Question on restoration of the bottom of the body

[Michael L.]

Guys,

I'm trying to get the body ready to be dropped on the now finished chassis. The bottom of the body has never been touched. I have the body on my rotisserie and am trying to decide what's the best way to approach this is. I'm thinking of leaving the wheel wells and everywhere else original with just a good cleaning since they are in pretty good condition. The question I have is what to do about the various metal plates that are on the underside of the car. What was their original finish? I'm thinking of taping them off and gently blasting them then painting them with the appropriate finish. Thoughts?

Now that I'm thinking of it, what is the factory finish for the numerous reinforcement plates that are located in the engine compartment?

Thanks,
Mike

[Gary C.]

Re: Question on restoration of the bottom of the body

Michael,

Would help if you posted the year.

Gary
....

[Michael L.]

Re: Question on restoration of the bottom of the body

Sorry it's a 69 coupe.

[Tom K.]

Re: Question on restoration of the bottom of the body

Mike, I took all of them off of my 67, blasted them and refinished them. Not sure if I used the correct finish yet, but they are not on yet so I can still re-spray. After some research it just didn't seem like that much more work. I'm glad I took them off. The rivets are supposed to be easy to re-install with a helper. I hope to work on this next week.
Tom

[Michael L.]

Re: Question on restoration of the bottom of the body

That's good to know Tom, I didn't thing that was actually an option but I guess if they sell the rivets it can be done. I would definitely prefer to remove them. Does anyone know definitively what the finish of these things was from the factory?

Mike

[Richard R.]

Re: Question on restoration of the bottom of the body

The correct finish is in the Tech infor guide. You need this if you don't have it. I just picked up the new version at Carlisle last week. The seat brackets are painted, the seat belt brackets are zinc plated.

You have to be careful when removing the rivets since the rivet holes in the fiberglass can be ruined. A chisel, drill and thin punch is all that is needed. Putting them back on is a two man job, but not difficult. I used an air rivet gun with correct bit. correct buck that fits the heads of the rivets is available for when you install them. Lots of info in the archives and a couple of good articles from the restorer are available.

Rich

[Michael L.]

Re: Question on restoration of the bottom of the body

Thanks Richard. I have the previous version of the TIMJG and should have looked there before posting. I'll go ahead and order the new manual as well just in case there have been significant changes. Thanks for the removal-reinstall info that is very helpful to know.

[Michael L.]

Re: Question on restoration of the bottom of the body

I just looked at my TIMJG and see how the plates are finished. It does not specifically mention the long plate that runs the length of the rocker panel, although I assume this is riveted on as well and therefor can be removed. Seems these would also be dipped chassis black like most of the other plates, correct?