Just Finsished!

[cjatx]

Here are some pictures of my car from Autorama in Houston. I got 2nd place for Restored Convertibles (70 - Current). I just finished putting the car together after taking it completely apart early this year. I couldn't have got it back together without the help of the V8 board members. Thanks!

[LAST1987GN]

Chris, Congrads and great color combo too :TU:

[1 bad gs]

great job! looks like a brand new car. you should be proud.:beers2:

[carmantx]

Very nice. Nice show set up too. Congrats for placing well in the show.

[rogbo1]

great job! looks like a brand new car. you should be proud.:beers2:

Way better, they never made 'em that nice!:dollar:

[Stage2Scott]

very,very,very nice!! that is a beautiful car, conrats on the 2nd, shoulda been first, what car was possibly nicer than yours?

[Mr. Wright]

I really like the paint combo, it looks so good.

[Joe65SkylarkGS]

Better than new!!:bglasses:

[cjatx]

Thanks for all the positive feedback. Now I'm going to work on spelling finished.

The car was in pretty good shape before I took it apart. My problem started when I found the original engine for the car. I had the engine rebuilt and pulled the old engine. I thought I'd refinish the engine bay while I had the engine out. One part led to another until the whole car was apart. I sandblasted and refinished everything I could, but came back with stainless brake lines, fuel lines and exhaust, new suspension and front disk brakes.

I didn't take the car off the frame or remove the convertible top. Everything sat and fit good. I didn't want to mess that up.

I had the car taken down to bare metal and painted it's original color, Bittersweet Mist, but used a based coat clear coat finish. The car now has the original engine, trans (also rebuilt), rear end, steering gear, & distributor. My brother gave me the carburetor off his GS which is date coded three weeks before my car was built.

I tried to keep the car as original as possible, but did do things like the stainless and clear coat so I don't have to do it again. The car was built with a bench seat, but had the buckets when I got it. I liked it that way so I kept the buckets.

I had a lot of help from Lakewood Car Clinic near my house. Rick Cook let me use his lifts and work on the car during nights and weekends. My car was in his shop for six months. They pushed it out every morning and back in every night. How many people would do that?

The restoration took a lot more time and money than I ever expected, but was a great experience. The three weeks before Autorama, I worked seven days a week on it. After work, I'd be in the garage until 2 am. Needless to say, I haven't touched it since I brought it back home.

The car that finished ahead of me at the show was an LS-6 Chevelle Convertible that was professionally restored by Camaro Concepts. The owner never touched a wrench, but had a pretty mean checkbook. I did finish ahead of the GTO Judge that was the 2007 winner.

Thanks again to all the board members who always responded with quick knowledgeable advice.

[dl7265]

Here are some pictures of my car from Autorama in Houston. I got 2nd place for Restored Convertibles (70 - Current). I just finished putting the car together after taking it completely apart early this year. I couldn't have got it back together without the help of the V8 board members. Thanks!


Congrats Chris ! To think I almost bought that car. :Brow: I thought it had pretty nice paint on it. One thing I learned about Auto rama is it's a "showcar" series. So most Original cars probably won't fair well. 2nd is great.


DL

[JR Wills]

Congratulations Chris:TU:
The Car Looked GREAT. That 70 Judge was a Major Check book job as well.
(I heard $200k for a Figure, last year)
There was a Lot for fun in the HBC Display, where the 09.7 mile GNX was displayed.
The Judges were back on that car on Saturday Morning, and there were either 10 or 12 climbing over & Under the car. Granted the GN behind it in the display got 2nd & the it's paint & detailing were Definately superior, but what can you say about an unmolested 29 year old car with 9.7 miles.
"The Paint is Lousey!!":rant:
Yeah, BUT You can Blame GM for ALL the Flaws!:Brow:
Congrats Again, Your car DEFINATELY looks GREAT!!
JR

[slumf]

Like new... Very nice work, the underbody looks better than anything on my car

[rex362]

Yes....very very nice.....:TU:

[bullet]

Great car what car could have done better. Congrats looks very very good!!!!!!!!

[jj455]

Chris...You did one heck of a job! It is one of the finest 1970 vert I have seen!

[flynbuick]

Wonderful job. You represented Buick owners very well.

[Coachk5978]

Chris,
Way to go!!!! Inspiration to everybody to work hard on their cars. AWESOME
Coach
:TU: :TU: :TU: :TU: :TU: :TU:

[Sergeant Major]

MOST EXCELLENT!!!! YOUR CAR KICKS A$$ !!!!

Figures that someone with a big check book and a team of resto people would win. But hell, that's the difference between those who love the hobby and those that will pay for it(My opinion). Go figure.

[2791 lark custo]

Your car is my dream. You give me hope for my car. Thanks for the posting

[67skylark27]

Awesome job and congrats on the 2nd place. How about a car show that only allows people that work on their own cars!!!!! It's frustrating to go to shows and see the people with the most money winning!!!!!

[scott kerns]

WOW!:eek2: that thing is awesome.

Congrats


Scott