in cowl is done now to build the doors!!!

[BillMah52]

What type of dash pad are you needing?
and
Did you see my post on the control arm bumpers?


Looks like it is almost time for interior reassembly.
Another one almost out the door!:TU:

[RACEBUICKS]

What type of dash pad are you needing?
and
Did you see my post on the control arm bumpers?


Looks like it is almost time for interior reassembly.
Another one almost out the door!:TU:

I need a nice AC dash pad. I also need a underthesteering column plastic cover. I did see the post on the bushings. Thanks.

As soon as I get the doors all sealed I plan to drop out the carpets and get the interior in very soon!!:Smarty:

[BillMah52]

I'll dig out the dash pad and the column cover to shoot some pics tomorrow.
They may be the right color too!! Poo-Poo brown.:laugh:

[RACEBUICKS]

Ok the final shots of the Camaro. It just returned to finalize a shifter/ console install, some emblems and a final buffing and its ALL done. We havent seen it for about 3 monthes since it went away to have interior, top and alignments etc done. But by next weds we wont see it except at the shows!!:beer

[BillMah52]

Boy those pictures make me miss my '67. They were fun to drive on the street. Twisted the car So Bad at the track that only 3 wheels sat on the ground. They went straight as a arrow though!

Sent pics via email Mike.

[Eric Schmelzer]

That Camaro turned out awesum. :TU: :TU:

Your a Genious Mike.:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

[evil16v]

Pictures still don't do that car any justice. You have to be there.

[Smartin]

Looks great Mike! Now go buy a nice digital camera so you can really show off your work:TU::grin:

[RACEBUICKS]

This last week the interior has been fitted to the car. I have to get the kick panels & door panels in yet and still need to find a very good dash pad, but the interior is all but done. I will be putting the door panels on yet today. But I needed a break from kneeling down all afternoon putting in carpet and seats. enjoy:TU:

[MikeM]

Way to go!

[RACEBUICKS]

Had to get these on....... LOVE IT!!:beers2: :TU: :kodak:

[MikeM]

I wondered when the wheels would make their debut. So you like them on the car, Mike?

Personally, I thought they'll complete the plain jane look on a white with brown top GS Stage1. A grocery getter with gusto.

Thanks to Chris and Bill for making it possible.

[RACEBUICKS]

Everyone that sees the wheels have all had favorable remarks! I thought I would post the fenders as they were being painted today. Its getting ready to be done very soon. All the small parts have been painted and it needs assembled on the front. Lacking just a few more parts this ones about to live again...:Smarty:

[GS Shari]

Very cool, Mike - and now I think you deserve a vacation.....:grin:

[MikeM]

Whoa, lets finish it first... :)

[RACEBUICKS]

Just installing the fenders today. Hope to have the front sheet metal all on this week. How is it that when it comes apart they take twice as long to reassemble...:Dou:

[RACEBUICKS]

ok enough for one day....making good progress now!:laugh:

[RACEBUICKS]

Well we are winding down on this one. I need a few parts yet to finish it up.

*AC Dash pad
*Inner Door splash sheilds
*Overflow Tank

This car is going to be a very nice cruiser/street car. :beers2: :TU: :3gears:

[gsdave]

Car is really lookin good, I have watched this one progress since day one. It has come a long ways.:3gears:

[RACEBUICKS]

Well today is the day I run out of stuff to put on it.........:TU:

I still need a dash pad and a door paper and really this car is done. Aside from installing mirrors and emblems on the fenders.....:Brow: Almost time to pull it outside! :eek2:

[evil16v]

I still need a dash pad

NOW....there is a reproduction item we need....

[frtlnrbuick]

Not that it will mean much, but the car looks better in person.:beers2:

What's on the lift, Mike?:Brow:

Jim

[KC Wade]

Mike, what dash pad were you needing? The 72 AC pad I have is dang near perfect...I'd need a suitable black replacement for a non-ac car

[RACEBUICKS]

What's on the lift, Mike?:Brow:

Jim

Another car you would love in your garage!!:moonu: :TU:

[RACEBUICKS]

Mike, what dash pad were you needing? The 72 AC pad I have is dang near perfect...I'd need a suitable black replacement for a non-ac car


I dont have anything to trade

[MikeM]

Mike, it's looking real nice. I don't know what anyone else thinks but I like the yellow fog/bright lights. I remember them from back then but you never see them anymore. Thanks to the female board member that sold them to me, unfortunately it was a long time ago and I don't remember her name. Also thanks again to Bill Van Steen for letting me buy the correct WH date coded wheels, hub caps, and trim rings from him for the understated wheels I was looking for on this car. Although it came with the rallye chrome wheels, they're just so common these days I wanted something different.

I'll send the licence plate off to you shortly so once she's finished you can take her out and terrorize the neighborhood around there on a test drive.

[RACEBUICKS]

Introducing to the outside for the first time in 12 months...............:TU:

too bad the sun wasnt shining.....off to the muffler shop next

[evil16v]

So whats next?

[RACEBUICKS]

So whats next?

Final Buffing
then emblems, mirrors etc
The drivers side exhaust manifold leaks I need to regasket that.
Detail the lower half of the car once I get my lift back. (Rusty's 67GS is setting on it waiting on headers to make it back from Jet Hot.)
Fix one leak on a trans line
Oil and filter change
clean it up
deliver it
:laugh:

[72lark350]

wow. The work you have done is amazing. I wish i was closer. I would want to learn from you and probably want to eventually work for you:TU:

[MikeM]

Mike, are/were you able to get the passenger side tri-shield mirror fixed properly? I seem to remember in your original as-received from Japan inspection report on a close up it looked like the head was being held onto the shaft with bubble gum, or something similar.

I wonder how many board guys remember this is the car I bought while still in China on ebay, from a guy in Japan, who also had Basketball Sam's Q-Q GSX and the mystery 10-10 painted like a GSX with Stage2 engine parts which was built before GSX came out and said to be a promo car. At one point he recanted on the 10-B Stage1 on this thread, and offered me both the Q-Q GSX and the mystery car for $100K for both. I chickened out.

This one checked out as a real Stage1, and Mike G has done a real great job bringing it back to original appearance. I would highly recommend anyone to consider Mike G for a restoration job. He's honest and fair as anyone can be, as well as being so knowledgable about these cars.

To be fair, I would also highly recommend Jim W. He did a great job straightening out another GS for me. Also a straight up guy who knows these cars inside out.

We're so luckey to have these guys available and active in the business of bringing these cars back to life again. If you need one fixed, don't procrastinate. They need the business or won't be around anymore, it's as simple as that.

[RACEBUICKS]

Mike, are/were you able to get the passenger side tri-shield mirror fixed properly? I seem to remember in your original as-received from Japan inspection report on a close up it looked like the head was being held onto the shaft with bubble gum, or something similar.


I havent been able to mess with it as you know those mirrors are very fragile and I would hate to cause it to be useless.


This one checked out as a real Stage1, and Mike G has done a real great job bringing it back to original appearance. I would highly recommend anyone to consider Mike G for a restoration job. He's honest and fair as anyone can be, as well as being so knowledgable about these cars.

To be fair, I would also highly recommend Jim W. He did a great job straightening out another GS for me. Also a straight up guy who knows these cars inside out.

We're so luckey to have these guys available and active in the business of bringing these cars back to life again. If you need one fixed, don't procrastinate. They need the business or won't be around anymore, it's as simple as that.


Thanks for the props Mike....and Harvey!!!:beer These cars are not getting easier to fix, and parts are not very easy to get so we do the best we can on each car with what we have to use on it. The key to making them stay nice is to repair all the things you see as you go and not cover anything up and hope whatever it is wont come back to haunt you. And as everyone knows the more you do, the more it costs. But the more you do the better the job is as well. :beer Pictures coming stay tuned............