1970 Z28 - Freedom Express - Take Two!

FlaJunkie · 11-11-2009, 01:14:32 PM

Hello again! It's been almost a year since I "started" my restoration.

I ran into personal delays, like being in a layoff, reorganizing my financial things, etc.

Just got everything back and ready to go.

Here's a link back to my first starter page on the resto:

http://www.nastyz28.com/forum/showthread.php?t=139970

Let the fun(?) begin!

FlaJunkie · 11-11-2009, 01:18:28 PM

The "mancave" is complete now. I fixed many insulation panels held up with two-sided tape. That was a mess! Last time I listen to an installer who doesn't know his stuff. I used Locktite in a tube and it seems to be working great.

The a/c unit I put in was useless. It was a portable 10,000 btu room A/C. I think I need to put an 18,000 btu window unit in to replace it. Not sure when it will happen.

I'll get some pictures up soon of the mancave as it is today.

FlaJunkie · 11-11-2009, 01:22:45 PM

I got the body onto the rotisserie last night. It pivots freely and the balance point seems to be OK. I have to raise it now to allow a complete turn over.

I also have the exhaust system intact on the floor. I'll take a picture of it to show you what a REAL 1970 Z-28 exhaust system should look like!

FlaJunkie · 11-11-2009, 01:31:10 PM

Now for the important questions:

What process do all of you suggest to start on restoring the body?

Here's what i think I should do:
1) Clean the body with air and mild cleansers
2) Remove all foreign matter like glue, carpet remnants, body putty, etc.
3) Repair all of the rust spots ( a separate subject later on )
4) Paint the inside with the same red oxide paint as the factory did
5) Remove all outside paint ( a separate subject later on )
6) Prime the outside
7) Pre-paint the body ( a separate subject later on )

This will not be a concours restoration, but I don't want to do it ever again. I want it to be better than the factory built it.

FlaJunkie · 11-11-2009, 01:37:21 PM

The 70 has a cardboard or fiberboard (who out there knows?) piece inside the roof to help deaden sound.

Can it be easily removed? Doesn't look like it to me.

My inner roof is still looking great with red-oxide paint on it. I don't anticipate doing any work to it.

Thoughts?

FlaJunkie · 11-11-2009, 01:45:52 PM

As you original owners know, GM did us no favors on rust protection of some parts of the 1970 body.

The air plenum outside the front windshield has a natural lake area that kept moisture in and allowed a rusted hole to happen.

The drain in the front fenders is rusted open on both sides larger than it was originally.

And the really nasty rust under the windshield near the VIN plate and under the back windshield and trunk springs.

I plan on using products i bought from Eastwood to clean and prep those spots.

I plan on using non-leaded solder to build up previously eroded pinholes and other rusted out small areas. I am also wondering about using metal-type bondo/plastic products to fill voids.

I am not planning to cut out any rusted area.

Thoughts?

brooksman9 · 11-11-2009, 10:30:59 PM

Welcome back. Glad to see you are in better shape now. Looks like your plan of attack is well laid out.

FlaJunkie · 11-14-2009, 03:56:27 PM

I have uploaded some pics to my website. I cannot believe how rusted it looks up close! From a distance, it looks fine. I hope I can restore everything.

Here are the links:

Body: http://my1970z28.com/pics/body-up/

Sub-frame: http://my1970z28.com/pics/sub-up/

Springs: http://my1970z28.com/pics/springs-up/

Muffler: http://my1970z28.com/pics/muff-up/

Brakes-Axle: http://my1970z28.com/pics/brakes-up/

olstyle · 11-14-2009, 04:03:44 PM

Sounds good, can't wait to see some progress

You can fix it, shes not 1/2 as bad as mine was.

FlaJunkie · 11-14-2009, 05:21:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by olstyle

Sounds good, can't wait to see some progress

You can fix it, shes not 1/2 as bad as mine was.

Thanks for the encouragement.

I haven't looked at all of your pics, yet. I have to go watch a movie with my honey. Did you open up the rocker area at all?

olstyle · 11-14-2009, 05:24:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlaJunkie

Thanks for the encouragement.

I haven't looked at all of your pics, yet. I have to go watch a movie with my honey. Did you open up the rocker area at all?

I replaced both full rockers.

FlaJunkie · 02-14-2010, 12:45:03 PM

Well, the day I have waited for over 15 years has happened! We finished the red oxide primer!

We used PPG DP74LF over everything. Some spots in/under the trunk and the heel pads got POR-15 prior to the primer. The autotwirler was a life saver; It was a tremendous help being able to rotate the body to any position to spray it!

>>> Quicktime movie of the shell <<<

Eliminator SS · 02-14-2010, 02:02:08 PM

I hate you. The sun is shining and it looks like its warm outside.

Nice looking body in the red oxide. But wont it burn off when you weld in the patches?

conrracing · 02-14-2010, 03:06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eliminator SS

I hate you. The sun is shining and it looks like its warm outside.

Nice looking body in the red oxide. But wont it burn off when you weld in the patches?

I agree! I had to have the wood burner and a propane heater going to keep my garage warm yesterday! Body looks good!! Keep it going!

FlaJunkie · 02-14-2010, 03:24:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eliminator SS

I hate you. The sun is shining and it looks like its warm outside.

Nice looking body in the red oxide. But wont it burn off when you weld in the patches?

Hate duly noted!

It is about 52 outside and sunny!

We will be respraying anything repaired in the next few weeks. That's next.