More progress made on the body : )

[mikespms]

Hey Mike,

How are you doing? Any progress?

[The Stig]

Hey Mike,

How are you doing? Any progress?

Hi Mike. Funny that you should ask...

Tony texted yesterday to mess with me about the paint code... He sent a note saying "Just confirming that 8U1 is the correct code for your paint..." So I'm thinking that he's serious, and I knew that wasn't right. So I stopped what I was doing at work and looked up the paint code, just to double check. Sure enough, 8P4 is the code for my paint. So I sent that to him hoping that he hadn't already mixed the other... Then he replied back saying, "LOL... You still want the Hot Pink racing stripes right?" Then I knew that he was screwing around with me...

Maybe I'm just in a $hitty mood due to missing the Huntington Beach show, but I'm really not in the mood to be jerked around about the car right now.

I guess he could tell that the humor wasn't working, and replied that the rear hatch was getting it's final coat of primer, and would be ready for paint. That means that everything is ready for paint. We had discussed that everything should be sprayed at the same time for consistency.

So, my assumption is that the car will be sprayed today or tomorrow. I plan to drive up tomorrow morning to see what progress has been made.

I'll post a couple of pictures if there is anything new to show.

[The Stig]

I drove up to the paint shop to check on the progress of the car. I had hoped to see that the car had been sprayed. But it hasn't.

It turns out that Tony wasn't kidding when he sent the paint code 8U1 for confirmation. When he started the matching process, the paint on my car was nowhere close to the 8P4 code that I was told was sprayed onto my car originally. And for whatever reason, I'm not surprised.

I asked him what the paint codes out to, and he said it's "Dark Blue Pearl". Not Lexus Indigo Ink Pearl 8P4 that I paid to have sprayed onto my car.

I told him to match the color that is on my car, and then make sure that I have the correct code; just in case.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2617_zpspwy1qujp.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2617_zpspwy1qujp.jpg.html)
We placed the wing on the stands in order to get a feel for the spacing between the fenders and the ends. When everything is set, the ends of the wing will be parallel with the Fenders. From what I've "heard", the car looks great when the hatch and the wing are in place. The gaps are nice and even, and everything now fits as it should.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2620_zpspnlsakha.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2620_zpspnlsakha.jpg.html)

I had the Splitter and the Rocker Extensions sprayed with three coats of House of Kolor clear for Carbon Fiber. It really gives a ton a depth, and it hasn't been wet sanded and buffed out yet. (Sorry the picture came out a little fuzzy).

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2621_zpsoyem7zgx.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2621_zpsoyem7zgx.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2622_zps5mqdlzyc.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2622_zps5mqdlzyc.jpg.html)

The Roof, Hatch, and Wing are ready to be painted. When I run my hand over them, they feel like silk. Perfectly smooth.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2616_zpscqey2ivx.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2616_zpscqey2ivx.jpg.html)

The underside of the hatch is getting some attention. Tony added structural foam into the voids where the insert was bonded to the original hatch. That way when it is painted, where the two parts meet will transition smoothly.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2609_zpszhu5m7wi.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2609_zpszhu5m7wi.jpg.html)

[The Stig]

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2611_zpsovmgohj8.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2611_zpsovmgohj8.jpg.html)

The diffuser is aparently just a big sponge. It soaks in a ton of clear. As you can see there were still a few spots that have to be brought up. After it dries, it'll be sand flat again, and then sprayed one or two more times.



http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2610_zpsqfewdut2.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2610_zpsqfewdut2.jpg.html)

It's still a little rough, but it's getting there. Six coats of clear have been applied. Two or three more coats should get it to the point that it gets to a nice smooth finish. I didn't realize what an effort it would be to clear this piece. I just knew that leaving it raw probably wasn't going to be good for it in the long run. At least now it will be sealed, and have bit more UV protection.

[The Stig]

Mike,

Just got to read your post... Man that wasnt a rant... Its everything I expect from you. Measured, insightful and truthful. If you dont make it, I can see that and totally understand how that goes. I have no idea why the cobra has taken me as long as it has so totally get how things stretch out. IMHO, I honestly agree about ranting to the business ... as it doesnt get much done(despite the anger in my post... Im just pissed about how you are being treated, you dont deserve it.) However, I do think there are ways you can move things along being a bit more strategic. We can chat on the phone if you like. :)

You're car is the epitome of the FFR story and then some. To tackle a GTM as your first build and first major car project approaches the insane... and I mean it in the most positive way. You execution and outcome thus far is nothing short of outstanding. The car is just an amazing piece and I truly mean that and speaks volumes of you and your supportive wife Pam.

We should talk sometime soon to catch up.

David

David,

I was reading back through the pages of this thread, and realized that you has posted a response to my "Build Constitution", and I had to reply back to say thanks!

I've never really been one to back away from a challenge; especially when I was at least somewhat confident that I could figure it out and work through it. I think that THE major thing that helped me more than anything else, has been the support from my friends here on this and other forums. You guys have kept me headed in the right direction. (Still do...)

I truly appreciate the encouragement and the awesome compliments that you've sent my way here in this post as well as throughout the course of my build. But I've honestly just been trying to keep up with you and so many other awesome builders on this forum.

Thank you Dave!

[The Stig]

We headed south to see my youngest daughter Graduate from college. She graduated Magna Cum Laude, and I'm very proud of her. After that we spent a couple of days with my Mom during the Mother's Day weekend. It was very busy, lots of driving back and forth, but very nice.

When I got home, I found an unexpected bonus waiting for me in the mail. Sally (Factory Five) sent the registration packet that I would have used if I had been able to attend the Huntington Beach Cruise-In.

Really cool lanyard, Registration Card for the GTM, FFR Coozie, and a Way Cool HB T-Shirt.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/1adf31c6-639a-48cd-afa6-a95a3fb6f9de_zpsf8uif3tj.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/1adf31c6-639a-48cd-afa6-a95a3fb6f9de_zpsf8uif3tj.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/169da393-30b7-4162-9e6e-7c43642d2aa9_zpsxflyfpi5.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/169da393-30b7-4162-9e6e-7c43642d2aa9_zpsxflyfpi5.jpg.html)

I figured that would have been given to someone at the show who was able to take my slot.

A nice end to an very nice weekend. Thanks for sending it out Sally! Much appreciated.

Also....

The GTM is finally in the paint booth! But from what I understand, it's only getting the roof sprayed today.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2647_zps6f4uqkfi.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2647_zps6f4uqkfi.jpg.html)

[The Stig]

Change of Plans...

The other night I was talking to my Uncle about the GTM. (By the way, I think I've settled on a name for her that makes sense to me... Pandora). Pam mentioned what Gary Cheney said to me a few months back; that "if I had just gone ahead and bought the Veyron, I'd have money left over"... It still makes me laugh every time I say it. I guess because sometimes it seems true. Anyway, hearing her say that (again) made me start going over everything past and present that has to do with this build.

When I brought the car into the shop, I had planned to have five or six scratches corrected, have the new rear hatch prepped & blocked, and have the wing re-worked, and then have the paint matched and those corrected areas re-sprayed and blended. But in the back of my head, I also knew that there were three other areas that needed to be corrected as well; but I thought I would defer them and come back to them at a later date (winter).

The more I thought about it, the more sense it made to ask for an estimate on reworking the doors, nose, and Front/Rear quarters. Doing this means that basically means that the whole body will be re-worked and done the way it should have been done the first time.

I figured that I would rather go ahead and just be done with any bodywork and paint, now, and not have to come back later and match paint again. So, knowing that the car was in the paint booth being taped up, I called and asked Tony to hold off on paint until the rest of the body has been addressed.

So that's the direction that I've asked Tony to follow. When he's finished, "Pandora" will be done, and I won't have to worry about taking her back in for phase II or III.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/image.jpg3_zpsmgpklwwd.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/image.jpg3_zpsmgpklwwd.jpg.html)

There are a few waves in the upper and lower areas of the nose, that will be corrected. When it's done, the highs and lows will be sanded and filled, and then re-blocked flat to get it ready to be re-painted. The same with the doors and upper rear fender surfaces.


http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/image.jpg5_zps9kfn006g.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/image.jpg5_zps9kfn006g.jpg.html)

Here is a picture of the new hatch on the car. It is not bolted onto the hinges; it's just laying in place on the car. The rear pillars are going to be sanded out, and re-blocked, to get rid of some wave that I saw (both sides) when we went over the car with the sun lamp.

The front and rear quarters are going to be sanded, re-blocked, re-primed, and re-blocked to make them as flat as they can be.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/GTM%20Rear%20Hatch%206_zpsr04pwdcu.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/GTM%20Rear%20Hatch%206_zpsr04pwdcu.jpg.html)

The gaps are pretty nice, but there may be some tweaking at the top, in order to make sure that the curve of the roof is matched by the leading edge of the hatch. (This was already going to be done: I just interrupted the flow of Tony's schedule). The highs and lows on the hatch are dead flat now.

The fender edges next to the hatch are going to be worked to make sure that they flow from one to the other without any difference in height. They're pretty close, but he'll finish it out to make sure that the reflection lines don't get all goofy again.

I really like the way this hatch fits into the body hatch opening. The way the glass was positioned on my original hatch was very distracting to me. This design really makes a smooth transition from hatch to body. There have been a few guys here have reworked the original hatch and made them fit and look really nice. I wrestled with the thought of doing that also. But, in addition to the look and fit, I was also trying to come up with a way to vent heat when the car is sitting still, as well as while it's in motion. I think we got pretty close.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/GTM%20Rear%20Hatch%205_zps4bn6vesa.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/GTM%20Rear%20Hatch%205_zps4bn6vesa.jpg.html)

The door gaps will be corrected. The rear door gap in this picture is exaggerated a little because the door isn't completely closed. The front & rear door pillars are going to be cut & removed. The door itself will then be fitted as it should be, in order to close correctly. Then the pillars will be re-fabbed to fit correctly against the door seals, and line up with the lines of the car as it was meant to. They'll also be given some steel bracing to give them much more strength. The gaps at the rear edge of the door will then be corrected by adding material back in, and creating a straight, even 3/16" gap, that looks like it should. Window and Door Seals will then actually do their jobs and seal the car.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/image.jpg2_zpsq5adhhsc.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/image.jpg2_zpsq5adhhsc.jpg.html)

When she's finished... we'll see what happens. At that time, the name Pandora shouldn't fit any longer because I figure that I will have pretty much gone back through everything for the second or third time. But it will sere as a reminder of things that I continue to learn throughout this process.

The result of all of this will be a solid build that has been done right. I have to say that I'm feeling really good about Pandora when she's finished. Hell, I feel good about her now.

As usual, I'll post pictures and notes on the progress for anyone who might be interested.

I was thinking about trying to make it to the Factory-Five open House in June, but at this point it's more important to me to finish her out the way she deserves to be done. Then we'll schedule some trips here and there. From what I'm being told, it will probably be done in late July or early August.

Fun Fun Fun...

[fact5racer]

You and Pam should fly up to my house for a three day weekend and take GTM out for the three days. I'm serious! Come to the open house and drive mine to the factory and then enjoy it on Sunday too.

[sk7500]

You are going to be so glad you are taking these steps. You'll be amazed at how much better the car comes out the second time. Painting the body on a stand the first time is the best way to assure your frame stays clean and paint gets everywhere it should on the body. But there is no better way to get all the ripples and fits as nice as when it's been bolted the the sound foundation of the chassis. The way you need to think about it is the only thing wasted is the paint. However the paint showed you things pretty hard to see in primer. So think of it as a guide coat. Whether you do the additional body work now or it was done before paint doesn't matter it still needed to be done. We are building a car to compete at the Riddler in 2017. We will be using your exact strategy.
The only dud is that there's nothing on the road that will make your car look any better. It would have been awesome if you could have put some miles on your beast and got some of the rock chips under you belt before repainting. :-)

[The Stig]

You and Pam should fly up to my house for a three day weekend and take GTM out for the three days. I'm serious! Come to the open house and drive mine to the factory and then enjoy it on Sunday too.

Hi Gary! That sounds like fun. But when we decided not to go up to Wareham next weekend, I made reservations to spend a long weekend in cottage on the harbor in Charleston. We both need time to decompress from our jobs, and do nothing. We'll come up there before long though. And when we do, you can be sure that we'll in touch.

Enjoy the day at the Open House!

Mike

[The Stig]

You are going to be so glad you are taking these steps. You'll be amazed at how much better the car comes out the second time. Painting the body on a stand the first time is the best way to assure your frame stays clean and paint gets everywhere it should on the body. But there is no better way to get all the ripples and fits as nice as when it's been bolted the the sound foundation of the chassis. The way you need to think about it is the only thing wasted is the paint. However the paint showed you things pretty hard to see in primer. So think of it as a guide coat. Whether you do the additional body work now or it was done before paint doesn't matter it still needed to be done. We are building a car to compete at the Riddler in 2017. We will be using your exact strategy.
The only dud is that there's nothing on the road that will make your car look any better. It would have been awesome if you could have put some miles on your beast and got some of the rock chips under you belt before repainting. :-)

Dude... The Riddler huh? That's a build that I would LOVE to see.

The way that you've laid this out, is pretty much the way I've been looking at it, once I resigned myself to the fact that not only did it need to be done, but that I was definitely going to have it done. And you're right; there is a lot of flex in these bodies that occurs when they are mounted, that may or may not have been there when the body was sitting on the stands being painted.

So for the waves that I am seeing in the large flat panels and the rear roof posts leading to the rear fenders, I will attribute to that. But there are divots and many highs and lows, in the fender curves/surfaces, (both convex & concave) that look like they were done with a palm sander as opposed to a long sanding pad as would normally be the case.

I also paid to have a specific Lexus paint color applied, that wasn't. At least that's not what came up when the paint was matched. Not even close. I felt like an idiot. But at this point, that's all in the past, and i just want to move forward in a positive way that gets this project completed to the best of my ability.

I'm sure that there are other things that could be done to make it nicer, but at some point I have to draw a line in the sand, call it done, and enjoy it. This paint shop is the last shop that she will spend any considerable amount of time in.

The fact that you say that you're following my strategy is sort of funny. I did have a build plan, and a build strategy for Pandora. But believe me when I tell you that doing the most major, and most expensive parts of the build 2 and/or 3 times, was not part of it.

But at the end of the day, this car will be exactly what I had planned for it to be, and it will be built to the level that I have hoped to achieve.

I think that Gene (FastThings) said it best when he said that "the GTM is a car that MAKES you EARN it".

Thanks for your kinds words and support. I really appreciate it.

Mike

[fact5racer]

If it makes you feel better Mike, As you know, now that I am wrapping up my 818R, and I have had my GTM-x up for sale, In fact I thought it was sold last fall and bought a 2011 Camaro for my "other" street car, but that deal fell through, so I now have all three now. I recently put he GTM up for sale again and got an offer that I considered. I told the possible buyer to give me the weekend to think about it. I have been sooooo busy lately that I don't even have time to drive my gtm to the local car show myself last weekend so my detailer takes it to shows for me because I am too busy. But on Saturday afternoon I went to his shop after the show and my gtm was there along with two of his friends which one has a GTR and the other has a lambo and the owner of the lambo told me they went for a cruise down the beach after the show and they complained to me that my GTM gets all the attention and that they might as well be driving a ford focus! So then I told Dave to follow me to my house to return my GTM and I would give him a ride back to his shop; Well Mike, that made my decision so easy as to whether to sell it or not! Seeing that car in the rear view mirror following me, basically just hovering down the road made that decision for me to keep it as clear as day. What I need now to do is to figure out a way to be able to spend more time in it. Also I need to find the time to photograph the camaro and put it on ebay

[JL1958]

I can hardly wait to see the finished Pandora. This is an incredible build.
She's sleek ,sexy, fast, and one of a kind. what else could a car person want? Congratulations for your perseverance. It is a beautiful work of art.

[The Stig]

I can hardly wait to see the finished Pandora. This is an incredible build.
She's sleek ,sexy, fast, and one of a kind. what else could a car person want? Congratulations for your perseverance. It is a beautiful work of art.

Thank you JL. I appreciate the encouraging words. She's making me work for it, but we're going to get there.

Mike.

[The Stig]

If it makes you feel better Mike, As you know, now that I am wrapping up my 818R, and I have had my GTM-x up for sale, In fact I thought it was sold last fall and bought a 2011 Camaro for my "other" street car, but that deal fell through, so I now have all three now. I recently put he GTM up for sale again and got an offer that I considered. I told the possible buyer to give me the weekend to think about it. I have been sooooo busy lately that I don't even have time to drive my gtm to the local car show myself last weekend so my detailer takes it to shows for me because I am too busy. But on Saturday afternoon I went to his shop after the show and my gtm was there along with two of his friends which one has a GTR and the other has a lambo and the owner of the lambo told me they went for a cruise down the beach after the show and they complained to me that my GTM gets all the attention and that they might as well be driving a ford focus! So then I told Dave to follow me to my house to return my GTM and I would give him a ride back to his shop; Well Mike, that made my decision so easy as to whether to sell it or not! Seeing that car in the rear view mirror following me, basically just hovering down the road made that decision for me to keep it as clear as day. What I need now to do is to figure out a way to be able to spend more time in it. Also I need to find the time to photograph the camaro and put it on ebay

Hi Buddy. You do seem to have a stable of Factory Five cars surrounding you. Do you still have the Gold GTM in the trailer also?

I can't even imagine what you must have felt when you looked in the rear view mirror, and saw your GTM behind you. It's a sweet ride to say the least.

The Orange GTM, The Gold GTM, The Koni GTM, and this "Race" GTM. Shane Vacek may be the only person to have built more GTMs than you.

You need one of the 20th Anniversary Mk4's. I would love to have one, myself. But the timing isn't working. The metallic blue/gray Mk4, with gray stripes, that Dave posted looks awesome. I can't wait to see the pictures of that one.

I think you made the right choice between the GTM & the Camaro.

Now just get out there and drive it.

Mike

[The Stig]

I called Robbin at Midwest Classic, and after a few questions, a couple of forms, and the use of Pandora's favorite credit card, she's insured to hit the streets.

Then I gathered all the registration relevant documents, receipts, bills of sale, etc., and am ready to tackle NC registration...

Should be fun!

Mike

[WIS89]

Mike-

Been steady following your progress, and I know I have said it before, but it is worth saying again: Your attention to detail, and insatiable desire for perfection is awe inspiring! You don't really have a car, but a work of art. The labor of love (and lots of dollars) is simply amazing. I can't wait to see her finished for real!

Congratulations on nearing the finish line! I know it must be extremely satisfying. Go wear through some tires, but first post some more pictures so we can all drool over them.

I will have to venture to a show where you will have Pandora so I can see her in person. Well done, just doesn't seem to cut it. Congratulations to you and Pam!

Regards,

Steve

[The Stig]

Mike-

Been steady following your progress, and I know I have said it before, but it is worth saying again: Your attention to detail, and insatiable desire for perfection is awe inspiring! You don't really have a car, but a work of art. The labor of love (and lots of dollars) is simply amazing. I can't wait to see her finished for real!

Congratulations on nearing the finish line! I know it must be extremely satisfying. Go wear through some tires, but first post some more pictures so we can all drool over them.

I will have to venture to a show where you will have Pandora so I can see her in person. Well done, just doesn't seem to cut it. Congratulations to you and Pam!

Regards,

Steve

Thanks Steve,

I'm really stoked to be so close to having her finished. I have spoken to a photographer from the Charlotte area that is going to shoot a series of studio and outdoor photos for me. Jamey Price does a lot of Formula 1 & NASCAR stuff as well as photo layouts for magazines. He came by about a year ago to see the car, and was interested in doing the photos. So I'll need to contact him as set that up when I know that the paint work is finishing up. I would like for those pics done immediately after the final buff & detail. :) So more (finished) photos are definitely on the way. But for now there is really nothing that I can post that doesn't look like previous shop pictures.

And once again, thank you for your kind words. You and so many people here, have completely blown me away with your enthusiasm for Pandora. It has been very much appreciated by Pam & I both. Once I drive it a little and get through the initial "shake down", leak inspections, bolt tightening, etc., we'll make a run up to Chapel Hill, and meet up there.

I think I should go ahead and order another set of rear tires... I think I'll be needing them before long. :cool:

Take care, and thanks again.

Mike

[The Stig]

Tony asked me what color I wanted to spray Pandora with. My initial response was to paint it whatever it is.

But after thinking about it, I realized that since we're reworking every panel on the car, it would actually make more sense to just re-spray the entire car. Then I figured, well you know, I originally wanted the lexus blue color, and I explained why I liked it, but I told him that I would think about it and get back to him.

About 15 minutes later, he replied back saying that he had a color that he wanted me to consider. Carbon Black Metallic. It's a BMW color, and is easy enough to reproduce if necessary. I couldn't recall having ever seen it, so Pam and I drove up to Hendrick BMW and there it was.

BWM 640i - Carbon Black Metallic:

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2808_zpsnz5l6eud.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2808_zpsnz5l6eud.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2810_zpsyv0by4pf.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2810_zpsyv0by4pf.jpg.html)


It's similar to the Lexus Indigo Ink, but maybe a little darker.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2809_zps4mufuqgn.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2809_zps4mufuqgn.jpg.html)

Both of the cars in these pictures are painted Carbon Black. The one on the left looks black in the first two pictures, due to the angle that I took them. The one on the right shows a little more blue, because I moved into a position where the sun lit it up. In the third picture I moved a little towards that car, and picked up some of the blue.

I like the fact that the angle from where it is viewed helps to determine the shades that you see. So this is what Pandora will be wearing when we're done.

Mike

[LCD Gauges]

You could paint your GTM with mud from the local park, and pull it off...but that carbon black is going to look SWEET!

[crash]

I think the Carbon Black is a better choice than the blue it currently is. More difficult to keep clean, but this is THE epitome of a GTM show car, so why not have it in a beautiful black?

[The Stig]

You could paint your GTM with mud from the local park, and pull it off...but that carbon black is going to look SWEET!

We just don't have nice mud in our parks like you guys in Toronto. ;)


I think the Carbon Black is a better choice than the blue it currently is. More difficult to keep clean, but this is THE epitome of a GTM show car, so why not have it in a beautiful black?

Thanks guys. I did give some thought to having it painted diamond black metallic, but in my mind I've always seen this car in a very dark blue. Black can sometimes hide the curves or lines of a car, and I'd rather accent them. Especially on this car. I think this color will look nice on the curves of the GTM. It should make for some nice pro pictures when it's done.

Mike

[fastthings]

I just saw this color in person, love it.

[The Stig]

I just saw this color in person, love it.

Thanks Gene. It think it's going to look pretty cool. More than anything else, it's going to look "FINISHED"!

Man is this thing fighting completion...

Mike

[kabacj]

Thanks Gene. It think it's going to look pretty cool. More than anything else, it's going to look "FINISHED"!

Man is this thing fighting completion...

Mike

Mike.

The beauty of this car is its only done when YOU say it's done. I think many of us enjoy the build as much as the ownership.

I think I'll keep building my GTM for a few more years. Change the color, add more power, add some cosmetics, add more power. Or we can decide we are happy with the fruit of our labor and call it done.

It's like everything that's worth doing.

Sometimes a challenge, but always satisfying.

Can't wait to see your car.

[The Stig]

Mike.

The beauty of this car is its only done when YOU say it's done. I think many of us enjoy the build as much as the ownership.

I think I'll keep building my GTM for a few more years. Change the color, add more power, add some cosmetics, add more power. Or we can decide we are happy with the fruit of our labor and call it done.

It's like everything that's worth doing.

Sometimes a challenge, but always satisfying.

Can't wait to see your car.

You're right John. I've always had this thing about completing the plan, and then being able to "draw a line" in the sand and call it done. Then the minor changes here and there are just tweaks or tinkering. It will have a tag (personalized), and be pretty much legal, and if Pam & I want to go for a ride some time, we'll be able to.

I pretty much have it the way I want it, and how I had hoped it would be. There is only one thing that I am going to have changed, and that will happen after registration: probably during the winter.

When it gets back home, it will be finished.

Thanks for the support.

[carbon fiber]

Mike, this would be a perfect time to upgrade the window seals to the GM ones. They are a huge upgrade from what comes with the kit. Those FFR seals are hideous. Also, if you do have any door/body sealing issues, now would be a perfect time to get it right since the whole car will be repainted. I'm looking forward to seeing it done, that's a great color. P.S. I've still got some gas money...

[The Stig]

Mike, this would be a perfect time to upgrade the window seals to the GM ones. They are a huge upgrade from what comes with the kit. Those FFR seals are hideous. Also, if you do have any door/body sealing issues, now would be a perfect time to get it right since the whole car will be repainted. I'm looking forward to seeing it done, that's a great color. P.S. I've still got some gas money...

Hi Jason,

Which GM seals are you talking about? The Corvette C5? The seals for the doors and windows are definitely one of the priorities of re-working the doors. We want to want to make all of the cuts and fab work that will allow them to close the way the should, without all the drama that is sometimes necessary to make sure they closed completely. We're looking and changing the the door latch location Next, the panels will need to be flat and straight for paint.

We are also looking into way to make sure that the door is sealed when it is closed, including the glass. We have a few ideas, and believe me when I say that are completely outside the box... There will be a good bit of cutting and moving and fiberglass re-fabrication.

I am also considering having new door windows made that fit the contours of the roof, the A-pillars, and the rear quarters; (automotive safety glass). That way, the windows will seal the way they should, all the way around. I've spoken to the right people and found that it is doable. So it's at least on the table.

I think I was told that it takes about two weeks or so for them to make the glass, once they have the template(s), and the schedule opens up. So we'll see.

And don't worry... I have every intention of making a trip to meet up with you when I get this sorted out.

Take care, and I'll be in touch.

Mike

[carbon fiber]

The seals I'm referring to are the ones Kempo used on his car. They are CRL belt moldings part # YMR256X96. They are for a GM B-body - 96" length. Those are the exterior door/window seals. He never gave the info for the interior door/window seal but he provided a picture of it. Check out his thread, he also used a similar seal to the one Mikespms used for the top body/window seal. 4334843349

[The Stig]

The seals I'm referring to are the ones Kempo used on his car. They are CRL belt moldings part # YMR256X96. They are for a GM B-body - 96" length. Those are the exterior door/window seals. He never gave the info for the interior door/window seal but he provided a picture of it. Check out his thread, he also used a similar seal to the one Mikespms used for the top body/window seal. 4334843349
Ok, now I'm with you. I talked to Hugo about a year ago about the outer window seal. I bought 8' or so for the car. I have not tried to install it yet, because I figured I wasn't quite done with the doors... It's coming though. I was actually talking about the window seal for the front, rear, and top edges of each of the door windows. I'm looking for a single piece that has the 90 degree turn at the rear of the window that can be made to fit.

I thought of just cutting 45's and then bonding the two pieces, but i'd rather try find a single piece solution if there is one.

Mike

[Stage7]

Mike - I logged on to catch up with your thread (and others). I was expecting to see pics of you standing with show trophies or burning up the country-side with your angel of a wife.

I'm sorry you are still dealing with the shoddy work of that overpriced, over-hyped, hack of a shop from NC. Thankfully, there will be no or very minimal remnants of their work after this iteration. I hope you name names when you write your book. They should have the decency to remove the pictures of your car from their website.

Too bad you aren't changing the color completely so it's obvious it's a "different" and much much improved care since it's left their hands. That said, I love the new color you picked.

Your GTM continues to raise the bar of a kit car build, I'm glad to see your still pushing forward with your dream for it. I can't wait to see it in person!

[The Stig]

Mike - I logged on to catch up with your thread (and others). I was expecting to see pics of you standing with show trophies or burning up the country-side with your angel of a wife.

I'm sorry you are still dealing with the shoddy work of that overpriced, over-hyped, hack of a shop from NC. Thankfully, there will be no or very minimal remnants of their work after this iteration. I hope you name names when you write your book. They should have the decency to remove the pictures of your car from their website.

Too bad you aren't changing the color completely so it's obvious it's a "different" and much much improved care since it's left their hands. That said, I love the new color you picked.

Your GTM continues to raise the bar of a kit car build, I'm glad to see your still pushing forward with your dream for it. I can't wait to see it in person!


Hi Roberto,

Just another day, and another $10,000.00... There is a lot of work being re-done, and paid for again.

I'll let you know when the best seller hits the shelves. :)

By the way; have you spoken to Allan in the past few days or so? If not, you need to give him a call...

You won't believe the story that he's going to tell you.

Take care. We'll talk soon.

Mike

[The Stig]

Hi everyone.

While I have a little time to wait for the car to come out of the paint shop (again), I thought I'd have the upper wing brackets polished & triple-chromed.

The smart thing would be to pull the ones that I have, and send them out to be chromed. But I decided that I wanted to keep them (black anodized) so I can have a set of plated brackets and a set of anodized.

I called Shane to buy a set from him, but he doesn't have a manufacturing run going yet. So I wanted to check here to see if there is anyone who bought the brackets from Shane, and decided not to use them. If so, I'd like to buy them from you.

If anyone is interested, please send a PM.

Thanks,

Mike

The Upper Frame brackets and the small brackets that attach to the composite wing.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2887_zpsnor9m1fj.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2887_zpsnor9m1fj.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2886_zpstqnrvorg.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2886_zpstqnrvorg.jpg.html)

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http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2852_zpsynlim2qa.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2852_zpsynlim2qa.jpg.html)

[The Stig]

I decided to go ahead and pull the upper VRaptor wing brackets that are already on the car, instead of buying more. If it doesn't look right later, maybe I'll get another set. ��

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2901_zpsbol3jva3.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2901_zpsbol3jva3.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2902_zpsnmvhirge.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2902_zpsnmvhirge.jpg.html)

I'm going to have them and the fuel filler assemblies triple-plated. I called Advanced Plating in Nashville to try to get on their schedule. They said "sure, we can turn those around for you in 18 weeks... and about $1000.00." Then mysteriously, I was able to find a nice shop in Indian Trail, NC to do the work for me. 4 weeks.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2894_zpsewe23x5l.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2894_zpsewe23x5l.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2895_zpseog1xy36.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2895_zpseog1xy36.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2896_zpsoumjgory.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2896_zpsoumjgory.jpg.html)

The fuel filler assemblies will need to be disassembled, but that's not a big deal. The upper surface is all that will need to be plated and polished.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/GTM%20Rear%20Hatch%205_zps4bn6vesa.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/GTM%20Rear%20Hatch%205_zps4bn6vesa.jpg.html)

With the carbon black paint, and the polished aluminum wheels, the triple plated wing brackets and filler assemblies should tie everything together well.

I hope... Tony suggested that I go with anodized black. But that's not really me.

Mike

[mmaragos]

Take care on the filler assemblies as clearances are already tight. I powder coated mine and had to remove some of the the powder coat. If I would have thought to have them tape off certain areas, it would have been a bit easier / cleaner - regardless, I got it all to fit smoothly together again.

[The Stig]

Take care on the filler assemblies as clearances are already tight. I powder coated mine and had to remove some of the the powder coat. If I would have thought to have them tape off certain areas, it would have been a bit easier / cleaner - regardless, I got it all to fit smoothly together again.

Thank you Sir! That is good information to keep in mind. I have to disassemble the cap/lock in order to have them plated and polished, and I can see how they might easily get a little too snug. Since these are aluminum, it may be that we simply polish and buff them to a nice shine like the wheels. I'll definitely make sure that chrome shop is aware of the tolerances.

Thanks again for the heads up.

Mike

[The Stig]

I drove up to the shop and pulled the Kooks cross pipe off of the GTM on Friday. I had intended to drop the parts by the chrome shop that afternoon, but after sitting in Charlotte traffic for two hours waiting to get past a wreck, I finally got there only to find that they were closed... I should have called ahead...

But... My wife, being the angel that she is, took the parts up there for me yesterday.

I was told that since the exhaust was stainless steel, they couldn't triple plate the tips because they don't have the chemical necessary that preps stainless steel for plating. I had never heard of this before, but Ok. They asked whether I would like for them to polish the tips to a bright shine instead.

I figure that we can try that, and if it doesn't look right, we can still send it out to be plated somewhere else. All other parts will be tripple plated. (Copper / Nickel / Chrome). In 5 to 6 weeks we'll see what we have.

Mike

[The Stig]

March 1, 2015: The GTM was taken to Tony's shop to be painted.

A hand full of scratches were repaired and prepped for paint. The roof was sanded, built up, re-blocked. The spoiler was sanded and filled, and re-blocked.

May 11, 2015: The GTM was taken into the paint booth. I made the call to pull it back out and correct all of the issues on the body that needed to be re-worked and then spray the car in a different paint choice. Pandora was moved back to the "build" side of the shop.

August 21, 2015: Pandora hasn't moved or been touched since it came out of the paint booth.

Still waiting on Bill Philip's SLC to be finished. It, by the way, was sitting outside "out of the way" while a 67 Camaro that has been there for a year continues to occupy space; and a shop full of cars that came in well after my car continue to be getting attention. If I had known the it would sit for 3 months more simply due to my decision to agree to do the whole car, we would have probably had a much different conversation.

Based on what I've seen so far with other people's cars, Tony seems to do great work.

I'll let you know if I can eventually prove it by how awesome my car looks.

Mike

[carbon fiber]

Sorry to hear about the delays and the car sitting outside too. Did you get any work done on the door seals?

[The Stig]

I didn't mean to give the impression that he's leaving the cars out for extended periods of time. I was just surprised to see that Bill's SLC, the car that I've been waiting for him to finish before he starts on mine again, was moved outside out of the way while he worked on other New Stuff.

Door Seals? No... Nothing has been touched on it, at all, since we talked and I agreed to let him do everything that we felt needed to be redone.

On the bright side... The chrome work should be done in 3 weeks or so, and I'll be able to get the parts back on the car before it ever moves from where it is.

I guess that I'm just frustrated and venting a little.

Mike

[The Stig]

It looks like the SL-C is going into the paint booth tomorrow. It's supposed to be completely painted and buffed/polished by Friday evening, and re-assembled next week. So I guess that means that Pandora is going get back into the rotation at some point soon. I'm happy for Bill, but I have to say that I'm even happier to possibly see progress being made again on my car.

We'll see.

Mike

[The Stig]

I think that the SLC is nearing completion. I know that they had sprayed everything except the doors. It's really turning out nice.

Like everyone else, Tony needed a break so he shut down for the Holiday. Who could blame him? Pam and I did the same thing.

I'm meeting with him tomorrow to hear his "plan" for how we're going to get Pandora finished.

Should be interesting.

Mike

[The Stig]

I met with Tony today. He has a plan for getting my car finished up...

Some things, we were on the same page with. And some, we weren't.

Apparently there is still quite a lot of money that he's going to allow me to spend. I wasn't on that page... And apparently he's not going to get started until October 1. I wasn't on that page... He feels that to fix the things that need to be fixed, we're looking at approximately 90 more days. (Through December). I definitely wasn't on that page...

We talked about how the car would need to be disassembled, and how the undersides of the panels would need to be somewhat smoothed, and sprayed with undercoating of some sort. Same page...

The doors are going to be disassembled and fiberglass added in order to shape the edges to close the gaps at the rear of each door. We have a plan of attack for the door windows that will allow them to fit the doors as they should, and also seal as they should. We're on the same page with that...

The mesh screens around the car are going to be re-worked so that they fit and look like they were supposed to be there, and not just and afterthought to get hot air out of the radiator and engine spaces. Same page...

He feels that the interior needs a little more work to get it to a point where it gets to the next level. Absolutely not on that page... I have $27,500.00 in the interior already. I mean what the heck does it take?

I thought that I had a pretty good grasp of what it takes to get a GTM to an extraordinary level. Or at least what I thought was extraordinary. I believed that I was about ready to get it done and then join the party. But instead, I've pretty much been told that I had more to learn. Multiple times. He says that it screams "kit car". I wasn't on that page...

He assures me that the body will be perfectly straight, and the paint will be deep and clear, and that it will be ready for the bright lights of the car shows and SEMA (2016). I told him that I'm pretty much over that bucket list item, and that I can't even get Dave Smith or his "people" to return phone calls or PM messages. Besides which, I don't expect to own it that long.

I still feel very confident that she's going to look very nice, and will be an unbelievable car when it's ever finished. But I can also say that I've never felt more disconnected from it...

Tony thinks that I'm going to feel more involved when we get started again. I told him that my wallet is only thing getting involved lately, and for the foreseeable future. As usual.

It'll be finished just in time to put it away for the Winter. I'll turn the heat up in the garage, and sit out there with my coffee, and just stare at it until some Saudi Oil person comes to pick it up... Right...

Lucky me.

Mike

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2985_zpsxszfo384.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2985_zpsxszfo384.jpg.html)

When I got to the shop, the car was uncovered. One of the builder's on this forum stopped by the shop to talk about having his car done. We spoke on the phone about the cars, and he had mentioned that he would like to see mine while he was there. So I asked that it be made available for him to take a look.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2986_zps5hcd3yts.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2986_zps5hcd3yts.jpg.html)

I have no idea why there is a 4x4 piece of wood at the front corner... I do know that the ride height at the front of my car is 4 1/4" with correct tire pressure...

I opened the hood while I was there in order to look at the underside of the mesh. It looked as though the car had been sitting in the desert for a year. Dust everywhere... Even covered in plastic. But then it's tough to keep dust out, when it has been sitting in a paint shop since March. For the most part, he's had the doors sealed with masking tape in order to keep the dust out of the interior. So that's good.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2987_zpslpuiad2b.jpg
(http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2987_zpslpuiad2b.jpg.html)

[carbon fiber]

I hope that good feeling comes back. I can also understand how after all the bs you can begin to feel that way. It's ridiculous that he thinks it screams kit car or that the interior still needs work. It's obvious he's trying to get deeper into your wallet. Put your foot down and stick to what you want. It's also ridiculous that David Smith or at least someone at FFR won't answer calls, emails, etc. They seem to be really good at selling you something and then forgetting you exist. Myself and others have had the same problems, getting an answer or even a simple response. FFR could learn a thing or two about customer service from RCR or Ultima. (I've heard great things about both) They could also fix the body of the GTM - SO THAT EVERY SINGLE PERSON THAT BUYS ONE DOESN'T HAVE TO GO THROUGH THE GATES OF HELL TO GET THE BODYWORK RIGHT, OR THE DOORS TO FIT! (like it should come in the first place) 600 build hours my A$$. Keep your head up, don't sell it after all this, enjoy it more because of it.

[Edgeman]

Your car is amazing, I would not be putting that much back into it. (JMHO). Getting it painted would be my only concern. Get it out on the road and show it off.

I just read your post again and you say, "you are not going to own it long after that", get it painted and enjoy the car on the open roads. Save your money for the next project. JMHO.

[sk7500]

Hi Mike,
I was just looking at the GTM calendar today admiring your car and thought to myself, "it's been a while since I have been on the forum to see your car finished". So you can imagine my surprise to see pictures that look an awful lot like the last time I seen it. :-(
Any car can always be better. And as long as your wallet is open there will always be someone willing to help you make it so. Only you can say when it's good enough. I generally say "enough" a little after it stops being fun.

[The Stig]

I hope that good feeling comes back. I can also understand how after all the bs you can begin to feel that way. It's ridiculous that he thinks it screams kit car or that the interior still needs work. It's obvious he's trying to get deeper into your wallet. Put your foot down and stick to what you want. It's also ridiculous that David Smith or at least someone at FFR won't answer calls, emails, etc. They seem to be really good at selling you something and then forgetting you exist. Myself and others have had the same problems, getting an answer or even a simple response. FFR could learn a thing or two about customer service from RCR or Ultima. (I've heard great things about both) They could also fix the body of the GTM - SO THAT EVERY SINGLE PERSON THAT BUYS ONE DOESN'T HAVE TO GO THROUGH THE GATES OF HELL TO GET THE BODYWORK RIGHT, OR THE DOORS TO FIT! (like it should come in the first place) 600 build hours my A$$. Keep your head up, don't sell it after all this, enjoy it more because of it.

I've had the same thoughts about the GTM. If Factory Five would fix the chassis and body molds the GTM would likely see a huge growth in sales. The fact that they haven't tells me that they feel that the GTM project has reach it's point of diminishing returns. I'm sure that I am also not the only one to notice that advertising and marketing of the GTM has dropped significantly. A geometrically correct chassis, and a body that fits the chassis as it should, would most definitely spark a great deal of renewed interest.


Your car is amazing, I would not be putting that much back into it. (JMHO). Getting it painted would be my only concern. Get it out on the road and show it off.

I just read your post again and you say, "you are not going to own it long after that", get it painted and enjoy the car on the open roads. Save your money for the next project. JMHO.

Am I going to sell it, the odds are pretty good at this point. I love the car, and I love what I've been able to achieve so far with my build project; regardless of what others might think. But after you've gone through crap-fest after crap-fest, you sort of want to move onto the next project. But we'll see. Once I get out of the shops, I may feel a bit different. But I'm no different than anyone else here; and if someone comes along with an offer of the right amount, they will probably go home with a nice blue GTM.


Hi Mike,
I was just looking at the GTM calendar today admiring your car and thought to myself, "it's been a while since I have been on the forum to see your car finished". So you can imagine my surprise to see pictures that look an awful lot like the last time I seen it. :-(
Any car can always be better. And as long as your wallet is open there will always be someone willing to help you make it so. Only you can say when it's good enough. I generally say "enough" a little after it stops being fun.

I have a mental picture of what I want the car to be. I know that when I feel I've reached that goal, I'll know when I've had enough...

This project used to be fun. Now I seem to focus more on just getting finished.

Mike

[The Stig]

I stopped by the shop when I got into Charlotte earlier. I think Tony understands my "philosophy" a little better. I think we're on the same page again about all points. Steve Kurzman is coming by the shop next week to remove the interior... (Everything). And then the car will be disassembled for work to begin. We'll see then, how I'm feeling. He told me that I'm too serious.

But that's just me. :cool:

The car was re-wrapped when I got there.

Mike

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/image.jpg1_zpscyixf41t.jpg
(http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/image.jpg1_zpscyixf41t.jpg.html)

[crash]

Let me just say that it has been my experience that just about every individual that works in an industry where highly volatile, mind altering chemicals are used on a daily basis seems to have a bit of a different view on reality and what is "serious". I hope you end up with what you are looking for without too many more headaches.

[The Stig]

Let me just say that it has been my experience that just about every individual that works in an industry where highly volatile, mind altering chemicals are used on a daily basis seems to have a bit of a different view on reality and what is "serious". I hope you end up with what you are looking for without too many more headaches.

I have to say that I agree! And I'm sure that when it's all said and done, she'll be just right. Whenever that is.

Mike

[fact5racer]

all this time and money for new paint only to slap a bumper sticker on the back reading "My Second car is a Bugatti Veyron"

[The Stig]

all this time and money for new paint only to slap a bumper sticker on the back reading "My Second car is a Bugatti Veyron"

You're right Gary... But with the Mercedes in the shop having the transmission rebuilt, the Veyron may just become the primary driver after all this.

Mike

[fact5racer]

Bummer mike, I was at the Mercedes factory last week, I could of tried to fit a transmission in the overhead bin on my flight home.

[The Stig]

It looks like I should have let you bring one back with you...

They call it a "722.9" transmission. It's reasonably expensive and apparently impossible for Mercedes technicians to correctly diagnose and repair. So far they have replaced the valve body, two gear sets, two seals, and a couple of sensors. And it still isn't shifting correctly. So a new transmission with the valve body swap is next.

Mike

[The Stig]

Back to our regularly scheduled program...

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Interior%20Removal%2002_zpsbw2mjfsn.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Interior%20Removal%2002_zpsbw2mjfsn.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Interior%20Removal%2001_zpsqo5xxvml.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Interior%20Removal%2001_zpsqo5xxvml.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Interior%20Removal%2003_zpswu66wa49.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Interior%20Removal%2003_zpswu66wa49.jpg.html)

The Interior items that could likely be damaged, have been removed. Work begins on the doors tomorrow. Or so I've been told.

Mike

[dallas_]

Good luck. Looking forward to seeing it all done and back in your garage where it belongs. :)

[The Stig]

Good luck. Looking forward to seeing it all done and back in your garage where it belongs. :)

Thank you.

I dropped by the shop in order to meet the forum member that will be taking his car there. He asked me to drop in while he was there, but then he ended up not bringing his car there this week. It gave me time to get into more detail in regard to the work that is starting again on my car.

When I walked over to the car, the seats and interior panels had been removed. They had been wrapped in plastic, and stored in a room away from all the dust. That was a good start, (in my mind at least)...

Here's the plan that we talked through as of today.

Rough in: estimated 3 to 4 weeks
The rear hatch is where everything will start from. The fit and finish around the hatch will be 3/16" gap and easily functional. The body roof, and rear pillars will be massaged to fit flush with the hatch. The upper cross section of the hatch will be built up with additional fiberglass until we get to the correct height. It needs about 1/4" to 3/8" in the center, and then taper to the sides. We'll need to keep the carbon fiber panel in mind, that covers the air "vent". It will need to remain flush as well. Jason (Carbon Fiber) did an excellent job with the custom hatch, and I will not allow that work to be messed up.

Once the hatch and surrounding body are correct, we'll move out to the rear fenders and rear of the car. These are mostly a matter of hitting it with 80 grit to find the highs and get them even with the low spots, of which there are plenty.

No big surprise that the doors are going to take the majority of effort, but I think that we came up with a few ideas that will look good, and allow the doors, windows, and seals to all function the way they should. First and foremost, the windows will seal tightly, and will be water tight when we're done. Once they fit and function as they should, the doors will be re-blocked, starting with 80 grit on long boards in order to bring down the highs. The mirrors will be sanded and prepped as well.

At this point everything from the rear of the car to the front of the doors will have been roughed in, and corrected as far as initial gaps and getting the panels on their way to being straight.

Next comes the hood. Since the hood and fenders don't really butt-up to the doors (they sort of overlap), we can concentrate more on getting everything straight and make sure that the gaps at the rear of the front wheels where the hood meets the body are even on both sides: 3/16" gap. There was a round indentation where the Factory Five Badge was to have gone, that was filled in during the original body work, and has left an imprint. This was hard to see in normal light, but it can be seen in sunlight or with strong lights. It's there, and it will be corrected. The result will be a glass smooth flat portion of the hood. From there the rest of the fenders and upper section of the hood will be re-blocked to correct the "waves" across the large hood section.

Final Prepwork: estimated 6 weeks
When the hood is blocked and all of the highs and lows are identified over the entire body of the car, the plan is to hit it with two or three coats of primer, and then start blocking it again. When it's blocked smooth, another coat (or two) of primer will be sprayed. Blocking will then run through the various micro grits of sand paper until the car is ready. Gaps will be addressed again, and sanded smooth.

Paint: estimated 2 weeks
BMW - Carbon Black Metallic (Jet Black, with a Midnight Blue pearl sprayed over it).
Three coats of Jet Back.
One coat (I think) of Midnight Blue Pearl sprayed over the Jet Black paint.
Then two coats of clear. Wet Sanded to 1000 grit.
Then two more coats of clear. Wet sanded to 1000 grit.

The result should be layers of black and dark blue pearl that looks as though you could reach down into it and cause ripples.

Absolutely no orange peel, and the reflections will be crisp and clear.

When we get to this point, we'll be finished. Completely Finished. And I intend to have one hell of a celebration to mark the occasion.

Tony says that his objective is to make sure that she is done prior to Christmas. As long as we continue to make progress and meet our goals, I think I can live with that...

Mike

[crash]

So how many layers of paint and primer do you think this car will end up with when complete? :)

Tell you the truth, I am kind of surprised that you didn't say that taking it down to gel coat was part of the process as I am surprised that these guys want to rely on the other guys prep and paint for adhesion. Maybe that's what you meant by "sanded"?

[The Stig]

Hi Mike.

There will be 3 coats of paint, 1 (maybe 2) coats of pearl, and 4 coats of clear.

And you're right... for the most part, it will be taken back to the gel coat fiberglass, and then and then check the low spots from there. Given the fact that I am not a painter, Sanded/Blocked is the same in my mind, only that a long block sander will be used instead the orbital that was apparently used originally. When the initial rough sanding is done, there should be next to nothing left of the original paint. At the same time we have to keep in mind that there is very limited surface thickness that can be sanded into before we start causing additional issues. I wouldn't think that there will be adhesion issues with the primer once it's down to that stage. We're pretty much starting over.

Once all the primer coats have been final prepped, the car will be sprayed with a sealer, and prepped for paint. As I understand it, adhesion to the sealer should not be a problem.

I'm just glad to see work being done.

Mike

[Presto51]

Next comes the hood. Since the hood and fenders don't really butt-up to the doors (they sort of overlap), we can concentrate more on getting everything straight and make sure that the gaps at the rear of the front wheels where the hood meets the body are even on both sides: 3/16" gap. There was a round indentation where the Factory Five Badge was to have gone, that was filled in during the original body work, and has left an imprint. This was hard to see in normal light, but it can be seen in sunlight or with strong lights. It's there, and it will be corrected. The result will be a glass smooth flat portion of the hood. From there the rest of the fenders and upper section of the hood will be re-blocked to correct the "waves" across the large hood section.Mike

Just another added thought, don't forget to have them correct the front wheel well arch, to get rid of the egg shape look that a lot of GTM's have.

Ron

[The Stig]

Just another added thought, don't forget to have them correct the front wheel well arch, to get rid of the egg shape look that a lot of GTM's have.

Ron

Thanks Ron. Actually, it's on the list of things to do. I figured that sense we were going "all-in", I would make sure that was taken care of as well.

Mike

[The Stig]

The hatch has been adjusted a bit. A couple of relief cuts on the underside, and a little constant heat combined with a water bucket for weight, gets the upper section of the hatch to conform to the curve of the roof edge.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Rear%20Hatch%20for%20GTM%20001_zpsqadelbuq.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Rear%20Hatch%20for%20GTM%20001_zpsqadelbuq.jpg.htm l)

The hatch fits the curve of the roof a bit better now. The surface can be built up much easier now, and will fit flush with the roof, and pillars.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Rear%20Hatch%20for%20GTM%20002_zpssj0ypboq.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Rear%20Hatch%20for%20GTM%20002_zpssj0ypboq.jpg.htm l)

And Yes, the poly carbonate window still fits perfectly.

We're finally making some progress again folks...!

Mike

[crash]

Remember, the gas shocks and hinges/latches will push things around a bit so make sure they are all in there, along with any seal material you may be using, before doing any final fitting. To me, cutting a support structure is a BAD idea, and building up a little more body filler is a FAR better option, but it's done now, so I hope there are no future issues. Remember, once the fibers are cut there is NO WAY to ever make that area as strong or durable as it once was. Period.

[carbon fiber]

OUCH. I wouldn't have cut that either. I came up with this design so we wouldn't have to cut the support at all. I made the hatch insert as low as possible at the top so it would fit cars that were already painted and the hatch could be built up to match the roofline. It will work with a roof on a painted car that had never been built up at all. Adding fiberglass to the top will ADD STRENGTH. I would have built up in fiberglass and just used filler for the very last imperfections. The small amount of glass that's on the repair of those relief cuts can't be very strong as compared to the way it came from FFR. This was just easier for the paint guy, not better for the car. If I had known about this I would have recommended against it. I hope that guy is willing to warranty his work if hairline cracks form. Did he check to see if the carbon fiber insert still matches the shape of the hatch now? I'd say no since three of the four holes are full of filler. I don't see how it would now if the entire top of the hatch contour has been changed. With 4" between the roofline and the beginning of the cf cover, it would have been plenty to gradually change the shape from the carbon fiber cover to the roofline on top by adding fiberglass and filler.

[The Stig]

Hello guys. I understand and appreciate the concern. I had the same concerns when I read that the hatch had been cut in order to reshape the top. As I understand it, the openings have been filled with fiberglass. Not just the cuts, but the hollow areas on each side of the cuts. and then they have been joined in the cut and re-glassed across the surface.

The standard hatch that comes with the kit weighs about 35 to 40 lbs with the glass installed. This hatch with the P/C window and the C/F cover weighs about 15 to 20 lbs.

As far as gas struts, I'm not using them. I bought a set of the collapsible locking stands that Shane sells that hold it in place nicely. So there isn't a lot of constant stress that might cause it to fail.

It should be plenty strong enough for the force or stress that the rear hatch of a street car will see. So at this point, I think we're good.

It fits the car and will sit low enough for the seals to do their thing.

Mike

[carbon fiber]

I hope the cf cover still lines up, you can't bend that. Good to know that it's about half the weight, I never checked but figured it would be a lot lighter. The factory struts would have been overkill at half the weight anyway.

[The Stig]

I hope the cf cover still lines up, you can't bend that. Good to know that it's about half the weight, I never checked but figured it would be a lot lighter. The factory struts would have been overkill at half the weight anyway.

Hi Jason,

I called him last night and spoke to him. I was a bit heated, but after he explained how he made the adjustments, and how he made the repair, I felt quite a bit better. My only issue after that was that I would like to be kept in the loop when we're making changes that involve structural elements; even if that part lays on top, instead of carries significant weight. Our only issue with the hatch, would be aerodynamic forces. And I am comfortable that Tony has that covered. The window and carbon cover still fit snug as they did originally.

I think sometimes he and I both have to be reminded that we aren't working on a Ferrari. Although he seems to be reminding me more often than I remind him...

One thing that I want to say, is that as frustrated as I tend to get lately, I still believe in giving credit where it is due. Tony is not just a "paint guy". He does some really great work. He is completely skilled as a top rate body guy. He knows his stuff, and when the car is done, I have no doubt that it will look exactly as I expect it to. We have different approaches to things, but that doesn't mean either of us is wrong. It just means that we get there in a different way.

It's all good, and as I said, I think the car is going to turn out great.

Mike

[The Stig]

Just a quick post to catch up a little.

My Mom, her twin sister, and my uncle were in town for the weekend. The Good-Guys car show was in Charlotte and we had planned to go and look around to see what was there. My uncle grew up in Van Nuys and has been building hot rods longer than I've been alive. (That's a while....). I asked him if he would like to go with me to pick up the Mercedes from the shop, and then swing by and see the GTM? He's been following my build and wanted to see how it was coming along.

We took a look at the car and checked out how the hatch and the body are coming together. It looks really good. Tony has it lined up almost dead flush all the way around. A little filler will be needed to make it perfect, but not much.

I walked to the other side of the shop to talk to Tony about some work that I'm going to have done on the fuel tanks. As we talked, I noticed my uncle walking around looking under plastic covers, at some parts that had been sprayed a little earlier. (BMW M3). He mentioned to Tony that they looked really nice. Tony said that they had been sprayed, but not buffed or polished. Then I saw my uncle do a double-take. Apparently he felt like Tony's work is as good as I do.

When we we were back at home a little later, he said that if he could lay paint down that smooth, he wouldn't bother buffing or polishing...

It made me feel good to get his impression and find out that we're on the right track after all. ��

I trust my instincts, but his opinion matters to me more than pretty much anyone else's, besides Pam.

So it looks like we're making progress in the right direction. And that's a good thing.

Mike

[The Stig]

The body work is finally underway. The first round of blocking is showing the highs and lows in the body panels and the paint. Some are light and some are pretty significant. It's amazing what you can't see without a trained eye. But here it is...

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Rear%20Hatch%20for%20GTM%20001_zpszefzpozl.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Rear%20Hatch%20for%20GTM%20001_zpszefzpozl.jpg.htm l)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_0042_zpsfxgig4aq.jpg

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_0041_zpscrqanii5.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_0041_zpscrqanii5.jpg.html)

This was after the first pass of rough sanding. You can see the highs very clearly. This is what caused the ripples in the reflection of the paint.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_0059_zpsf5u2o69i.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_0059_zpsf5u2o69i.jpg.html)

It looks like there is a bit of filler going onto the rear of the roof and the hatch. (Each of these surfaces had been sanded previously and prepped for paint).

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_0053_zpsj7dwguxv.jpg

(http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_0053_zpsj7dwguxv.jpg.html)

[The Stig]

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_0060_zpsrmpnht4a.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_0060_zpsrmpnht4a.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_0061_zpsyigvsi8t.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_0061_zpsyigvsi8t.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_0043_zpsfeihszny.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_0043_zpsfeihszny.jpg.html)

[The Stig]

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_0062%201465315_zpshjuq2h5p.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_0062%201465315_zpshjuq2h5p.jpg.html)

It's not hard to see that the decision strip the $14,500.00 paint job was the right decision. The entire car is covered in high and low spots that should never have been there.

As they say, "a picture speaks a thousand words"...

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_0064%201465319_zps3lskbnw0.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_0064%201465319_zps3lskbnw0.jpg.html)


http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_0065%201465321_zpsy4uwip3n.jpg

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/GTM%20Passenger%20Quarter_zpsgp7tmkvq.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_0065%201465321_zpsy4uwip3n.jpg.html)

[WIS89]

Mike-

My goodness that's a lot of body work for a car that was already "done!" The sad part is that it looks like it was really necessary, given the number and variety of high spots that were uncovered. Either that, or she is wearing a halloween costume...

I give you all the credit in the world for seeing this through. I admire your tenacity, as well as your vision. I know your patience was challenged myriad times, but you remained focused on the end product.

I know I speak for many others when I say that I can't wait to see her truly finished!! Thank you for sharing!

Regards,

Steve

[The Stig]

Mike-

My goodness that's a lot of body work for a car that was already "done!" The sad part is that it looks like it was really necessary, given the number and variety of high spots that were uncovered. Either that, or she is wearing a Halloween costume...

I give you all the credit in the world for seeing this through. I admire your tenacity, as well as your vision. I know your patience was challenged myriad times, but you remained focused on the end product.

I know I speak for many others when I say that I can't wait to see her truly finished!! Thank you for sharing!

Regards,

Steve

Thank you Steve.

I have to tell you that it was pretty hard to see it stripped down. But when it's all said and done, it'll be right, the body panels will be "straight", and it will look awesome.

I'll tell you something else: I absolutely can't wait to see Jason's rear hatch all finished and flush with the body. The body line/curve from the roof will be blended straight through the hatch with no breaks in the line. It is going to look fantastic. This is the main section of the car that always had me twisted up.

Yesterday afternoon my wife and I were at an intersection waiting to make the turn into our community, when a new 6 series BMW painted "Carbon Black Metallic" drove across in front of us. Man did that ever light me up for the GTM. It really is a unique look and I can't wait to see it on the car.

At some point, we'll be there.

Take care,

Mike

[dallas_]

I have to tell you that it was pretty hard to see it stripped down. But when it's all said and done, it'll be right, the body panels will be "straight", and it will look awesome.


I can't imagine. But clearly this guy knows his stuff and the finished product will be stunning. Can't wait to see it done.

[RumRunner]

Mike,

Whose Gen II GTM is in the shop next to yours?

-Michael

[The Stig]

Mike,

Whose Gen II GTM is in the shop next to yours?

-Michael

Hi Michael,

I'm not sure that I'm at Liberty to say... He called me a little while back and asked who I would recommend, so I gave him Tony's contact info. He called and asked to be put in the schedule. So now Tony has two GTMs to work. Looks like he's (Tony) getting tossed straight into the frying pan.

Mike

[The Stig]

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2006%201831985_zpsbbvvkq21.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2006%201831985_zpsbbvvkq21.jpg.html)

The front of the nose also had some serious highs and lows; along with both fenders and the section around the wiper bump. Unbelievable.

It's official. Every panel of this car was in sad shape. The paint was shiny and the color was nice enough. But if you pay for a show finish for dark paint, you would think that at least a little attention might be paid towards making sure that the body was flat, and not full of highs and lows. Granted, there was some flex in the body when it was mounted that may have caused gradual waves. But these spots all over the body cause ripples. The end result being that there was no chance of a straight line on this car under the lights. Isn't it amazing what you can get for an extraordinary amount money...?

Again, pictures truly are worth a thousand words.

Mike

[WIS89]

Mike-

If you didn't have the pictures, I don't think any of us could believe you! I feel sure you must feel the same. I am truly shocked that there are so many defects that are being uncovered. However, I hope she ends up beyond perfect -- if there is such a thing!!

I appreciate the updates, and I remain jealous of the quality and details of your build. Way to stick with it!

Regards,

Steve

[The Stig]

Mike-

If you didn't have the pictures, I don't think any of us could believe you! I feel sure you must feel the same. I am truly shocked that there are so many defects that are being uncovered. However, I hope she ends up beyond perfect -- if there is such a thing!!

I appreciate the updates, and I remain jealous of the quality and details of your build. Way to stick with it!

Regards,

Steve

That is exactly why I've decided to post the pictures of the body as the paint is sanded back off. People here have allowed me the latitude to rant from time to time when frustration gets the best of me. Not only do these photos show the extent of the crap work that I was charged heavily for, but it also gives a first hand visual.

I have people calling quite often to talk about body work and paint. As well, they ask for recommendations for quality shops in the area. I've gotten to the point where I won't recommend anyone or any shop any more. I'll tell people who I am using, but all I do is give them contact info, and let them make their decisions based on how they come out the conversation.

I like to to give credit where credit is due. And I'll go out of my way to do so. And the other side of the coin is when I don't get the quality of work that I paid for. These pictures document that work.

With that said, yes, the car will arrow straight when we get done with it. I think the paint choice and the quality of work going into the prep, is going to generate a result that I'll be very happy with.

I'm definitely looking forward to seeing it.

Mike

[LCD Gauges]

I would cry if I had to paint my car twice. That's an incredible amount of rework for "Pandora"; I can only imagine the cost for all of the body work, materials, and labour. :eek:

If not a Veyron, an Aventador might have been cheaper!

[The Stig]

I would cry if I had to paint my car twice. That's an incredible amount of rework for "Pandora"; I can only imagine the cost for all of the body work, materials, and labour. :eek:

If not a Veyron, an Aventador might have been cheaper!

I prefer the Murcielago. I like the Aventador, but I'm not a billionaire. The Murcielago is more of a defining "moment" for Lamborghini than the Aventador. The Aventador is incredible. But the Murcielago marks a definite spot in the company's history.

At the time, I felt like I was stepping up to pay $14,500 for paint for the GTM. In my mind, that's a lot of money to pay for paint, for anyone. But I also felt that in the end it would be done right, and look the way I had hoped. Doing it (paint) a second time doesn't make it any cheaper. So, to have paint on the car, that looks like it should, is costing me just shy of $30,000.00.

A real bargain, right?

I will say again, that in no way do I feel that I am the only person here who has been screwed intentionally by shops of one form or another. And that what I have gone through is not unique to me by any stretch. Most people that have dealt with it, call Bull-Sh!t, and go through a quick spat, and that's about it. Because the companies know that they have been able to get away with it in the past. But how many people have stripped the paint back off, and documented what was done? Not many, because there aren't many that can really afford to. And they know it.

There is one statement that was made to my wife, that I don't think I will ever forget. Mainly because they had the balls to say it so openly... They said, that anyone who could afford to build a GTM, can afford paid a good bit more to have work done to it. When she told me this, I said that I'm sure he was kidding. I later found out that he was not kidding.

This sort of stuff should be made public when it happens. People should not be ripped off, just because the owners of these places believe that they can get away with it.

I feel as though I've gotten through my "newbie" initiation, and have paid my dues in full for the next build... And yes, there will be one.


Mike

[The Stig]

I got a few of the chrome pieces back, that I sent out.

I had the gas filler assemblies, and the wing brackets (that would be exposed) chromed and polished. I think they turned out well.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Chrome%20Spoiler%20Brackets%20and%20Gas%20Caps%200 2_zpsmilddn5q.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Chrome%20Spoiler%20Brackets%20and%20Gas%20Caps%200 2_zpsmilddn5q.jpg.html)

I also had the exhaust tips polished. I had hoped that these would turn out a little better, but they said up front that they may not polish out as well as the other pieces. Something to do with the type of stainless steel used for the tips. They couldn't chrome them because they don't use the type of chemical that is supposedly needed in order to prep the stainless to allow the chrome to bond... I don't know.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Polished%20Exhaust%2004_zpsikg6cxoq.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Polished%20Exhaust%2004_zpsikg6cxoq.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Polished%20Exhaust%2001_zpsswwjy0ix.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Polished%20Exhaust%2001_zpsswwjy0ix.jpg.html)

I'll probably take it with me to Ohio, and have them done there.

Mike

[The Stig]

We took the opportunity to notch the fuel tanks in order to allow the fuel filler hose to make the 90 degree turn without being pinched.
The hoses on both sides of the car were pinched to the point, that I'm not really sure how I was able to get gas into the tanks at all. By notching the tanks in a little, the hose can be attached without being pinched shut. I should be able to fill the car at the station without needing to drip it in drop by drop...

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/GTM%20Fuel%20Tanks%2013_zpsgypoojqh.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/GTM%20Fuel%20Tanks%2013_zpsgypoojqh.jpg.html)

The original tank (before) cutting, notching, and re-welding.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/GTM%20Fuel%20Tanks%2017_zpsamxmerpr.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/GTM%20Fuel%20Tanks%2017_zpsamxmerpr.jpg.html)

The finished tank after notching and welding. At most I may have lost a half gallon of capacity from each tank; if that.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/GTM%20Fuel%20Tanks%2014_zpsaajlohw6.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/GTM%20Fuel%20Tanks%2014_zpsaajlohw6.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/GTM%20Fuel%20Tanks%2015_zpsi17ipgfx.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/GTM%20Fuel%20Tanks%2015_zpsi17ipgfx.jpg.html)

We will also be adding some way to "mount" the tanks so they are held in place, as opposed to having them sit freely in place. In the event of a front impact, I really don't want to take the chance of one or both tanks coming through the firewall, and potentially spraying fuel into the cockpit. It may be a little overkill, or not. But it is definitely insurance in the right direction.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/GTM%20Fuel%20Tanks%2018_zpsrv6puctu.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/GTM%20Fuel%20Tanks%2018_zpsrv6puctu.jpg.html)

Mike

[fastthings]

Thinking of you,
Keep it up!

[The Stig]

I spent a little time at Tony's shop today, and I am very happy with how it's coming along.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Baskin%20Filler%20cap%20flange_zpshcfnhvrf.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Baskin%20Filler%20cap%20flange_zpshcfnhvrf.jpg.htm l)

If you look closely, you'll see the layers of materials... Fiberglass, Gelcoat, Sealant (1 coat), Primer (1 coat), Paint (1 coat), and a thin coat of clear.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/image_zpsbtww1laf.jpeg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/image_zpsbtww1laf.jpeg.html)

Tony has been working the hatch, and though you can't really tell by the pictures, it's very close to being buried in primer. It is fitting very flush with the body and quarters. It's getting there.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/image_zpsr8iklg9k.jpeg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/image_zpsr8iklg9k.jpeg.html)

The material on the sides and top look like filler, but it isn't it fiberglass that was used to build up the hatch to match the body edges. it has been sanded smooth. If you look closely, you will see a couple of areas that are a little lighter in color. That is filler. So we're adding filler to the surface, only to make the fiberglass flat and straight. Most of it is sanded back off.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/image_zpsr4hcedtq.jpeg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/image_zpsr4hcedtq.jpeg.html)

The picture above starts to give a little better perspective of how the hatch is lining up with the roof and quarters. You can see the lower section of the hatch that still needs to be built up. It will be, and the lines will be as tight as what you see in the upper sections. They're still a bit rough right now, but they'll be cleaned up and ready for primer very soon.


In the picture below you can see the smooth transition from the roof to the hatch. Tony's working to blend all of the surfaces of the roof, hatch, pillars, and quarters so that they don't just fit next to each other, but actually flow from one to the other. This is exactly what I was after when Jason and I set out to build a hatch that fits.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/image_zps561sdidf.jpeg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/image_zps561sdidf.jpeg.html)

Now that I've seen the "Why" in terms of stripping the car and re-painting it, now we're about to get into the process of putting paint back on the car. The hood, roof, hatch, and the quarters are close to being ready for the first round of primer. There will be a little more work making sure that the hood lines up as it should, and that the gaps between it and the body (behind the wheels) fits like the rest of the car.

Once everything is straight, and fits, and the gaps are correct, he's going to put the wheels back on the care and put it back on the ground. The wheel openings around the front tires will then be made round, instead of oval.

Then everything gets disassembled for primer. The hood, hatch, and doors will come off.

Tony told me today that the car will have about 5 coats of primer sprayed in total, and then through the blocking processes will more than likely be sanded back to two when it prep is completed. As I said earlier, I'm very happy with how this is coming along.

Mike





(http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/image_zps561sdidf.jpeg.html)

[Taz Rules]

I'm so glad you found a shop where they know what they're doing. I think you'll find this one is worth the money. You know what they say...if you think it's expensive to hire a professional, just try hiring an amateur and see what it ends up costing.

Seriously, this is going to be one incredible piece of art when it's done.

[carbon fiber]

That's the way the hatch was designed, to build up to match the body. Just a reminder too, the bottom of the FFR hatch doesn't need the relief cuts that Mike's paint guy did. The hatch insert can be built up on top to get the smooth lines. Looking forward to seeing it finished, and the new color will look great.

[The Stig]

Hi Jason,

I think the hatch is going to look awesome!

Part of the issue with the roof and the hatch has to do with the way that the body is mounted to the chassis.

If there is any flex in the roof, then you'll have a little to make up for; either on the hatch or the roof. That's why we had to work the hatch in order to get a little more arch in it, to match the body.

He really didn't need to build it up much after that. It was close, and we added a little fiberglass to get it even. Then a bit of filler it make it perfect.

What you see in the picture, is glass smooth.

Mike

[The Stig]

I'm so glad you found a shop where they know what they're doing. I think you'll find this one is worth the money. You know what they say...if you think it's expensive to hire a professional, just try hiring an amateur and see what it ends up costing.

Seriously, this is going to be one incredible piece of art when it's done.

Thanks Ash! You're right, Pandora is going to come out of all this, looking the way she was always meant to.

Mike

[Steven K]

I've been watching your posts since my wife and I met you and your wife at cars and coffee at Northlake a couple of years ago. All I can say is "wow". I am anxious to see it when it is done.

[Charlotte Speed Shop]

Hi,

Glad to see such a following for Mike's GTM. The chrome parts look great and cant wait to see them in person.

[The Stig]

Hi,

Glad to see such a following for Mike's GTM. The chrome parts look great and cant wait to see them in person.

Hi Tony. Speaking of Chrome: I dropped the exhaust by the chrome shop here in Oh. They said that they shouldn't have any trouble getting the tips triple plated and looking show perfect.

They also said that since they had been polished a bit, that it wouldn't take that long to turn them around once they start working on them. So maybe we'll have the exhaust back soon. He's supposed to call me tomorrow to confirm. It was a nice shop. Pretty impressive.

I'll let you know what they say about it.

Mike

[The Stig]

I've been watching your posts since my wife and I met you and your wife at cars and coffee at Northlake a couple of years ago. All I can say is "wow". I am anxious to see it when it is done.

Hi Steve, It's nice to hear from you again. I well remember meeting you and your wife, standing next to that gorgeous White Lamborghini Murcielago. I also remember thinking that I was maybe a couple of months away from being done with my car... Who knew?

I spoke to Steve Kurzman (my interior guy), who told me that Cars & Coffee had been put on hold until they find another venue. It seems that developers are building condos on the parking lot next to the Music Factory, where they were holding the event each month. Bummer.

I haven't heard whether or not they have secured a new location yet. Hopefully it won't take long.

Hope to see you guys, when they do! How is the Cobra coming along? Is it on the same time path that my car has been on?


Take care Buddy!

Mike

[The Stig]

Well crap... I just heard back from the chrome shop (Jon Wright's Custom Chrome Plating) here in OH. Apparently, they can't plate the the tips. They were concerned with getting the chemicals down into the mufflers and clogging them. But they did say that they feel certain that they can polish them up a little better. They're going to block them to try to take some of the waves out of the surface, and then polish them again.

They said that they think that they can have it done before I leave this week to go back to Charlotte. We'll see how it turns out. In any case, they should look a bit brighter when they're done.

Mike

[crash]

I would be cautious about sanding/grinding/polishing on those tips too much. My guess is that the material started out pretty thin to begin with. Every time a machine or sander is taken to those pieces the wall thickness decreases. This is a part that sees quite a bit of vibration, so material thickness could become a problem.

[The Stig]

Hi Mike,

Thanks, and You're right. They said the same thing to me, when they called to say that they didn't think that they should plate the tips. They're cautious of getting too aggressive at all for that very reason. I think what they are actually doing is scuffing it, and then bringing it back to high polish from there. (Or at least that's the goal). These guys are pros, and have a good feel for what can or can't be done. So I'm going to trust them to do their thing.

If they are able to make it look nicer than when I brought it to them, I'll be happy.

Mike

[The Stig]

I spoke to Zachary at CCP. He told me that the reason the tips didn't polish out well the first time, was because they didn't strip the ceramic coating from them. Once they took that coating off, the tips polished up very nicely. He says that the grade of stainless that Kooks used was really nice. The tips are obviously made of thinner metal than the tubes, so he couldn't work them as much as he wanted, in order to make them perfect. But he did say that they're turning out very nice.

When I left Cleveland today, they hadn't finished the second tip yet. He said it would either be later this afternoon or tomorrow morning. So they'll package it up, and ship it to me here in Charlotte, tomorrow. I was really pumped to hear that they were able to bring the exhaust tips to a nice shine. I can't wait to see them.

I can't believe that they we're able to go ahead and get this done this week. I was expecting it to take a few weeks, as most chrome shops tend to run quite a ways out. Advanced Plating told me 18 weeks...

So 3 days is unbelievable to me!

I'll post a couple of pictures, (before / after), when I get the cross pipe back.

Mike

[The Stig]

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_0212_zpsupurh0l3.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_0212_zpsupurh0l3.jpg.html)

The lows behind the front fenders and ahead of the rear fenders, were filled, blocked, and primed. (As a test). The door was blocked to check for highs and lows. You can see the waves after just a light blocking. The doors will be removed and blocked pretty soon. The hood will be removed in order to get to it a little easier. The car is getting close it the first primer and 600 > 800 grit block.

It's still a wake up call, for me, to see this car taken back down to the level that it is in these pictures...

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_0214_zpsklx6obyq.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_0214_zpsklx6obyq.jpg.html)

Still working the hatch. The roof is finished, and ready to be primed.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_0213_zpsyfgtecf7.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_0213_zpsyfgtecf7.jpg.html)

I couldn't resist another picture of the roof-to-hatch transition/line. I know it sounds strange, but this picture pretty much defines one of my best victories over the fight that this car has been throwing at me. It looks like it's supposed to. And it looks like I want it to.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_0215_zps3cpxud1q.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_0215_zps3cpxud1q.jpg.html)

The body is being built up just a bit to match the deck height of the hatch. Smooth as silk. Creating straight and smooth gap lines is the next step.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_0216_zpsotsgkykg.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_0216_zpsotsgkykg.jpg.html)

Another test shot of primer, to get a feel for the blocking that has been done so far on the quarters. I'm looking forward to seeing everything primed and ready for the next block sanding.

It's getting there. Finally! And it's getting there right!


Mike

[carbon fiber]

Looking good. I know it's not quite time for the window but, make sure the Lexan gets sanded really well around the perimeter where it gets painted black. The scratch resistant coating needs to get scuffed up well for the paint to grip. After seeing numerous photos of GTMs with the factory hatch glass, these pics really show the difference. The FFR hatch glass isn't even close to the curve of the body.

[claybags]

Looking good. I know it's not quite time for the window but, make sure the Lexan gets sanded really well around the perimeter where it gets painted black. The scratch resistant coating needs to get scuffed up well for the paint to grip. After seeing numerous photos of GTMs with the factory hatch glass, these pics really show the difference. The FFR hatch glass isn't even close to the curve of the body.

You can say that again!! I'm amazed at how little care was exercised in producing the plugs and molds for the GTM.
cheers, Jeff

[The Stig]

I've had to remind myself a couple of times, that we buy the kits to get us started. I think what you get for the price of entry is a pretty good deal.

I sent my car out for paint and body, because I don't have those skills. But I expect the person/shop that I'm paying, to have the the skills to bring the body and paint up to the level that I paid for.

So now, the second time around, I've found a shop that really knows their stuff. I completely expect my car to match the mental picture that I've had since I first saw the GTM. My expectations may be high, but I believe that Tony is that good.

Mike

[The Stig]

I got the exhaust back from Custom Chrome Plating in Grafton, Oh. And in my oppinion, they look MUCH better!

Before...

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Polished%20Exhaust%2004_zpsikg6cxoq.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Polished%20Exhaust%2004_zpsikg6cxoq.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Polished%20Exhaust%2002_zps8banizr6.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Polished%20Exhaust%2002_zps8banizr6.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Polished%20Exhaust%2001_zpsswwjy0ix.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Polished%20Exhaust%2001_zpsswwjy0ix.jpg.html)

After...

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_0258_zpsfghazfnx.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_0258_zpsfghazfnx.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_0259_zpsaa5reyom.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_0259_zpsaa5reyom.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_0256_zpsdbmomap2.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_0256_zpsdbmomap2.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_0255_zpshe2bwtvp.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_0255_zpshe2bwtvp.jpg.html)

These guys really did a great job!

Mike

[The Stig]

The hood was off the car, and being blocked. We ran into a snag... We were trying to take the lights out of the hood, but it seems that the clips that they are mounted to, won't allow the screws to be backed out so the lights will come out.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_0250_zpso8q4defc.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_0250_zpso8q4defc.jpg.html)

It didn't occur to me until I posted these pictures, but it looks like Pandora's giving us the "Evil Eye(s)".
As Sheldon Cooper says on The Big Bang Theory, "Bit-ches Be Crazy!!!"

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_0249_zpsxd0fyrod.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_0249_zpsxd0fyrod.jpg.html)

Actually, if we can't figure out how to get the lights out without breaking something, they'll just need to be taped up and protected through primer and paint.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_0246_zpsnlqteka9.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_0246_zpsnlqteka9.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_0248_zpsbazmuwix.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_0248_zpsbazmuwix.jpg.html)


I don't want to force it, and break it. Has anyone else tried to take the lights out after they were installed? I can't imagine that I'm the only one to have tried to take these things out. Would you mind sharing the secret? It would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Mike

[RumRunner]

Mike,

The exhaust tips look great! They did a really nice job.

As for the headlights, from my experience, they are very difficult to remove without breaking something. If I recall correctly, they do not unthread all the way out. Also, the plastic retainer clip installed on the body that holds the ball end of the adjustment screws is easy to break if you force the adjustment screws out of them. Ask me how I know :(. I ended up breaking several clips and the fiberglass mounting flange when I took them out to paint. I ended up ordering more of the adjustment screws/clips to replace the broken ones.

My $0.02, just leave them in and tape them off.

Have a good Thanksgiving!

-Michael

[Fraser D]

I have been successful by putting side load on the light in line with the adjuster that you want to remove then prying the plastic piece up while pushing the tabs in with a flat bladed screwdriver.
It is a tedious process but I could remove each light within a minute by using this method for each adjustor.

[JL1958]

Those tips look great.

[The Stig]

Mike,

The exhaust tips look great! They did a really nice job.

As for the headlights, from my experience, they are very difficult to remove without breaking something. If I recall correctly, they do not unthread all the way out. Also, the plastic retainer clip installed on the body that holds the ball end of the adjustment screws is easy to break if you force the adjustment screws out of them. Ask me how I know :(. I ended up breaking several clips and the fiberglass mounting flange when I took them out to paint. I ended up ordering more of the adjustment screws/clips to replace the broken ones.

My $0.02, just leave them in and tape them off.

Have a good Thanksgiving!

-Michael

Thanks Michael, much appreciated. I hope you have a nice Thanksgiving as well.

I have a feeling that's what I'll need to do as well. But first I think I may try Fraser's method and see if it helps.


I have been successful by putting side load on the light in line with the adjuster that you want to remove then prying the plastic piece up while pushing the tabs in with a flat bladed screwdriver.
It is a tedious process but I could remove each light within a minute by using this method for each adjuster.

I'm going to the shop in a couple of hours, and thought I would give this a try. Thank you!


Those tips look great.

Thanks JL. I think they really did a nice job as well. I said in a post a couple of weeks ago, that I won't make recommendations for vendor work any more; but I would honestly send anyone to these guys, if you ever need chrome work done. I saw a good bit of their plating work while I was there, and it is Fantastic. That's why I was bummed when they said that they couldn't plate the tips of the cross pipe. But as you can see, they do excellent metal polishing as well.

Thanks guys!

Mike

[The Stig]

I'm thinking of having my calipers painted a gun metal gray (metallic), Titanium Gray, or Mercedes Silver.
But I'm up for suggestions.

So what do you think?

The "Battleship Gray" powder coat that is currently on them, was the powdercoater's version of gun metal gray...

Mike

[Taz Rules]

Red!!!!!

[The Stig]

Red!!!!!

LOL...! That's what a lot of people have suggested. I like yellow calipers also.

Mike

[The Stig]

The nose of the GTM got it's first coat of primer sprayed back on today.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/GTM%20Nose%20in%20Primer%2001_zpsa5iaqcc0.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/GTM%20Nose%20in%20Primer%2001_zpsa5iaqcc0.jpg.html )

Pandora's "Evil Eyes" have been toned back down by the primer.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/GTM%20Nose%20in%20Primer%2002_zpsdo2qzlzp.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/GTM%20Nose%20in%20Primer%2002_zpsdo2qzlzp.jpg.html )

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/GTM%20Nose%20in%20Primer%2003_zpseqqcxoha.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/GTM%20Nose%20in%20Primer%2003_zpseqqcxoha.jpg.html )

And then a light guide coat. http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/images/smilies/cool.png

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/GTM%20Nose%20in%20Primer%2004_zpsp2vhy4kb.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/GTM%20Nose%20in%20Primer%2004_zpsp2vhy4kb.jpg.html )

Looks like the "finish" blocking process is about to start up! More progress made on the body!

Mike

[The Stig]

While the tanks were out, we had a fitting welded to the bottom for drains. It's not fun to try and get these things out of the car if they still have any fuel at all in them...

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/image_zpsbfpfcctm.jpeg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/image_zpsbfpfcctm.jpeg.html)

Hopefully, I'll never need to remove them again. But if i do, or if I need to drain the fuel system in order to do any work on it, now I can.

Mike

[The Stig]

Sanity Check...

Tony guestimated a couple of months back, that Pandora might be finished by Christmas. Unfortunately, I think we both knew that might be a bit of a push. But it's all good as far as I'm concerned.

We stalled out a little at the end of the year due to Holidays, and the need to maintain a little cash flow for the shop. I expect that when he starts back up after the holidays, Pandora will see some progress. I'm excited to see the detail, quality, and effort that he is putting into making my car the best that it can be. I think that the level of body preparation is going to allow that Carbon Black paint to look 10 feet deep.

Fun times...

Merry Christmas

[dallas_]

Thanks for the update. I keep checking in to see how it's coming. Impressive work and I'm sure it will be worth the wait.

[The Stig]

Thanks for the update. I keep checking in to see how it's coming. Impressive work and I'm sure it will be worth the wait.

It's coming along. Maybe she'll be done this year. ��

[The Stig]

After speaking to Tony this afternoon, it seems that focus is back on Pandora. The Doors are next, so I'm interested seeing how they get worked and corrected. We've talked through a couple of ideas that will help the windows seal without building frames to surround the glass.

When they're done, the entire car will be sprayed with primer to start the "finish" blocking process. He assured me that "Pandora" will be out of her box this year.

I see light at the end of the tunnel, and it's reflecting off of a chromed spray gun. :cool:

Mike

[carbon fiber]

I hope she's feeling more like a keeper now, less like the girl who cheated on you and broke your heart.:p

[The Stig]

I hope she's feeling more like a keeper now, less like the girl who cheated on you and broke your heart.:p

My heart wasn't broken. I was lied to by people that I trusted, and My wallet was pissed off! Multiple times...!

Mike

[The Stig]

Pandora is back on the ground again. The wheels were put back on, and she's back on her feet again. The car was cleaned up a bit to get the dust out of the way.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandora%2001_zpsvc68kqdt.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandora%2001_zpsvc68kqdt.jpg.html)

Getting ready to hit it hard again.

Mike

[WIS89]

Mike-

That's an exciting site right there! I know you must be anxious to see some serious progress, and I hope it happens and exceeds your expectations.

I look forward to checking back and seeing some good stuff.

I hope you and Pam (and Pandora) have an awesome 2016!

Regards,

Steve

[The Stig]

While I was at Tony's shop, I spied what could be my next project.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/62%20Vette%20next%20project_zpson8yaddt.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/62%20Vette%20next%20project_zpson8yaddt.jpg.html)

I've had the thought building a 62 corvette street rod in the back of my head for a while. I love the lines and the look.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1878_zpshtmvkwv4.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1878_zpshtmvkwv4.jpg.html)
Jack Shepherd of Augusta, GA built this one.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/alloway_vette_00001_zpslkjogrbr.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/alloway_vette_00001_zpslkjogrbr.jpg.html)
This one was built by Award Winning custom builder Bobby Alloway, from Louisville, TN.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/1962-chevy-corvette-rear-three-quarter_zpscgoaligj.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/1962-chevy-corvette-rear-three-quarter_zpscgoaligj.jpg.html)

It's a pretty cool look. And there aren't any more 20th anniversary Mk4's available.

Meanwhile, I hope to be able to post some nice progress pictures of Pandora very soon.

Mike

By the way, Tony is asking that I come up with a name that is more positive. Something that reflects the character of the GTM. Right now, she's still Pandora to me. Because every time I get one thing resolved, 3 more become visible. But I do have to agree that we've corrected pretty much everything that could be called issues except the doors and the front wheel openings; and they're next on the list. Maybe when I see her in primer, I'll be able to see past the need to refer to her as Pandora.

[carbon fiber]

That's what I meant Mike, that you would have good feelings when dealing with/thinking about the car. It was sad to hear you talk about selling it after all this. That's also why I wanted to help you out with the hatch, to restore some good feelings.

[JL1958]

I love the 62 Vette.
Pandora is an incredible car and one of a kind. I can see how the bloom could be off the rose, but damn what a car!
I look forward to seeing her completed.

[The Stig]

That's what I meant Mike, that you would have good feelings when dealing with/thinking about the car. It was sad to hear you talk about selling it after all this. That's also why I wanted to help you out with the hatch, to restore some good feelings.

Thanks Jason. I honestly believe that the hatch is going to pull the whole look of the rear of the car together. Picture don't do it justice. But the lines of the car all flow into and through the hatch perfectly. So when Pandora is wearing a coat of carbon black, with multiple coats of show clear, we'll see how awesome the hatch, that you developed for me, looks. I can't wait to post those pictures.

And don't get blown away by the Vette conversation. I just really like the 62 Vette when it's done right. I'm not jumping off of the Factory Five ship. I would imagine that the people who would be willing to pay me what I would want for Pandora, are few and far between. They're out there, but not necessarily right around the corner. So I would imagine that the Charlotte highways will see quite a bit of Pandora in the next few months.

I'm also still planning to try to make it to a few car shows here and there, (including an important one in Wareham). But we'll see how it comes together.

Thanks,

Mike

[The Stig]

I love the 62 Vette.
Pandora is an incredible car and one of a kind. I can see how the bloom could be off the rose, but damn what a car!
I look forward to seeing her completed.

Thank you! I appreciate to kind words. And I can't wait to call it finished as well. I think it's going to look incredible.

It should be fun to take a few 100 mile lunch runs with my wife, and hit a few cars & cappuccino events here and there.

Thanks again,

Mike

[carbon fiber]

It's funny you chose the '62 vette. My brother had an original and wants to build a custom chassis/modern driveline version. He's shying away at the price though, he might end up with a used c5 to play around in instead. Very cool though.4954049541495424954349544These are some cool modernized versions too.

[The Stig]

It's funny you chose the '62 vette. My brother had an original and wants to build a custom chassis/modern driveline version. He's shying away at the price though, he might end up with a used c5 to play around in instead. Very cool though.4954049541495424954349544These are some cool modernized versions too.

The earlier Vettes have always been my soft spot.

Art Morrison has developed a custom chassis for the 62 Vette that allows for the LS drive train, and C5 suspension. I believe that it uses a 3 link rear, so the structure for the C4 IRS would have to be custom built. But once you've done that, you've solved most of the puzzle. I actually started out wanting to do a 63 split-window, but later crossed over to the 62. I just like the look, and you hardly ever see them on the road. Here in Charlotte, we see the 63 - 67 Vettes fairly often. This is just a project that I've kicked around in my head for years: Even before I saw the GTM for the first time. When I learned about the GTM, I knew right away that I wanted to build it, and everything else took a back seat. I pretty much had a picture in my head of what I would build, from the time I first saw it. And we're almost dead on with it.

I'm not sure when I'll be able to do it, but I hope to at some point. I'd still like to build a nice Mk4 roadster with the new IRS as well... :cool:

As far as the GTM, I'm not planning to actively try to sell it. BUT... if someone were to make an offer in the right range, I would consider it. Until then, Pam and I both plan to drive it and enjoy it.

Who knows what will happen next?

Mike

Mike

[jceckard]

You could change her name to Phoenix. She will rise from the dust (ashes) and take flight.

[RumRunner]

You could change her name to Phoenix. She will rise from the dust (ashes) and take flight.

Now that's a good name. Definitely worth considering!

[The Stig]

LOL... Let's hope we don't have to go there. So far it hasn't burned to the ground.

[lrt1941]

Mike if you decide to do a vet check out the srlll chassis. You can go c-4 or c-5 and all parts just bolt in. It is set up for the independent rear suspension. I did one and used a 92 as a donor. It drove real well.
Leonard

[crash]

You could change her name to Phoenix. She will rise from the dust (ashes) and take flight.

I think the FFR PDG GTM has dibs on that one. :(

[Presto51]

By the way, Tony is asking that I come up with a name that is more positive. Something that reflects the character of the GTM. Right now, she's still Pandora to me. Because every time I get one thing resolved, 3 more become visible. But I do have to agree that we've corrected pretty much everything that could be called issues except the doors and the front wheel openings; and they're next on the list. Maybe when I see her in primer, I'll be able to see past the need to refer to her as Pandora.

Hey Mike reference post number 1168 that name is still available and fits to a tee, if I do say so myself :rolleyes:

Ron

[The Stig]

LOL! Yes it does. "Miss Adventure" certainly works. And that may well be who she grows into later. But for me, right now, she is Definitely Pandora.

I am convinced that the story of "Pandora's Box" was conceived all those years ago, with this car in mind. No doubt about it.

I was in Tony's shop talking about work that he had done to flatten the roof. Well it turned out that with the roof fixed, it magnified other areas of the car. So we took a walk around, and sure enough Pandora was starting to peak out from behind the rear fenders and through the doors and into the hood. She was everywhere! And sure enough, as we were talking, Tony asked me "if I knew what I was getting into by reworking and repainting the entire car?"; and continued on to say that we may be opening "Pandora's Box". And that we're going to have to chase the body until we get everything right. That's when I told him that after everything it's been through, the car deserves to be done right. Then we knew what needed to be done, so we started making that happen.

As I was driving home, those words kept ringing in my head. "We're opening Pandora's Box..."

And I thought to myself, "Well, that's nothing knew. We've been doing that for the last couple of years."

So that's when I started calling her Pandora. It just seems to fit her.

As I mentioned, Tony feels that Pandora has come completely out of the box. That's why he thinks it's time for a new name.

But I think she's still in there, peeking out once in a while. And I think she's smiling.

I'll let you know if she starts her transformation that points to her new name. :rolleyes:

Mike

[The Stig]

The Tanks have been reinstalled back into Pandora. Woo Hoo!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Fuel%20Tanks%20Reinstalled%2000_zps6bv2m4fx.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Fuel%20Tanks%20Reinstalled%2000_zps6bv2m4fx.jpg.ht ml)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Fuel%20Tanks%20Reinstalled%2001_zpswhwhzkf1.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Fuel%20Tanks%20Reinstalled%2001_zpswhwhzkf1.jpg.ht ml)

With the tanks notched, The filler hose can now make the turn into the tank without being pinched against the side of the body. Mine were pinched to 1/2" on each side.

Now I should be able to fill the tanks in 3 to 5 minutes max, without worrying too much about fuel being blown back on the paint or on me in the process.

I think it's a necessary modification to make these very well made tanks even better. I feel a lot better about it now.

Mike

[The Stig]

When I heard that Tony had the tanks back in, I thought I would drive up and see what else was going on. The Cold Air Intake runners were disassembled, the cats and cross pipe had already been removed, and he was in the process of re-installing the interior. We ran across a bit of an issue with the way the seats are mounted, but that can be resolved easily enough. (Did I mention that there is a good reason this car is named "Pandora"...?) There is still quite a bit of body filler dust down in the engine crevices, but that'll all be blown out and cleaned back up in time.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_0438_zpsomvwnel4.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_0438_zpsomvwnel4.jpg.html)

Tony said that he was hating me for an hour or so as he put the interior's center section back together... But then I never told him that ANYTHING about this car would be easy. :cool: Pandora makes you EARN every inch of progress.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/GTM%20all%20sealed%20up_zpsnvxc3ypx.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/GTM%20all%20sealed%20up_zpsnvxc3ypx.jpg.html)

He put everything back in but the seats. They'll go back in later. Then she was sealed up tight from the dust and whatever else might be floating around.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/12573866_577240622425043_2529624818577865755_n_zps 3zxhl5jd.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/12573866_577240622425043_2529624818577865755_n_zps 3zxhl5jd.jpg.html)

He says he plans to push pretty hard next week. So I'm excited to see how things develop.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_0397%20925492_zpsqzjdj4dt.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_0397%20925492_zpsqzjdj4dt.jpg.html)

It looks like my "new friend" is headed back home, for now...

Mike

[tucker298]

I always enjoy your updates and pics, I've followed this thread for awhile now through the up and downs up the build, I'll be happy for you to see her finished .......but a little sad that the story of Pandora is over lol so keep the updates coming even after she's finally complete!

[The Stig]

I always enjoy your updates and pics, I've followed this thread for awhile now through the up and downs up the build, I'll be happy for you to see her finished .......but a little sad that the story of Pandora is over lol so keep the updates coming even after she's finally complete!

LOL... That's the thing about Pandora: The story never seems to be over. Most of the time that's a good thing, and once and a while it isn't. Right now things are good. I have a feeling that she'll be in primer before long, and we'll be getting ready for the paint to be sprayed.

And don't worry, her dance card for the next year is filling up quick. It should be fun. But as always, we'll see how things work out. This is Pandora after all. I'll keep you posted.

I really appreciate the kind words. And by the way, I'm quietly following your build as well. It looks like you'll have an impressive car when you finish her up!

Mike

[Kempo]

Getting closer Mike!!!! Hope this time it all works out the way you hope. The mod on those tanks are really a must. Spending 15 minutes at the pump is not as fun as driving the car. The drain at the bottom is another nice addition. I had to drain mine twice to make some chages in the fuel system and was a pain. That drain would have taken at least 20 minutes of that job. Keep the updates coming.

[The Stig]

Getting closer Mike!!!! Hope this time it all works out the way you hope. The mod on those tanks are really a must. Spending 15 minutes at the pump is not as fun as driving the car. The drain at the bottom is another nice addition. I had to drain mine twice to make some changes in the fuel system and was a pain. That drain would have taken at least 20 minutes of that job. Keep the updates coming.

Hello Hugo. It's great to see you around the forum again. The tanks were pinching the filler hose to the point that it was almost closed. There may have been about a 1/2" opening left for the fuel to pass through. I had never really noticed it so much, because I always poured fuel in from a gas can. I've never been to a gas station in the GTM. I can only imagine how bad that would have blown back if I tried to open the fuel nozzle to even half speed.

Tony noticed the kink in both hoses, and proposed a notch in each tank to allow room for the filler hose to connect to the tanks without being pinched. He offered take the tanks over to his "shop-neighbor" who is a machinist and welder. Basically he cut the notch about 2" in, and that cured the bend to the tank. It fits perfectly now.
When he pulled the tanks out of the car, he apparently ran into the same issues that you did. He drained as much fuel out of each tank as he could, but it was still next to impossible to take them out of the car without spilling some. So the drains became necessary. Each tank will have a drain in the bottom/center of the tank. There will be a 1 1/2" circle cut out of the steel panel below them, to gain access to the drain plug. There will be a 1 1/2" plug to fit the hole, and keep it closed up from the bottom side.

All in all, it seems to work pretty well.

So... 161 in the 1/2 mile run? Not too shabby. That car must track like it's on rails to run it at those speeds.

Congrats Buddy! Keep in touch.

Mike

[dreabrown]

Mike,
Great to see some progress made on "pandora". Get 'er done and then decide on a new name. Once she's finished the right name wlll surface.

I'm anxious to see your GTM moving forward so Tony can start paying some attention to mine. The only sight I get of my GTM #357 is in the background of his shop, bagged and waiting for work to start. Looking for my first full ride in my GTM in the next few months if Tony can pay her some attention. I'm being patient but its been hard to walk out into my empty garage for the last 90 days after living with this all consuming project for over 4 years. Take some pics of my ride next time your in the shop!

EB
Columbia, SC

[The Stig]

Hi Eric.

I know exactly what you're feeling. I feel as though my car has been out of the garage much more than it has been in the garage in the past couple of years. It tends to make you feel disconnected from the project after a while. I haven't been to the shop in a couple of weeks (due to travel & weather). But I'll get a couple of pictures of your car when I go back. Probably tomorrow. Hang in there.

Mike

[The Stig]

A little more progress is being made.

A little bondo was ground out and smoothed back into the hatch. Body/Hatch Gaps have been straightened and finished.
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Rear%20Hatch%20Gap%20work_zps0ktlubmw.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Rear%20Hatch%20Gap%20work_zps0ktlubmw.jpg.html)

A cut in the upper hatch was fixed and reshaped. And the underside of the hatch is pretty much done.
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Rear%20Hatch%20fix_zpsmnjy2xf0.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Rear%20Hatch%20fix_zpsmnjy2xf0.jpg.html)

Mike

[awd-turbo]

Who is tony? and where might I find him? I am in the charlotte area... well mount holly ha =)

[The Stig]

Tony Kutas (Owner)
Charlotte Speed Shop
8702 Statesville Rd., Unit K
Charlotte, NC 28269

(980) 322-5895

https://www.facebook.com/Charlotte-Speed-Shop-279254132223695/

I'm sure that he'd love to talk to you about your project. He's located near the Harris Blvd exit of I-77.

Mike

[The Stig]

More work finishing up the hatch.

The edges have been worked in order to have a razor straight edge.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_0545%2016948_zps03nkvjv2.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_0545%2016948_zps03nkvjv2.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_0544%2016946_zpsqbivzsrb.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_0544%2016946_zpsqbivzsrb.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_0543%2042306_zps15auhy19.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_0543%2042306_zps15auhy19.jpg.html)

The body around the hatch has been finish worked in order to give a "paint-stick" gap all the way around. Tony did say that there are a couple of places that he still needs to give a little more attention. But for the most part, it's pretty much done, and 99.9% ready for primer.

It looks like there is a lot of body filler being used. But actually, the panels have been built up using fiberglass, and then sanded flat. This help to maintain strength, and prevent the paint from cracking from stress, over time. The filler was then thinly skimmed across the surface where needed, in order to make the panels even smoother.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_0538%2016921_zpstk5kmxcz.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_0538%2016921_zpstk5kmxcz.jpg.html)

By the time we go two or three rounds of primer and blocking, the panels will be as smooth as silk; and ready for the painting process.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_0542%2042304_zps5xwradax.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_0542%2042304_zps5xwradax.jpg.html)

Yep... I like the way it's coming along.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_0541%2042302_zpsxtjw01lr.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_0541%2042302_zpsxtjw01lr.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_0540%2042300_zpsafpyyrfn.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_0540%2042300_zpsafpyyrfn.jpg.html)

I love the straight lines that are going to form the gaps.

The hatch has been on and off and on and off again many times as it has been surfaced / blocked with the body in order to generate a perfectly flat transition (flow) from one panel to the next. And with the 3/16" gap, and carbon black paint, the gaps will seem to literally disappear when viewed from some angles.

The edges will be slightly rounded to get rid of the sharp edges.

Progress is good!

Mike

[tucker298]

Can't wait to see the new color on her! I really like your color choice. I'm concerned that after she's done you'll miss the challenge of the build, in the event that happens come on down to southern pines and grab a wrench ha!

[The Stig]

Can't wait to see the new color on her! I really like your color choice. I'm concerned that after she's done you'll miss the challenge of the build, in the event that happens come on down to southern pines and grab a wrench ha!

LOL! Thanks Tucker. I think she's going to look awesome when she's done. I'm getting more excited every week. As far as future projects, I don't think the tools are going to collect too much dust.

I have plans in the works for another project to follow this one. I know that there will be a Mk4 in my garage at some point. I'm also pretty sure that there will be a 62 Corvette in the Garage. I'm also fairly certain that I'll be building an SLC or GTR from RCR. And in the back of my mind, I can't seem to shake the thought of building a really nice Type 65.

So, no matter what, there will be something happening in my garage for some time to come: and Factory Five will continue to be a large part of it. :cool: I love the company and I love the people there and here on the forum.

And you never know... Pam and I may just make a shake down run in the GTM to your area. If we do, I'll let you know.

Mike

[tucker298]

Don't threaten me with a good time! Lol and I think it would be great for my better half (Ellie Mae) to see what a GTM can look like when it's done.......heck me too, the only GTM ive ever seen in person is in my garage and its in pieces.

[The Stig]

No tempting or threats. Maybe, once I get her finished up, we can get together at some point and get you into the seat. I think that will bring the same focus to your build as it did to mine. We'll see if we can make that happen.

Mike

[The Stig]

Looks like Tony's Jeep is coming along nicely. Glad to see that he is making progress on his restoration, but it really wasn't the picture that I wanted to see when I logged into his company face book site. March 4, is getting here quick. I sure don't see the car (Pandora) being done by then. There is a LOT of work that still needs to be done before this car is done. The paint on his Jeep sure looks nice though...

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/image_zpsu93rffex.jpeg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/image_zpsu93rffex.jpeg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/image_zps58ufmzle.jpeg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/image_zps58ufmzle.jpeg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/image_zpsix1dgmvl.jpeg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/image_zpsix1dgmvl.jpeg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/image_zpskojwzjv5.jpeg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/image_zpskojwzjv5.jpeg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/image_zpsbonow2wg.jpeg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/image_zpsbonow2wg.jpeg.html)


Mike

[The Stig]

I was corrected when I stopped by the shop today. Tony tells me that this is a project owned by another customer who is a member of the 1 year club. :rolleyes:

I did get to see an example of the brand of clear that will eventually be used on my car. I do have to say: he does some amazing paint work. The paint on the jeep was a standard type base coat. The clear was a very high-end clear. The reflection on the hood of the Jeep was as close to perfect as you can imagine. And it hadn't been cut/buffed. This clear just lays on like polished glass.

Pandora's going to be well dressed when she finally steps out into the public eye.

Mike

[JL1958]

I wish he would hurry up with your car. The suspense is killing me! :)

[The Stig]

I wish he would hurry up with your car. The suspense is killing me! :)

You and me both...

[The Stig]

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/GTM%20030416%2001_zps9kdrrbzr.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/GTM%20030416%2001_zps9kdrrbzr.jpg.html)

Tony cleaned the car up a bit, moved it over to the paint side of the shop... We spent a bit of time going over his schedule and plan to get the doors going. They're not going to be easy, but we knew that they would be the hardest part of the project...

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/GTM%2003042016%2007_zpsw404axel.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/GTM%2003042016%2007_zpsw404axel.jpg.html)

The name Pandora is really about to get a work out. Changing one part or position of the door makes it mandatory to make another change, and then another change until you catch up with your tail. So here we go... The A-post triangle will be carefully cut out and moved. The window will be brought out a bit, in order to allow it to seal against the a-pillar. This means that the window tracks will need to be adjusted to allow the glass to close up and seal. When the front of the glass is sitting where we want it, the rear of the glass will be positioned to fit snug at the top rear, against the seal. The B-pillar will built up a little to get the rear seal at the correct distance from the glass. This step by step approach should get a perfect seal around the outer edge of the glass. The lower door/window opening will be worked a little, to provide a mounting ridge to install a seal at the lower window door edge. This should finish off the window seal.

Then the seals for the doors themselves will be added. Tony is a BMW fan. And the door seals will be installed in pretty much the same fashion as the higher end BMW door seals. That will keep wind noise down as much as possible, This should give Pandora's windows a very OEM look & feel.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/GTM%2003042016%2008_zpslu5rx228.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/GTM%2003042016%2008_zpslu5rx228.jpg.html)

The hood will be back on soon, and realigned to meet the doors. Once that is done, we'll correct the gap around the tires to get rid of the oval shape at the rear of the tire that can cause a pinch in the tire's clearance at times.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/GTM%2003042016%2010_zpsiqzit2ci.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/GTM%2003042016%2010_zpsiqzit2ci.jpg.html)

And I don't know what it is, but no matter how hard we tried, we couldn't get the rear hatch to fit... :cool: Maybe after some sleep, we'll take another look at it.

More progress is right around the corner, so stay tuned.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/GTM%2003042016%2009_zpspcvxotiz.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/GTM%2003042016%2009_zpspcvxotiz.jpg.html)

Mike

[The Stig]

See...? Progress!

Feathered door ends to add fiberglass and build them up.
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/GTM%20Doors%20030716%2001_zpsdb0zgjpw.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/GTM%20Doors%20030716%2001_zpsdb0zgjpw.jpg.html)

Here we go...!
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/GTM%20Doors%20030716%2002_zpsxeyehkkb.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/GTM%20Doors%20030716%2002_zpsxeyehkkb.jpg.html)

I don't know about you, but this looks good to me! :)

By the way, I'm sure that Tony probably had a secret bet with someone as to how long it would take me to post these two pictures that he sent to me this afternoon.

Pandora needs see progress, so this is a step in the right direction.

Mike

[The Stig]

I stopped by the shop and spoke to Tony about rounding out the front wheel openings to get rid of the "egg" shape behind each wheel. We also talked about a solution to resolve the issue of the door opening into the front fender at the lower 90 degree angle. I don't really want a chip in the paint or a crack in the fiberglass when someone opens the door and lets it swing too wide...

So he told me what he was thinking and in the process made me nervous... but after thinking about it, and looking the car over from all angles, I realized that he was right. So I told him to go ahead with it. It's actually going to make the close out panel in the fender well make more sense.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_0618_zpsmky1ixoz.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_0618_zpsmky1ixoz.jpg.html)

I ordered a couple of parts to try as far as window seals. I think the results will look very nice and give the car a more "OEM" look. When they are mocked up, and if I get the chance to take pictures, I'll share them and the part numbers. Of course they require more internal modifications to the doors. But I'll go into more detail about that when I actually have something to show.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_0626_zpsgetpid4e.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_0626_zpsgetpid4e.jpg.html)

I took this picture as a visual reference for the body lines for the side intake "scoops". I really hadn't noticed until Tony mentioned it, but there are only a few right angles in the entire design of the car.

Mike

[RumRunner]

I don't really want a chip in the paint or a crack in the fiberglass when someone opens the door and lets it swing too wide...



Mike,

I used door check rods off a 2004-2012 Mitsubishi Galant. They keep the doors from swinging too wide and holds them open as well. Just like an OEM car. I think I paid about $25 per side and they work beautifully. Simple solutions often work best :p.

-Michael

[The Stig]

Hi Michael,

Thank you. I have a set from a Porsche 944 that look like they'll work well. The issue that I have is that I need the door to open to a certain point in order to climb out of the car. With the door where it is, I am not able to open it to that point without it coming into contact with the lower point of the front fender. We're getting there with it.

Mike

[The Stig]

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_0656_zpswvverra1.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_0656_zpswvverra1.jpg.html)

Pandora's Getting her Gaps set to a much more consistent look and feel. Tony is working to tighten the gaps as much as possibly makes sense.
At the same time, he's building up low spots to make surface to surface transitions absolutely as flat as possible.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_0657_zpsjbjdl8tl.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_0657_zpsjbjdl8tl.jpg.html)

The rear edge of the door is nice and straight. It'll get just a bit of fine tuning, but the lines are arrow straight. The picture is a little deceiving. There are a couple of spots that look wavy. But when I saw them in person, the were pretty much perfect.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_0661_zpsng5ky8rh.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_0661_zpsng5ky8rh.jpg.html)

Crisp lines, near perfect gaps, black paint, and a reflection that looks back at you from 10 feet withing the panels... Pandora's going to break some hearts!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_0658_zpsfcpsmfdw.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_0658_zpsfcpsmfdw.jpg.html)

I mentioned earlier that there is a bit of contact at the bottom of the door. The door can be clearanced by relieving the rear edge of the fender by maybe 1/4" to 3/8", and then blended back into the line of the rear edge of the fender. You will also see a wider line that shows more of a radius from the lower edge of the door, and swooping back up to the hood and upper door line.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_0659_zpsukjijnc3.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_0659_zpsukjijnc3.jpg.html)

The idea is to mimic the radius at the upper rear of the door/ air scoop. For whatever reason, I can't seem to wrap my head around this one. In my mind's eye, it makes an hourglass of the section of the fender panel, which changes how m eye sees the whole door.

From the beginning, my concept for this car has been to stick as close to the original Factory Five design as much as possible; because quite frankly, that's the design that I fell in love with, and I'm not sure that changes that I could make, would be an improvement.

Tony and I talked about it again today, and he suggested that we relieve the fender edge just enough to clear the door, call it done, and then move on. That brought my comfort level back into normal opperating range.

What are your thoughts?

Thanks,

Mike



(http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_0659_zpsukjijnc3.jpg.html)

[The Stig]

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_0660_zpsmorm9eos.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_0660_zpsmorm9eos.jpg.html)

From this angle, you get a better sense of how nice the gaps are. I really like the line running from the door into the side scoop. There is a very small section that will need to built up just a little, in order to make the flow from the door to the rear fender absolutely flat and seamless.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_0662_zpscmwqstlk.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_0662_zpscmwqstlk.jpg.html)

I can not wait to see Pandora in her Carbon Black paint. The paint reflections will be as much as part of the look as the paint and the lines themselves. I'm getting pretty pumped up to see it all come together.

I think she is turning out to be worth the wait... :cool:

Mike

[crash]

My thoughts are that I have never really liked the way the interface is there by the front of the door. Not only are there issues with door clearance, but the way the hood intersects with the door and fender lines makes it look like the hood was an after thought in the build process. There is no flow to the body lines there. That said, because of the way the hood sits on top of the body in that location, I think I would make sure that you look at the lines with the hood installed because otherwise you are likely to compound this issue by introducing more line angles by changing the front fender. In other words, in my opinion, you may need to continue the change in body lines that you have drawn there all the way up into where the hood interfaces that body panel in order for it to look right.

All these details with the body are not individually extremely important, but, collectively, they make a huge first impression difference.

Personally, I have changed the doors and fenders in that area so that the hood properly interfaces with the other body parts. But, of course, what is "proper" is simply what I care for, and may not work for you.

BTW, the area of the door that you are working at the rear, where it interfaces with the rear scoop air inlet panel...well, I had made some significant changes to that area but never really liked the multiple angles that were again present there, so last night I got the sawz all out and completely removed that recessed door panel. From front fender to rear air inlet that panel is now being completely redone. I thought about this modification for probably 6 months to a year now, and finally yesterday got up the nerve to actually plug in the sawz all. Painful, but liberating all at once.

[crash]

Here's a couple of pics from the last couple of days work...

5186651867

[GTMsomeday]

I guess this is what the jeep will look like. Sorry to post but had too after I saw the jeep pics. This is the first car/thing I restored. Love Jeeps. But GTMs more!

[The Stig]

Wow... That looks just like the color that was on the jeep in the shop. So it was you that I've been waiting on !!!?!?!!! :rolleyes:

[GTMsomeday]

LOL Please don't blame me! LOL That project was ten years ago. I love jeeps -I hate rust. But the color is spot on. Ill go back to lurking now.;)

[The Stig]

LOL Please don't blame me! LOL That project was ten years ago. I love jeeps -I hate rust. But the color is spot on. Ill go back to lurking now.;)

Yeah, Yeah, Yeah... :cool:

Nice Jeep!

Mike

[The Stig]

I really like to post pictures of progress that has been made on Pandora. Tony has really made a lot of progress
... Block sanding the body to start getting it flat for primer;
... Fitting the rear hatch to the body,
... and then fitting the body to the hatch
... and then setting the tight gaps around it

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_0714_zpsf0e88lzn.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_0714_zpsf0e88lzn.jpg.html)

...Setting the gaps at the rear of the driver side door and rear fender/scoop.

So with him being the perfectionist that he strives to be, he felt that a little tweaking of the lower curve at the bottom of the door was needed in order to get the gap just as it should be, as well as making sure that the panels are level with each other. So when it's done, even the curves will be straight.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_0715_zpszva40apj.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_0715_zpszva40apj.jpg.html)

When she's done, she'll be ready for the bright lights at the hand full of car shows that I'd like to take her to.


http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_0713_zpsjc7w68s7.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_0713_zpsjc7w68s7.jpg.html)

So at this pace, I should be ready to take the car to the Factory Five open house, in 2017, or 18, or 19... some time.

It looks like I'm going to have plenty of time to do a couple of other mini projects on her while the body prep is being done. So I've decided to go ahead an rebuild the entire suspension with new parts. New adjustable upper arms in front (from Michael Jimenez). New knuckles at each corner. New upper and lower ball joints. New toe links and rod ends. New Tie Rods and bump-steer kits front and rear. New SKF Bearing/Hub assemblies from Pfadt Race Engineering at all four corners.

And after reading through John's post about shock upgrade that he just made to his car, I thought about taking the plunge into a full set of Ohlins dual adjustable shocks. But I don't think they will fit with the Ram Lift Pro system. By the time I fit the hydraulic lift pucks into the coil-over space on the front shocks, there wouldn't be much room for a coil spring. So I'm taking another look at a set of Penske dual adjustable coil over shocks.

The control arms, uprights, toe link bars and tie rods will all be powder coated Ferrari Silverstone Gray metallic. I would like to pull the axles and have them coated in the same color, but I don't really want to go through the trouble of disassembly. just to powder coat them. (But it would make them look much nicer).

And I think that I would like to pull the brake calipers, and have them either painted or powder coated either Silverstone Gray or Black, with "FACTORY FIVE RACING" stenciled in either Silver or Black (depending on the color of the calipers), in a curve that follows the shape of the calipers. I think that would look a little better than the battleship gray powder coat that they were done in, after I had asked for medium charcoal metallic.

If I do get the Penske shocks, I may have the shock bodies powder coated the same color as the calipers, and the springs done in the same color as the arms. (If I can do it without causing issues with the spring adjustment threads)... That may be a headache better left alone, now that I think though it.

I figure that I can do the work and get everything complete, and then switch all the parts out either at Tony's shop one weekend, or in my garage when she is finished there. That way it becomes a weekend project once everything is ready.

What's a few more days, or weeks, or months...?

I bought Pandora from Reginald Herd on August 20, 2009. I had a pretty comprehensive plan that looked like I could build her the way I wanted to, in about 2 1/2 to 3 years. LOL...!$%$#%! I'm so funny sometimes...

8/20/2009 - 3/28/2016: 6 years and 7 months, and counting.

I spent about a year working on the chassis. Then I sent the car to Jeff Collins at Whitby Motorcars... He kept it for about a year.

Then after I got her back home, she still need the wiring to be finished, so I sent her to Courty Stone in Charlotte. He kept her for 4 months, charged me $2500.00, and pretty much did NOTHING that I asked him to do.

Then she went to The Custom Stitching Co, to have a full custom interior (and have the wiring finished). 3rd time's the charm? Steve had her for about another year.

When she left Steve's she went straight to Exclusive Motorwerks to have the suspension dialed in as much as we could, knowing that she would be back when the new upper arms go on. Lou had her for about a month.

From there she came home for a month until Tony had an open slot in his shop. She was going in to just have a few scratches fixed... We figured it would be easy enough. Lexus Indigo Ink Pearl is a fairly common paint code to mix, match, and blend in. And it probably would have been, if Jeff had painted my car Lexus Indigo Ink Pearl like I asked. I do remember thinking that the car was a little lighter shade than I was expecting. When I got the call from Tony that the color on the car wasn't what I had been told, that was the confirmation of what I thought may have been the case. And at that point I had pretty much had enough... I was sick of being forced to compromise, even when these people were being paid well to do what I had asked them to do on my car.

One thing led to another, and I decided that she was going to be done they way she should have been in the first place. Of course that meant that I would have to pay to have the work done again, which made me mad again, but after I got past that, it was just another day... Tony came to my house to pick Pandora up and take her to his shop on March 4, 2015. So he's had her for a little more than a year so far.

Whitby, 1 year
Courty, 4 months
Steve, 1 year
Lou, 1 month
Tony, 1 year

So, out of 6 years and 7 months that I've owned my GTM, shes been in other peoples shops for 3 years and 5 months. Which means that she was actually in my garage for 3 years and 2 months.

So the point of all of this, is that I'm tired of feeling cut off from my car and my build. So I'm taking steps to rectify the last compromise made with Pandora: the suspension. At least this will give me a change to get my hands back into the project, and I can see some progress that I will show later on the streets.

This wasn't the update that I hoped to be writing, but it is what it is. With that said (repeated), the silver lining is that this car will absolutely correct and true to my vision of her when she is finally done. She'll look the way I saw her in my head on that first day, and she'll drive and handle the way I had hoped all through the 7 years of working and waiting to simply be able to drive her.

Tune in next week and maybe we'll see a little mud on the front driver's side fender ahead of the door.

Mike

[wirenut]

Man, that is a hard read. Not what anybody signs up for when starting one of these projects. My heart goes out to you. (and your wallet.)

Really respect you for staying the course and getting it right. I would have lost patients around year 3.6.

Just a general question, why do these shops take cars when they do not have the resources to finish the project in a timely manner? Seems like a recipe for unhappy customers. Which nowadays with the internet it gives customers a reason to vent online. (See exhibit "A" ^^^^^) I notice Whitby was commenting at the top of the thread when things were good and has now gone radio silent.

Good luck man. Can't wait until you can show us a finished car.

-Another Mike

[The Stig]

Man, that is a hard read. Not what anybody signs up for when starting one of these projects. My heart goes out to you. (and your wallet.)

Really respect you for staying the course and getting it right. I would have lost patients around year 3.6.

Just a general question, why do these shops take cars when they do not have the resources to finish the project in a timely manner? Seems like a recipe for unhappy customers. Which nowadays with the internet it gives customers a reason to vent online. (See exhibit "A" ^^^^^) I notice Whitby was commenting at the top of the thread when things were good and has now gone radio silent.

Good luck man. Can't wait until you can show us a finished car.

-Another Mike

I think more often than not, people who are building the GTM have built other cars, whether they were Factory Five, or muscle cars that they restored in some way. Many of them work as mechanics and/or body repair. The short of it is that they have deeper skills than some of the others here. Those that don't tend to know what they can and can't do confidently, and they send their cars out to shops to help them get through the parts that they can't. Obviously for me that was wiring and body work/paint. I don't pretend to be in this boat alone. There are quite a few of us who get put on a shelf, and forced to wait on work that may or may not be to the level of quality that they paid for. It's a shame that shop owners go out of their way to do this to their customers.

I would take cars back to Steve at The Custom Stitching Co., and to Tony at Charlotte Speed Shop, because they do very nice work, and although neither is inexpensive, I feel that I'm getting what I asked for and paid for.

I guess the reason for this recent post is that I opened a thread about people who were planning to go to Huntington Beach Cruise-in, and it got me thinking again.

The very unofficial PRE HB CRUISE AND BBQ!!!
http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?20333-The-very-unofficial-PRE-HB-CRUISE-AND-BBQ!-Friday-April-29th-2016

I wanted to go last year very badly. But couldn't because I decided to have the entire body reworked to get it done they way I thought it should have been. Then the FFR Open House came up, and I still wasn't ready. The Charlotte Auto Fair (Spring & Fall) passed. So I pretty much wrote off the rest of the year, thinking that it would be ready for 2016.

So when I read David Hodgkin's thread about upcoming events for the HBCI, I figured this was another year that I would have to sit out. And it really bums me out. But it is what it is.

As far as your question regarding why shop owners take in work that they can't cover in the period of time that they promised, who the heck knows? I think that they see these cars and think that it would be cool to work on them, not realizing what is really involved. The GTM body is not like working on Mustang or Camaro bodies... At all... So they have time in them that they don't want to bill you for, but they also need to keep the doors open, so they stop working on your car to go to a quick hit. And then another quick hit. And then another... Then when you show up to check on "progress", they get their reminder that you've paid quite a bit to not have your car further along, and they start working on it a little more until the next quick hit comes...

Once they have your car, you're at their mercy in a sense, until you decide whether or not you want to pull the car or not. Tony does excellent work, so I'm not ready to pull the car. Am I frustrated? Yep. This has been quite the learning experience for the next build.

Whitby had me for $40k. ($14.400 for paint & body, and an additional $25,500 for wiring and a hand full of chassis items). Courty Stone took me for $2500 more for wiring that was incredibly bad and had to be pulled out and reworked for yet a third time. My interior work came in at around $27.5 k, which I was happy to pay because I got exactly what I asked for. And Tony is reworking the body and paint, and is doing an excellent job with it. Slow, but very good. Dollar wise for the body, I'm pretty close to what Whitby charged me to do it the first time. (So between them and Tony I expect to have around 30k in paint and body work). But at least now it is being done right.

I'll have paid almost as much in Body work, Interior, and Wiring as most people have in their entire build... And after almost 7 years, she still isn't finished.

All I know is that if I tried to run my business they way others seem to be able to, I would have been out of business in 6 months or less.

So the post wasn't meant to solicit sympathy.

I'm just very disconnected from my build project and have been for years now, and the feeling is wearing quite thin.

I just needed to vent a little. (again)

Mike

Oh... and as far as my patience to stick with it, my wife calls it pure stubbornness that increases as I get mad... I get to a point where I'm not going to let something or someone beat me. And they usually don't. And that's about the time that my wife reminds me how much it "cost me to not be beaten"...

Oh well.

[carbon fiber]

I've been watching a long time, it's almost there. I know you're bummed about missing shows and events you've planned but I think there's going to be a point when you get the car back when that magic feeling will hit you. I don't think it will be at a show where people are drooling over it or being surrounded at the gas station. It'll be one sunny day and you take the car out by yourself (on a winding back road) when everything's finished/buffed/new suspension and the reason you did this car will hit you, hard in the back. Use all the things you've learned to better future projects.

[Roger Reid]

...So I'm taking another look at a set of Penske dual adjustable coil over shocks...

I can look up the info on my Penske's if you wish. http://www.ffcars.com/forums/2434395-post19.html

[The Stig]

Hi Roger.

I appreciate it. I am trying to make a decision between the 8300 dual adjustable, with remote reservoir, or the 7500 dual adjustable coil-overs. 8300's have more adjustability that I think would be useful to get each corner of the GTM truly dialed in. That's probably the direction that I'll end up going, but we'll see.

Obviously Penske has a strong presence here in Charlotte, and has a couple of places that they work through here. RE-Suspension, being one. I've spoken with them in the past, so when the time is right, I'll go down and work with them to build a set of shocks that make sense for the car, and then get the suspension tuned and balanced.

Please send what you have. I believe in having as much info as possible.

Thank you Roger.

Mike

[GoDadGo]

To The Stig:
I want to let you know how much I appreciate the blood sweat & tears, plus a lot of money that has gone into this Quest for the ultimate GTM. While I'd never dream of tackling a build this big, I can truly appreciate the amazing effort and your ability to not give up.

To The Rest Of The Forum:
You need to start from the beginning and see this entire journey for it is impressive.

Steve >>> aka: GoDadGo

[The Stig]

To The Stig:
I want to let you know how much I appreciate the blood sweat & tears, plus a lot of money that has gone into this Quest for the ultimate GTM. While I'd never dream of tackling a build this big, I can truly appreciate the amazing effort and your ability to not give up.

To The Rest Of The Forum:
You need to start from the beginning and see this entire journey for it is impressive.

Steve >>> aka: GoDadGo

Wow... Thank you Steve.

But this really isn't so much about building the ultimate GTM as it is about building it to the level that I think the car deserves. From the beginning, I've been a tremendous fan of the design that Jim Schenk and the guys came up with for the GTM. That's exactly why you have only seen me change 1 thing that has to do with the body and that was the rear hatch, and how it will vent trapped hot air out of the upper engine bay. I decided from the start that I was going to build the car as Factory Five designed it, (except for the interior). Are there things that I wish were a little easier to resolve? Absolutely! But I still believe that Factory Five gave us all a great head-start on what for many will be the project of a lifetime.

But having said that, I truly understand other peoples desire to make the car more their own in terms of look and feel. None of us are going to finish with exactly the same car, even if we tried. But hopefully each of us will be able to take the build to that point that we envisioned when we bought into moving forward with the project.

I think I'm getting pretty close to achieving mine, and based on the builds that have been documented here, I'm sure that others here have achieved theirs as well.

I have to keep reminding myself, that no one said that this would be easy and/or without frustration.

Thank you again for the compliments of the efforts and results so far of my project build. We'll have a finished car before long, that I'll post some "graduation" photos of.

And I also have 3 Go-Pro video cameras that I plan to put to good use when the time comes.

Mike

[GoDadGo]

While I'd love to build a GTM, the skills and pocket book won't allow it, but I'm hoping to do a Type 65 Coupe if my MK-4 turns out well. At least the chassis and wiring are the same. I'll just have to look at the GTM's, but if we ever meet, I will definitely bug you for a ride. Can't wait to see the graduation pics. Good Luck & Stay Motivated!

[The Stig]

I've been watching a long time, it's almost there. I know you're bummed about missing shows and events you've planned but I think there's going to be a point when you get the car back when that magic feeling will hit you. I don't think it will be at a show where people are drooling over it or being surrounded at the gas station. It'll be one sunny day and you take the car out by yourself (on a winding back road) when everything's finished/buffed/new suspension and the reason you did this car will hit you, hard in the back. Use all the things you've learned to better future projects.

Hello Jason!

There is one thing that I know for sure, I am going to love the way the new hatch will look when she's finished. Thank you for making that piece for me. The pictures that I've posted along the way don't really do it justice. Tony has it fitting perfectly, and the panels are glass smooth with some really sweet gaps. I think you're going to like it also.

When Pandora is finished, I'll be taking drives around Charlotte with Pam, so I'll have contain myself a little. But when I have the chance to take off for a couple of hours, I have a couple of nice roads that I plan to introduce her to... :)

I appreciate the positive point of view. It's a shame that I have to remind myself to think that way about the whole process.

Take care Buddy.

Mike

[The Stig]

Tony sent a couple of pictures of the driver's side door... :) It seems that he spent some time working on Pandora.


The upper gap between the leading edge of the door, and the front fender is being tightened up quite a bit. Build it up, and gap it out.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/GTM%20Door%20leading%20edge%201_zpsfza8buia.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/GTM%20Door%20leading%20edge%201_zpsfza8buia.jpg.ht ml)


The trailing edge of the front fender has been relieved just enough to allow the door to open without contact with the fender.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Fender%20Rear%20edge%203_zpsjtewbczt.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Fender%20Rear%20edge%203_zpsjtewbczt.jpg.html)


The rear door post is being re-shaped a little in order to allow the upper and rear edge to fit flush with roof and the rear quarter glass for a nice smooth flow from door to window.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/GTM%20Door%20rear%20post%202_zpseu6bqefk.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/GTM%20Door%20rear%20post%202_zpseu6bqefk.jpg.html)


There is another update, but I think I'll wait to show this one until I've actually seen it in person and spoke to Tony. I like the concept, but I think we may need to talk about it a little.

Mike

[The Stig]

It looks like Pandora's driver's side is coming along...

The panel gaps are nice and tight with about 3/16" making them almost invisible. I can imagine that when the car is painted Carbon Black Metallic, they will pretty much disappear.

You can follow the body line from the front fender along the door ridge and into the scoop. It looks like a nice crisp straight line!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/GTM%20Driver%20Side%20with%20Hood_zpskm7bbxpo.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/GTM%20Driver%20Side%20with%20Hood_zpskm7bbxpo.jpg. html)

Speaking of BMW Carbon Black Metallic paint... I ran across a nice Aston Martin that had actually been painted my new favorite color.

(http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/GTM%20Driver%20Side%20with%20Hood_zpskm7bbxpo.jpg. html)http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Aston%20Martin%20DB9%20BMW%20Carbon%20Black%2002_z ps87ipqo4r.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Aston%20Martin%20DB9%20BMW%20Carbon%20Black%2002_z ps87ipqo4r.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Aston%20Martin%20DB9%20BMW%20Carbon%20Black%2004_z psxhdsqzee.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Aston%20Martin%20DB9%20BMW%20Carbon%20Black%2004_z psxhdsqzee.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Aston%20Martin%20DB9%20BMW%20Carbon%20Black%2003_z psto0kvtku.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Aston%20Martin%20DB9%20BMW%20Carbon%20Black%2003_z psto0kvtku.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Aston%20Martin%20DB9%20BMW%20Carbon%20Black%2001_z psbw46xnsa.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Aston%20Martin%20DB9%20BMW%20Carbon%20Black%2001_z psbw46xnsa.jpg.html)

I can just imagine this nice clear deep reflection filled color on Pandora. :)

Mike

[wirenut]

Oh man that is sweet! Progress is looking good!

[The Stig]

I just remembered that I need to source some nice replacement panel mesh for the hood openings, radiator air intakes, rear scoops, rear hatch, exhaust openings, etc. I thought of keeping the Factory Five mesh, but I want a little more air-flow through the panels. Soooo... I could use some suggestions of where to go to get something that will work.

I'm thinking that the mesh openings would be diamond shaped measuring 1/2" wide by 3/8" or so. I prefer Satin or Matte Black. It should be rigid, but also pliable enough that it can be shaped and fit into the openings. So welded heavy gauge wire my do the trick.

The lower Grill on this Aston Martin looks very similar to what I'm thinking about.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Aston%20Martin%20DB9%20BMW%20Carbon%20Black%2004_z psxhdsqzee.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Aston%20Martin%20DB9%20BMW%20Carbon%20Black%2004_z psxhdsqzee.jpg.html)

The search is on...

Mike

[RumRunner]

Mike,

This is what I used from McMaster Carr:

Easy-to-Form PVC-Coated Galvanized Steel Welded Wire Cloth (http://www.mcmaster.com/#wire-mesh/=11rscap)

It will still take a bit of navigating to find it once you're on the page. It has worked well for me.

-Michael

[The Stig]

Thanks Michael,

I was actually on their site last night. It's really tough to get a sense of hot this the mesh is in their pictures versus what you see on cars such as the Aston Martin in the pictures above.

I'll probably give you a call later today. I think I have you number in my phone, (an probably in my PM list as well).

Thanks,

Mike

[RumRunner]

Mike,

I'm away from home until tomorrow night. I'll take some up-close photos of the mesh installed on my car and email them to you tomorrow evening.

-Michael

[The Stig]

Thanks Michael!

[RumRunner]

Mike,

Here are some close-up pics. I used a black silicone to adhere the mesh to the underside of the openings.

-Michael

52241 52242 52243 52244

[The Stig]

Mike,

Here are some close-up pics. I used a black silicone to adhere the mesh to the underside of the openings.

-Michael

52241 52242 52243 52244

Thanks Michael.

That looks pretty close to what I was thinking. Is that 3/4 width with about 14 gauge thickness?

That would let plenty of air flow through but also block the sight into the area a pretty good bit. (That's a good thing).

Mike

[The Stig]

I drove up to the shop this afternoon and spent some time talking with Tony about some ideas that he has for finishing out the doors.

I'm not going to go into a lot of detail about what he suggested other than that I thought it was pretty cool, and was 100% all in.

I'll post pictures when the time is right, but on this one, I don't want to give away his "thunder". He's been working through this issue with not only getting the doors of the GTM to fit correctly, but also getting the windows to seal, and having everything line up and look great doing so. I think he had his Einstein moment this week when everything sort of came together in his head.

I saw a lot of real excitement in his face as we talked through the details of "the plan". I have to say, as we went through steps, and talked about how one thing is built on the last or is dependent something else, and how each individual thing would be an important part of the overall design, I started getting pretty excited about it also! I'm getting a sense that When it all comes together, it's going to be amazing: At least it will to me.

More than that, I felt as if he's actually been listening to me, and he's sticking to my vision of Pandora almost exactly. Well, maybe 99.97%... And I'm good with that.

There is cool stuff coming later.

Mike

[RumRunner]

Mike,

It's the 1/2" square. I personally wouldn't go any bigger. Not certain of the wire gauge, but it is whatever the PVC coated version is from McMaster. Plenty stiff.

-Michael

[The Stig]

Mike,

It's the 1/2" square. I personally wouldn't go any bigger. Not certain of the wire gauge, but it is whatever the PVC coated version is from McMaster. Plenty stiff.

-Michael

I was sort of thinking of something like this as well. But not sure if it would be strong enough to keep from collapsing in the hood openings.

I would also like to make a "press" of some sort that would allow me to form the edges of the mesh so they fit into the openings and rise about 1/4" or so (just below the surface for the panels), instead of being mounted flat across the bottom of each panel opening. If I used something like the mesh in the pictures below, I think it would be easy enough to make. I'm thinking of doing something with a very dense wood, that could be used once and then tossed once the grills are made. I could use a router to make the edges and round-overs. Applying gradual pressure in timed increments. It could work... !?!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_0746_zpskn3rorsz.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_0746_zpskn3rorsz.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_0747_zpsxylz1i7m.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_0747_zpsxylz1i7m.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_0748_zps4bf8b6uf.jpg

(http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_0748_zps4bf8b6uf.jpg.html)

Mike

[carbon fiber]

It will work Mike. You can probably use mdf for something softer like this mesh, It'll be easier to radius the edges. You'll also want to make the forms deeper and sharper than you actually want the mesh to be or you'll lose some of the definition. I've made plenty of wood forms to make airplane parts. Call me if you need some tips or help.524215242252423

[RumRunner]

Mike,

The 1/2" square is definitely stiff/strong enough. Probably more so than you are thinking. I think it will work.

Good Luck!

-Michael

[WIS89]

Mike-

Pandora is really starting to get that "I'm (almost) ready for my close-up" look about her! I really, really like how everything is coming together.

I have to think you are starting to get a little excited, right? I can't wait to get a good look at her with that awesome color choice.

Congratulations on getting to another exciting stage. I admire your focus and unrelenting drive; I know it will pay off!

Thanks for all the updates.

Regards,

Steve

[The Stig]

Mike-

Pandora is really starting to get that "I'm (almost) ready for my close-up" look about her! I really, really like how everything is coming together.

I have to think you are starting to get a little excited, right? I can't wait to get a good look at her with that awesome color choice.

Congratulations on getting to another exciting stage. I admire your focus and unrelenting drive; I know it will pay off!

Thanks for all the updates.

Regards,

Steve

LOL... Yes I'm excited about the possibility, but we're still a little way out. Pandora gets to the point where she's "ready for her close up" and then gets a terrible fear of the camera...

I think that with the most recent discussion with Tony regarding the plan for the doors and the next steps that he has laid out in terms of accomplishing those plans, we should see a little quicker pace. He seemed excited, which definitely helps me to be able to look a little further forward.

The sayings "Patience is a Virtue", "Good things come to those who wait", What's worth having is worth extending the patience to wait for", and (my favorite), "Patience is something that you admire in the driver behind you, but scorn in the one ahead of you"... are all 100% true. But I never thought when I bought this car to build 6 1/2 years ago, that it would force me to wait this long or test my patience, and my ability to try to remain calm, this much.

But I do think that I've seen the ghost of Cecil B. DeMille lurking around lately...

Mike

[The Stig]

So, there was a new addition to the stable at Tony's shop this week. And you know me, I couldn't resist the opportunity to take a couple of pictures.
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_0754_zpsisbmzlym.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_0754_zpsisbmzlym.jpg.html)

Ferrari F12 - Megacar! Successor to the 599 GTB... It's a VERY over the top GT car.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_0773_zpsylgssmbf.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_0773_zpsylgssmbf.jpg.html)

I'm not usually one to like red interiors, but this was more of a burgundy color, and looked great with the gray paint.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_0774_zpsujxuzqq7.jpg
(http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_0774_zpsujxuzqq7.jpg.html)
But seriously, Tony told me that the car was there, and I knew it had the type of grill mesh that I'm interested in using on the GTM.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_0778_zpsm1sifdwa.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_0778_zpsm1sifdwa.jpg.html)

Problem was, I didn't really know what size to order.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_0779_zpsj6jjwvgq.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_0779_zpsj6jjwvgq.jpg.html)

So I went there hoping to get a couple of close up pictures with a ruler to show openings per inch.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_0775_zps7947wk2d.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_0775_zps7947wk2d.jpg.html)

I may have made Pandora a little jealous with all the pictures and drooling...

It turns out, that there is a company that sells this sort of "welded mesh" right here in Charlotte.

I was a little worried that it would be too thin and flimsy. But that stuff is very rigid, and I think it'll work and look great on Pandora.

So I'll run down, and lighten my wallet considerably, and come home with enough to work with.

She'll like her new jewelry. For a little while...

Man that F12 was nice.

Mike

[The Stig]

Tony came up with what I believe is an awesome idea for sealing the side windows as an OEM would.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_0900_zpsfa2jq0gf.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_0900_zpsfa2jq0gf.jpg.html)

The door came off, and work began to start the initial fitting of the channel to the GTM.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_0894_zps5fqtzo89.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_0894_zps5fqtzo89.jpg.html)

The door when back on, to check how the window would fit into the channel. So far, it looks pretty danged close.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_0897_zpsnj8u8tuk.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_0897_zpsnj8u8tuk.jpg.html)

It will allow for OEM styled pinch molding all the way around the glass, which should result in a 100% seal. The result should be that we have no wind noise, and no water (rain) intrusion.

The plan is also to use the inner and outer C5 hip moldings at the lower edge of the glass. It will obviously be trimmed to fit, but it should work well with the channel and rubber moldings around the glass.

There is obviously some adjustment needed, but it's looking very nice to me so far!

Mike

[carbon fiber]

I don't want to be negative, but I don't like the look of the channel at all. I'm sure it will work but it reminds me of 80s GM cars. (Especially where the strip terminates in front) You can make the glass snug to a weatherstrip if everything is done right. OEMs have done it many times. (corvettes are a good example) (mikespms did it with mopar weatherstrip) That's what I'm doing. It will require some reworking of the flange on the body that the weatherstrip sits on to bring the weather strip out to meet the glass properly. FFR did a horrible job making these bodies and doors where they won't just go thogether, there's a lot of cut and re-glass work involved getting them right but it can be done. I'm also rounding/reshaping the hard edge around the window to look more oem. Again, it's your car, not mine. JMHO. Please don't take it the wrong way. If you're happy with it that's all that matters.

[David Hodgkins]

Hi Mike,

Just chiming in to give you a big "atta-boy" for hanging in there! Assuming you are ready to go next year, if you decide to come out west for the cruise-in the entry fee will be on me. It's a pittance, but it's the least I can do! I hope you can finally git'r dun and put some miles on Pandora this year! Are you going to FFR's open house this year?

:)

[The Stig]

Hi Jason,

The channel is not going to be left exposed. When all is done, it will will barely be noticed. I think it's going to provide a strong seal, and look good as well. But the main thing was to put a stake in the ground and just get started with a design goal. We've done that, and now we'll take the idea and make it work into the overall design. It's getting there.

Mike

[The Stig]

Hi Mike,

Just chiming in to give you a big "atta-boy" for hanging in there! Assuming you are ready to go next year, if you decide to come out west for the cruise-in the entry fee will be on me. It's a pittance, but it's the least I can do! I hope you can finally git'r dun and put some miles on Pandora this year! Are you going to FFR's open house this year?

:)

Thank you David. I'll let you know in January what my travel plans for Pandora will include. But if she's ready, she'll be in Huntington Beach in April 2017. I thought that Pam & I might make it up to Wareham this year, but now I doubt seriously that I'll be at the open house. I would have wanted everything to have been done by now, in order to get some miles behind her prior shows. Obviously, if she's out of the shop, we could load her into a trailer and go. I just want some time to make sure that things are sorted out first.

We'll see how it goes.

Thanks again, and take care.

Mike

[carbon fiber]

If it's going to get glassed over that will help the look, but if it's a pinch seal it'll have to have the window partially down to open the door right? Are you going to use a setup like the factory corvettes have that drop the window down a little when the entry remote gets close to the car? Just curious. Any solution is better than a full window frame, they look hideous IMO.

[RumRunner]

Mike,

Looks like a reasonable plan to me.

As you know I spent a long time trying to tackle the same issue. In the end my implementation is similar to yours. I used aluminum angle to form a channel, you are using actual channel.

I wanted a few things from my window seals -

Minimal wind noise (as it turns out I'd be hard pressed to hear any wind given a 550 HP powerplant behind me :p)
Keep the water out when driving in the rain
make the roof/window body transition look better


I know I achieved the first two, and for me at least, definitely achieved the last.

The inner rubber seals against the inside surface of the glass, and the outer rubber just barely touches the outer surface of the glass, so between the channel and the rubber all water stays on the outside of the glass. I did have to rework the A-pillar fiberglass to get everything to work properly. And of course I glassed the channel in place and formed a smooth transition to the roofline. No more harsh angle on a car full of curves.

And I don't have to lower the window when opening/closing the door.

I think careful attention to detail on your part will win the day. Good luck!

-Michael

[The Stig]

Mike,

Looks like a reasonable plan to me.

As you know I spent a long time trying to tackle the same issue. In the end my implementation is similar to yours. I used aluminum angle to form a channel, you are using actual channel.

I wanted a few things from my window seals -

Minimal wind noise (as it turns out I'd be hard pressed to hear any wind given a 550 HP powerplant behind me :p)
Keep the water out when driving in the rain
make the roof/window body transition look better


I know I achieved the first two, and for me at least, definitely achieved the last.

The inner rubber seals against the inside surface of the glass, and the outer rubber just barely touches the outer surface of the glass, so between the channel and the rubber all water stays on the outside of the glass. I did have to rework the A-pillar fiberglass to get everything to work properly. And of course I glassed the channel in place and formed a smooth transition to the roofline. No more harsh angle on a car full of curves.

And I don't have to lower the window when opening/closing the door.

I think careful attention to detail on your part will win the day. Good luck!

-Michael

Hi Michael,

On the surface, it looks like I've pirated your design. If so, it was unintentional. :)

It just makes sense to use an actual channel and seal instead of re-inventing the wheel. I like what you did with yours, but as Tony and I talked about it, I liked the idea of using a channel that was made to hold a specific rubber seal. I was hesitant at first, but it started making more and more sense.

I think that glassing in the visible side of the channel and blending to the a-pillars and roof section is the way to go. There just aren't many other options available that really work.

Thanks for the words of support! Much appreciated.

Mike

[crash]

The one thing you are going to have to be careful of, particularly on the low sitting GTM, is people grabbing onto that window frame when entering and exiting the vehicle. Kinda like people do on the windshields of the Cobras. A training speech for those that take rides will be in order BEFORE they even get near the car.

[The Stig]

The one thing you are going to have to be careful of, particularly on the low sitting GTM, is people grabbing onto that window frame when entering and exiting the vehicle. Kinda like people do on the windshields of the Cobras. A training speech for those that take rides will be in order BEFORE they even get near the car.

Yep... I can see how that might be helpful. :cool:

Mike

[The Stig]

After a 3 week hiatus, Pandora's back in focus... It seems that a couple more people will be working to finish the bodywork and have her ready for paint soon. There has been a little progress here and there, but nothing that I want to post just yet. But she's getting there; slowly, but surely.

Yeah, I know... "Don't call me Shirley"...

Stay tuned.

Mike

[The Stig]

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Door%20Trim%2005172016_zpsewxg0qdz.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Door%20Trim%2005172016_zpsewxg0qdz.jpg.html)

A little test fitting of the belt molding that will be used to help seal the door glass.

The seals for the upper edges fit perfectly, and completely seal the glass. The design is still in process, but in my oppinion, it's looking good and working good.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/GTM%20A%20Post%2005182016_zps0hldcb2w.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/GTM%20A%20Post%2005182016_zps0hldcb2w.jpg.html)

These doors are just a bear to get right. They take a little effort here, and then some adjustment there, and some re-work again until it's right. I believe that we're getting closer to it being right.

They sound like OEM doors when they close. Pretty cool.

Mike

[The Stig]

I stopped by the shop to see the progress that Tony and Kevin have made on my car. (Kevin is a new guy that recently started working for Tony, who by all indications, appears to be uber talented). All I can say is wow...! I think that yesterday was probably the happiest that I've been in regard to the progress being made, as well as the achievement of goals that we're trying to meet.

The drivers door and window are about as perfect as they can be on the GTM. Everything seals completely, 100%, and is looking better and better each time I see it. And, yes, I'm happy about it. It's still being tweaked, but OMG, these guys have nailed it as far as I am concerned.

Work will start on Monday to duplicate the design on the passengers side, and then car will be ready for slick coat. Paint is on the way.

Mike

[GoDadGo]

Hopefully the passenger side will go a lot quicker since a lot of the heavy lifting has been done figuring all the details out on the drivers side.
I'm sure the entire forum is ready to see this one get re-born and re-graduated!
Keep Us Posted & Please Post Some Pics!

[The Stig]

Hopefully the passenger side will go a lot quicker since a lot of the heavy lifting has been done figuring all the details out on the drivers side.
I'm sure the entire forum is ready to see this one get re-born and re-graduated!
Keep Us Posted & Please Post Some Pics!

That's the thought process that I'm operating on... Once the slick coat is on, we start priming and blocking. That's the picture that I can't wait to post. Because that's when all of the time consuming body work is behind us.

Thank you. I really appreciate the kind words and support.

As far as posting pictures; I'm trying to give Tony more time to get through some of the things that they are doing, without getting beat up for one thing or another.

But don't worry, I absolutely beleive in giving credit where credit is due. Pictures are the best way to show progress, and final product. My goal is not only get my car done to the best of my ability, but also to make sure that the people who made it possible are well recognized. Pictures, Videos, and specific posts will certainly follow.

Mike

[The Stig]

More progress...! The chrome rails have disappeared. The tweaks, have been intentionally subtle, and have absolutely elevated Pandora's "Super-Model" status! She's looking Awesome!

Mike

[The Stig]

I had planned to wait until Pandora had a couple of coats of primer sprayed, before I posted any additional pictures. But I changed my mind when I saw them posted on Tony's face book account.

One of the most concerning things for me has always been the way the doors would fit and seal. I think that Tony & Kevin have knocked it out of the park.
The seals fit into the pillars and roof and allow the doors to close with a solid thud.

The rails were a little unsightly, but as you can see in the pictures below, they've been blended nicely.

Now you see 'em...

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1291_zpssrnv8oeg.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1291_zpssrnv8oeg.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1283_zps9aprjwij.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1283_zps9aprjwij.jpg.html)

And now you don't...

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1297_zps20uvzhud.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1297_zps20uvzhud.jpg.html)

The gaps and fit around the A-Post on the (door) and rear post (door) are extremely tight, and perfectly straight.
The doors fit snug against the rubber, and seal completely.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1296_zpsnp93loas.jpg

(http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1296_zpsnp93loas.jpg.html)http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1295_zpsq2bykxkb.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1295_zpsq2bykxkb.jpg.html)
(http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1296_zpsnp93loas.jpg.html)

[The Stig]

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1308_zps5f1q7cte.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1308_zps5f1q7cte.jpg.html)

The gap between the hood and fender is very tight, and the body line that runs from the front fender, along the upper door ridge, and into the rear fender scoops. It's hard to tell with the tape holding the rear quarter windows in place, but they are level with the surface of the rear door post. They sure weren't before... :)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandora%2003_zps9bsd1lhl.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandora%2003_zps9bsd1lhl.jpg.html)

The front fender openings have been re-worked at the hood/fender gap in order to be more visually even around the tires.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandora%2002%20_zpsrzokejx8.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandora%2002%20_zpsrzokejx8.jpg.html)

I really like this picture because it shows the razor sharp body gap, line along the side of the GTM.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandora%2001%20v2_zpslsbfueql.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandora%2001%20v2_zpslsbfueql.jpg.html)

[The Stig]

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1309_zpsmf9b5cwz.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1309_zpsmf9b5cwz.jpg.html)

When you look at these two pictures, you can really see the difference that Tony has made.
There is still a little work to do on the Passenger side door, but the fit and finish is already obvious.
As I said earlier. Pandora's super-model status continues to rise.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/GTM%20Passenger%20side%20Door%202_zpso9l4mlb6.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/GTM%20Passenger%20side%20Door%202_zpso9l4mlb6.jpg. html)

[JL1958]

This car is going to be incredible!

[The Stig]

Thank you. I appreciate it. Tony and his guys are doing an outstanding job as far as I'm concerned. They're taking their time with her, and making sure that the work is done right.

It's been a long process, but She's coming along well.

Maybe I don't really need to mention it, but I would like everyone here to keep Tony and his shop in mind for bodywork and paint; especially if you're in the Charlotte area. It never hurts to call or stop by and talk. He also works with you to stay within your budget very well. I feel lucky to have been referred to him.

I've been completely consumed by work over the past couple of weeks, and have not been able to stop long enough to stop by and see what additional progress has been made. I'm sure that Tony has appreciated the break from me hovering around each week. I'm planning to try to get up there at some point this week, and see where we are.

Thanks again!

Mike


This car is going to be incredible!

[crash]

He also works with you to stay within your budget very well. I feel lucky to have been referred to him.

Mike

Are you trying to suggest that you have a limiting budget for this car? LOL!

[The Stig]

Are you trying to suggest that you have a limiting budget for this car? LOL!

I know, right? I used to try to make myself believe that I did (have a firm budget). It helped me to keep a straight face when Pam would ask me where "we" were in the budget spend... :confused:

Then one day, we both just threw our hands in the air and said "WHATEVER...!!!"

My son in law asked me this weekend if my car was ever going to be finished. I told him that the goal of this car is to keep as many people as possible in positive cash flow... And so far we seem to at least be meeting that goal with it. It will be the most beautiful GTM to never leave the shop! As well, I'm into it for very close to the same money as a Murcielago. And I was recently told that we're still climbing the mountain. I thought I was about finished paying for it (again). Go figure.

I'll be sure and post pictures of the Aventador when it shows up. At least it'll be something to drive until Pandora is done.

Mike

[The Stig]

It was brought to my attention last night that some people may not understand that the previous response was just me being a little sarcastic.

I really am happy with where we are. And nothing has been done to the car without my sign-off. And yes, there has always been a budget. I've just needed to make choices, from time to time, to extend it. :)

Mike

[The Stig]

There are huge efforts (3 steps) being made as far as giving a coach built fit & finish to the doors and windows:
1. Alignment
2. Door Seals
3. Window Seals

I referred to this work as "coach-built" because what Tony has done so far, goes much further than OEM, in my oppinion.
Step one: making sure that the doors align well and actually fit with the body panels as they should.
Step two: making sure that the doors seal against the body as they should.
Step three: making sure that the windows fit the body and door, and seal completely as they should.

All of these pieces of the plan appear to be coming together to complete the doors and provide a leak free (wind and water) solution. I am blown away with what these guys come up with, and then implement.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/GTM%20Passenger%20side%20Door%202_zpso9l4mlb6.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/GTM%20Passenger%20side%20Door%202_zpso9l4mlb6.jpg. html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/GTM%20Right%20Door%20101_zpsuvbnzxiv.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/GTM%20Right%20Door%20101_zpsuvbnzxiv.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/GTM%20Right%20Door%20100_zpsjyxot2bd.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/GTM%20Right%20Door%20100_zpsjyxot2bd.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandoras%20Doors%20004_zpsmdgl2x5m.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandoras%20Doors%20004_zpsmdgl2x5m.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandoras%20Doors%20003_zpsgasxqwvv.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandoras%20Doors%20003_zpsgasxqwvv.jpg.html)

[The Stig]

The fabrication and prep work for the doors is finished. On Monday the interior door panels will be re-fitted in order to build the interior window seal moldings.

Then she'll be prepped for "slick" coat, block sanding, primer, and more block sanding... and more primer... and more block sanding.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandoras%20Doors%20005_zpssagbnhnn.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandoras%20Doors%20005_zpssagbnhnn.jpg.html)

The doors are sealed from wind, dirt, and water getting into the car.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandoras%20Doors%20006_zpsgyj3tjay.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandoras%20Doors%20006_zpsgyj3tjay.jpg.html)

The wiring for the windows, mirrors, and speakers have all been corrected, and weather packs were used to insure that they remain reliable and in good shape. All holes have been closed up to help seal everything up well.

Were, looking into adding aluminum "shield" behind the tires to block any rocks and sand that gets thrown towards the doors. I think it's a necessity.

We're getting there little by little.

Mike

[The Stig]

I was able to stop by the shop yesterday and let Tony get me back up to speed on what's been done to (for) Pandora. I have to say, that his most recent acquisition, (Kevin), is doing an outstanding job. Every time I see the car, there is something new that impresses me. A small part of it could be that I can not only see the light at the end of the tunnel, but I can actually see the end of the tunnel. And that's a good thing.

So I'm walking to the car, and the last thing I hear is Tony asking, "You're going to let us do the 62 Vette for you right"? Yes Tony. You'll be doing the Vette. I am also interested in having my 1930 Model-A Ford completely restored to pristine condition. You guys will be doing that as well. :)

[The Stig]

The Hatch has been put back on the hinges, and mock-up for the bracket that will hold the latch in place has started.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/GTM%20Rear%20Hatch%20Latch%20Mock%20up_zpswcdjuueu .jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/GTM%20Rear%20Hatch%20Latch%20Mock%20up_zpswcdjuueu .jpg.html)

Mike

[WIS89]

Mike-

The attention to detail is amazing! I am amazed at the level of detail that you and the shop are focused on.

I have run out of superlatives to describe your car, and the level of effort you are putting into her. That paint color is going to look awesome on this car too!

All I can say is that I am glad you have allowed us along for the ride. Keep up the great work!

I hate to ask this, but do you have an estimated completion date?

Regards,

Steve

[The Stig]

Mike-

The attention to detail is amazing! I am amazed at the level of detail that you and the shop are focused on.

I have run out of superlatives to describe your car, and the level of effort you are putting into her. That paint color is going to look awesome on this car too!

All I can say is that I am glad you have allowed us along for the ride. Keep up the great work!

I hate to ask this, but do you have an estimated completion date?

Regards,

Steve

LOL... Thanks Steve. I appreciate the kind words, and I know that Tony and the guys do as well. As far as a completion date... All I can say is that she will be ready for SEMA if a particular component car manufacturer is interested in including her in the annual mix. That would certainly be a bucket list item realized, and make this build journey worth the frustrations encountered.

This is a definite.

Tony says that she will be in primer sometime this week. They're fine tuning a couple of things before he sprays her. When I was there last, they were putting the hatch on the hinges and adjusting the fit, so the upper gap, and the blend from the roof to the hatch could be blocked perfectly straight. That was about it, as far as I recall. But for the most part, the body is done. Once the paint is on, it will sit on the body for 3 to 4 weeks in order to cure, and then final polishing will be done.

While the paint is curing, a couple of fixes will be made to the interior. The upper roll bar cover HAS to be trimmed and re-fitted to gain an inch or so more visibility. Also the seat cushions need to be shaved an inch in depth, to allow another inch of forward visibility. If we can do those two things, combined with the fact that I've lost about 45 lbs since January of this year (on purpose), I think she'll fit me perfectly.

But without doubt, She'll be ready to go around mid August. That will give me a couple of months to tweak a couple of things here and there.

But as always, we'll see what kind of mood she's in.

As Sheldon Cooper so eloquently stated in an episode of the Big Bang Theory, "Beaches Be Crazy"...

Mike

[GoDadGo]

Sounds Like The Light At The End Of The Tunnel Is No Longer A Train Coming At You Head On!

Can't Wait To See The Finished Product!

[RumRunner]

Mike,

While nearing completion of Pandora is exciting and we're all waiting for it, today I offer my congratulations to you on dropping 45 lbs since January. That will pay huge rewards in the future (easier to get into/out of Pandora and slightly faster in acceleration!). Well done.

-Michael

[The Stig]

Mike,

While nearing completion of Pandora is exciting and we're all waiting for it, today I offer my congratulations to you on dropping 45 lbs since January. That will pay huge rewards in the future (easier to get into/out of Pandora and slightly faster in acceleration!). Well done.

-Michael

Hi Michael,

Pam and I made a New Year's resolution this year: Not to give a Damn. And then about a week later I was looking in the mirror, and really saw myself. (Most people get used to seeing themselves, and don't realize how they may have changed). That morning I saw how much I had changed. Pam suggested a weight loss clinic, which I was absolutely against... But I did it because she wanted to. She's 5'-0" when she stands up straight, and has lost about 20 lbs. I had gotten up to 251 (6'-0"), and knew that I was just going to keep gaining if I didn't do something. Instead of being "The Stig", I was becoming "The Stig's American cousin". I had high blood pressure, and reflux that was being "controlled" by 3 different medications.

Today, my blood pressure is perfect, and no more reflux. I have not had to take any medication for the past three months, and I feel much better; mentally and physically. I am also sleeping MUCH better! One of the biggest things that I learned, is that you don't need nearly as much food as we're all led to believe, in order to feel full and get through the day.

So the whole thing was a test of stubbornness. We had both decided that we were going to achieve our goals, and worked together to get it done. And we did!

Thank you for the pat on the back. As always, it's much appreciated.

Mike

[The Stig]

The rear hatch is fitted, gapped, and blocked.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandora%20Finished%20Bodywork%20001_zpsrofdonuu.jp g (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandora%20Finished%20Bodywork%20001_zpsrofdonuu.jp g.html)

Sweet lines and nice tight gaps!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandora%20Finished%20Bodywork%20002_zpsbe8vpmgd.jp g (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandora%20Finished%20Bodywork%20002_zpsbe8vpmgd.jp g.html)

Wow. The bodywork is finished!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandora%20Finished%20Bodywork%20003_zpssqkgd9st.jp g (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandora%20Finished%20Bodywork%20003_zpssqkgd9st.jp g.html)

It's Prime Time!!!

Mike



(http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandora%20Finished%20Bodywork%20003_zpssqkgd9st.jp g.html)

[JL1958]

I can hardly wait to see this car finished. I sold my FFR two months ago and I just log in now to check on your progress.
That is how awesome your build is. Thanks for keeping everyone posted on the progress.

[The Stig]

I can hardly wait to see this car finished. I sold my FFR two months ago and I just log in now to check on your progress.
That is how awesome your build is. Thanks for keeping everyone posted on the progress.

Ok. Now I've just been humbled. Wow. Thank you for the support and encouragement. It means a lot.

Now... You said that you sold your Roadster. Do you have plans to build another, or was that enough?

Because the world needs more Type 65's and GTMs. :)

But that's just me.

Take care Buddy. And thanks again.

Mike

[The Stig]

Pandora's doors are closing with a nice clean thump. Sounds great to me!

http://vid210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/GTM%20Doors%20Closing_zpscpiqbbly.mp4

I'm really pretty sure that there should be primer covering the whole car pretty soon... really...!

But man... these things sound good when they close.

Mike

[The Stig]

Kevin, doing his thing on the passengers side door. Inside window seals and cover.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1545_zpsc5sekoye.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1545_zpsc5sekoye.jpg.html)

Doors to Fender to Hood...
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1544_zpsn8i08sym.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1544_zpsn8i08sym.jpg.html)

Window seals, gaps, front and rear door posts
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1543_zpsyphuza8z.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1543_zpsyphuza8z.jpg.html)

Kevin doing his thing. Upper roof and rear hatch have been blocked smooth. Rear door posts have been beveled and contoured to fit perfectly to the door window and flush with the rear quarter windows. There are over 100 hours of solid work in each door. Keep in mind that this is 100 hours AFTER they were previously called finished in the first round.
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1542_zpsczkw5nx4.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1542_zpsczkw5nx4.jpg.html)

The roof flows down into the hatch and fenders. It's hard to tell by the pictures, but when you're standing next to it, and looking down the lines of the car, there are no abrupt stops anywhere. Every panel flows right into the next. No matter which angle you look at it from, Tony and Kevin have used this concept of panel "flow" in order to work each piece.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1537_zpsdca9etbs.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1537_zpsdca9etbs.jpg.html)

One of the things that used to really bother me about the hatch, was the amount of flex you notice when you pick it up from the rear, to open it up. I always worried that I would start seeing stress cracks in the joint at the bottom edge of the glass on each side. Part of the reason for that was due to the fact that I removed the gas struts and installed "NASCAR" type lockout hinges to hold the hatch up. This meant that I had to lift from the rear. With the weight of the glass at the top, and the spoiler at the rear, the area just below the glass became the weakest link. So it was partially due to me, that I was seeing that type of flex.

This new design, does not flex at all. It is solid. But it still looks like the original, as has been my goal all along. No matter what gets done to the car, I am trying my hardest to stick to its original design. I've just cleaned it up a bit, and made it work a lot.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1538_zpsihzhnolh.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1538_zpsihzhnolh.jpg.html)

On the surface, most people will have a hard time being able to tell what has been done to "customize" the car in order to bring things together. Another GTM builder would probably see them, but only because we spend so much time pouring over every detail of these cars as we go. For us, I think that's part of the fun. Knowing what's there, how it's there, and why it's there.

Pandora has been in the hands of other shops for some time having specific work done. So as a result, I've felt disconnected from the build for a while, and lost some of the sense of what was going on. I guess that is to be expected, but I am getting that sense back little by little as we make accomplishments and gain on the overall punch list towards completion.

Mike




(http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1538_zpsihzhnolh.jpg.html)

[The Stig]

I like to look down Pandora's lines to see the curves of the car. It seems that they are actually easier to see now. It sounds kind of silly, but I think it's true.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1535_zpszxs72u7g.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1535_zpszxs72u7g.jpg.html)

Hood to fender gaps and alignment is really nice, and repeatable. I can't imagine how many times the hood, hatch, and doors have been off the car, and they go back on in the exact same spot, fully aligned.
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1533_zpszwaprxq2.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1533_zpszwaprxq2.jpg.html)

The body flange behind the front wheel has been relieved a bit, by taking a 45 degree cut out of it, but they still need a little more taken out. I had Kevin straighten the front wheels, and then checked the gap between the tire and the flange as the car sat at rest. I was able to get two fingers between. Maybe 1 1/2". During normal driving, I could see that much travel when hitting bumps or even when speed builds up and down force presses the car down a bit. So we're going to hit it again.
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1532_zpsptfssvk2.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1532_zpsptfssvk2.jpg.html)

I love this shot!
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1531_zpsubecevus.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1531_zpsubecevus.jpg.html)

It may be hard to see the detail of the rear door post in this picture. Door is laying face down, and we're looking at it from the top of the post down. You can see, first of all, that it has been built up with 100% fiberglass (not bondo). All improvements were done with Fiberglass. While it is impossible to stay completely away from bondo or fillers, they were used sparingly, and only after everything was built and structurally sound. Then certain areas were given thin coats as needed, and sanded smooth to the fiberglass: leaving very little bondo at all.

The posts have been shaped and beveled to meet flush with the door window, as well as flush with the rear quarter windows. Tony and Kevin have listened to the things that were important to me, and tackled every one of them.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1530_zpstrxmg5pc.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1530_zpstrxmg5pc.jpg.html)

I'm pretty happy about it.
Mike

[The Stig]

The latch system was fabbed and installed. This is the gap that we get with the hatch closed and latched.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1548_zpstk3hc4ch.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1548_zpstk3hc4ch.jpg.html)

The line from the hatch to the body has been cleaned up so that everything is aligned as you would expect it to be. That was SO not the case before.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1547_zpsvasd8r9u.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1547_zpsvasd8r9u.jpg.html)

This was the original hatch and how it fit previously. This is also, with the hinges adjusted as low as they would adjust and still open and close without interference.
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/DSC_1687-1.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/DSC_1687-1.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/DSC_1686-1.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/DSC_1686-1.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/DSC_1688.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/DSC_1688.jpg.html)

So the custom hatch was built to help resolve the fitment and cooling issues. But even with that we still had about 200 hours getting the body panels to line up with the hatch, and the hatch to line up with the body panels. Jason built a nice product that could be used to meet the goals that I was after. Tony and Kevin worked out the rest of the issues of making everything work together.

You can see in this picture, how the rear quarter windows were installed, and sat 3/8" higher than the rear door post. Now the posts are flush with the windows.
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/DSC_1692.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/DSC_1692.jpg.html)

There has been a ton of effort and positive results, that has taken a ton of time to do right. I think that we're seeing a ton of benefit as a result. Most people saw the car prior starting the re-work, and told me that I was crazy for stripping it down, and starting over. There were a couple of key reasons as to why I wanted to strip it back down that I don't really need to get into again. But the main one was that I just wanted it done the way I has asked for it to be done originally. Tony, Rodney, and Kevin have done that for me. When Pandora is finished up, she will "be" the picture that I had in my mind's eye from the start.

Kevin is finishing the the inside window seals, and the working the fiberglass and attachment assemblies for those. He tells me that it is at the point where she can go into the paint booth to be primed on Monday. At that point Rodney will start the blocking process to start final prep for paint. My understanding is that this will be a 1 to 2 week process. So we'll see where we are next Friday.

Stay tuned...

Mike

[dallas_]

Stunning.
Can't wait to see it done.

[Plebeian]

Congrats on seeing the light at the end of a long long tunnel. I truly hope these final weeks go as planned and your car meets or exceeds your expectations once you have it on the road.

On a side note, it's still amazing to me that Factory five claims the average customer takes 600 hours to complete a GTM.

[JL1958]

I loved the roadster, but wanted to make so many changes to an already great car, it made more sense to sell her and start from scratch.
When I retire, I hope to do one. The type 65 is great, but I dont think I have the skills.
Love Pandora and hope to see her in person some day.
Patiently waiting.....

[fact5racer]

The patience that you have had on this build allows me to nominate you for the replacement of the pope when he retires.

[The Stig]

The patience that you have had on this build allows me to nominate you for the replacement of the pope when he retires.

Hi Gary. It's good to hear from you! I'm not sure if my virtue could be called patience as much as pure dumb stubbornness. It became personal a long time ago, and I've been hell bent on finishing it out the way I wanted it ever since. So here we are.

When are you coming back into the Carolinas?

Mike

[The Stig]

Congrats on seeing the light at the end of a long long tunnel. I truly hope these final weeks go as planned and your car meets or exceeds your expectations once you have it on the road.

On a side note, it's still amazing to me that Factory five claims the average customer takes 600 hours to complete a GTM.

Thank you!

People get hung upon the 600 hour thing. It can definitely be done. The budget is what you make it. There have been documented low budget builds where the builder finished their project at their budget, and had a car that they could drive and have fun with. And that was their goal. People try to take a component car from parts to finish and get it to an OEM like fit and finish, and then try to hold Factory Five to the 600 hour statement. And that, in my oppinion, is not realistic.

I've said many times that I believe that Factory Five gives us all a very nice starting point to build the project that we would like to end up with, and within the budget that WE set. It is the same for any of the other component kit manufacturers out there right now.

Now with that said, I do feel that there are a few things that could be corrected, that would make the GTM a kit that I would easily buy again.

Thanks for the compliments.

Mike

[The Stig]

I loved the roadster, but wanted to make so many changes to an already great car, it made more sense to sell her and start from scratch.
When I retire, I hope to do one. The type 65 is great, but I don't think I have the skills.
Love Pandora and hope to see her in person some day.
Patiently waiting.....

If you're ever in the Charlotte area, let me know. I'm sure that we can figure something out to make that happen. I'm also in the Atlanta area from time to time.

Thanks for all your kind words and support.

Mike

[fastthings]

Love the pics, I can tell that thing is going to look nice.
It goes without saying, I want this to be done for you, I know what your going threw.
Hang in there brother, did you see that quote from Dave S. in the article.
I spoke to him at the Huntington Beach Show. He said he really believes completing one of these cars is a test.
You got this!

[The Stig]

Love the pics, I can tell that thing is going to look nice.
It goes without saying, I want this to be done for you, I know what your going threw.
Hang in there brother, did you see that quote from Dave S. in the article.
I spoke to him at the Huntington Beach Show. He said he really believes completing one of these cars is a test.
You got this!

Thanks Gene. I decided very early that I wasn't going to be one of the statistics. Fortunately, it was right about then that I finally came across people that I could trust and who do what the say they can do. I envy you and your skill set that you were able to apply to your build. Your car looks amazing, and I absolutely loved the last video at the car show. Cool stuff!

Take care.

Mike

[The Stig]

Look who's in her dressing room...! I've always heard that the really good supermodels look like hell before they get fixed up... At the moment, Pandora is no exception. Remember that the body has been rough sanded with 18 - 24" long block sanders to knock the highs down, and to get all panels flat and "smooth". So where ever you see white, was a high spot. Where ever you see blue, was a low spot. We aren't talking about a couple here or there. The whole car was covered in them. Every single panel. The hood was the smoothest section, and there was 40 to 50 hours in it getting it re-worked.

Remember also, that this time around, we were supposedly starting with the worlds most expensive guide coat.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandora%20in%20the%20paint%20booth%2001_zps4zwfoqy i.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandora%20in%20the%20paint%20booth%2001_zps4zwfoqy i.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandora%20in%20the%20paint%20booth%2002_zpswiyqv7s w.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandora%20in%20the%20paint%20booth%2002_zpswiyqv7s w.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandora%20in%20the%20paint%20booth%2003_zpso4rsakv c.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandora%20in%20the%20paint%20booth%2003_zpso4rsakv c.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandora%20in%20the%20paint%20booth%2004_zps010ghtb d.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandora%20in%20the%20paint%20booth%2004_zps010ghtb d.jpg.html)

I told Tony, that he could take this car to SEMA, as it sits right now, sit her in the center of the heaviest traffic, under the brightest lights, and I would be just as proud of her as I will be when she's finished off with crystal clear paint. I love knowing what went into getting her to this point, and knowing that every inch of the body is RIGHT.

Stay tuned!

Mike

[WIS89]

Mike-

Holy cow, is this a sight to behold!! She looks beautiful as she sits, I can only imagine how stunning she will be when she is painted properly!

Congratulations on finally getting to this point. I can't wait to see her all wrapped up. I cannot imagine how excited you are right now.

I look forward to your next posts!!

Regards,

Steve

[The Stig]

Pandora has been sprayed. Primer and guide coat. Here we go...!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandora%20in%20primer%2001_zpsoh2lxcpa.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandora%20in%20primer%2001_zpsoh2lxcpa.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandora%20in%20primer%2002_zpsynqp5fjb.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandora%20in%20primer%2002_zpsynqp5fjb.jpg.html)

[RumRunner]

Mike,

Glad to see things are progressing! Driving can only be a few weeks away!

-Michael

[jceckard]

Man! Having a more consistent color on Pandora really shows off the crispness in her lines. Very nice. Shoot, I can't wait to see how she turns out and my only connection is through this forum. How do you manage the anticipation? :)

[Roger Reid]

Yea. Exciting times. Can't wait for the unveiling.