More progress made on the body : )

[The Stig]

Tony sent a text to let me know that Pandora was outside working on her tan... So we made a quick run up to the shop to check her out.

Tony Kutas in the background. I think he's as proud of her as I am...

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1585_zpsussvw4v9.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1585_zpsussvw4v9.jpg.html)

Tony corrected me... We haven't sprayed primer yet. This is "slick-sand", and as I understand it, it provides sort of a bonding layer between the fiberglass and primer. It goes on pretty thin, but will still be sanded. Then she'll go back into the booth for a stout coat of primer. More sanding (300/400 to 600 grit), and then more primer from (600 to 1200/1500 grit), and then we'll see where we are for paint. I may have these off a little, but you get the picture.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1582_zpstxgtm8yj.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1582_zpstxgtm8yj.jpg.html)

Window "drip molding" for seals. The upper hood wraps, and doors still need to be sprayed. When that happens, a couple of spots in the window drip moldings will be tuned up.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1587_zpswgbq3dmj.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1587_zpswgbq3dmj.jpg.html)

The quarter windows will fit flush to the body, the drip molding, and to the rear door post. With the near black paint, and the black tinted windows, the effect will look like a virtually flat window surface from front to back.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1586_zpsqaqvtbc9.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1586_zpsqaqvtbc9.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1590_zps0l2ineo7.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1590_zps0l2ineo7.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1589_zpsley0r4nk.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1589_zpsley0r4nk.jpg.html)

Tony did a ton of heavy lifting to get the body back in shape. Kevin started working there about a month or so ago, and went right to work on Pandora, methodically attacking the punch-list, until everything was done. I think you can tell by my renewed enthusiasm, that I am a fan of this guy and his work... (not to mention his work ethic). He's done a great job to help get Pandora back in the booth.

Now it's Rodney's turn to get in there! Rodney will be blocking the car down, through two or maybe three coats of primer, and getting it as smooth as glass. This paint is going to be something else when it's done.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1592_zpsptxav8eq.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1592_zpsptxav8eq.jpg.html)

[The Stig]

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1594_zpsnvwyrzgs.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1594_zpsnvwyrzgs.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1593_zpstphreffr.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1593_zpstphreffr.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1597_zpszoviptgb.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1597_zpszoviptgb.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1598_zpselgptodu.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1598_zpselgptodu.jpg.html)

The hatch was sprayed, but I didn't get a picture of it. You can absolutely see the hours of work that went into to that piece. It looked perfect, and felt like silk.

I think we've really turned the corner on getting her done. It's all about finishing her out now.

Sweet.

Mike




(http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1598_zpselgptodu.jpg.html)

[The Stig]

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? :)

I guess for me, it's about trying to keep things in perspective. As beautiful as I feel that Pandora is turning out, and as fun as I'm sure it will be to take my first run around the Charlotte speedway..., I mean I-485, my wife is (in my opinion) even more beautiful, and more fun. So, my attention doesn't have to be 100% focused on her (Pandora) being finished. That doesn't mean that the frustrations are any less severe; just the anticipation factor.

Mike

[The Stig]

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

Thanks Steve. I'm really happy with how she's turning out. The guys are doing some spectacular work.


Mike,

Glad to see things are progressing! Driving can only be a few weeks away!

-Michael

We can only hope... Apparently, it was mentioned to Pam that we're looking at 6 weeks for everything to be 100% complete. If we can hit that, I'd be happy about it. We'll see.


Yea. Exciting times. Can't wait for the unveiling.

LOL... You guys here, will have a front row seat!

Thanks Roger.

Mike

[JL1958]

The suspense is killing me!

[The Stig]

The suspense is killing me!

Me too! Believe me.

Mike

[The Stig]

Hello all...

After a bit of a black out, Tony sent a single picture update of part of the rear quarter panel. I have apparently been a little "insensitive" recently.

I drove up last Friday, to take a look at the progress... She was sitting in the corner.

I had hoped to talk a little to Tony, but he was busy, and didn't really have time to "Chit Chat"...
* I don't "Chit Chat".
So after I said hello to Kevin, I got out of the way.

One thing that I was very sorry to hear of was that Rodney, (a very nice and good person), had fallen ill, and is fighting to recover. Those of you that pray, please send prayers his way to fully recover as soon as possible. I would appreciate it, and know that he would as well.

Now... Apparently there has been progress made this week.
Pandora has been sanded, blocked, and a coat of primer was sprayed. She was then blocked again at some very fine grit... I have no idea what it was.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1923_zpsxewbcspe.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1923_zpsxewbcspe.jpg.html)

I don't know what the agent was that he used, (he said it was a secret) but it supposedly shows the clarity and straightness of the panel relevant to the reflection that we will see when she's painted.

He said that she'll be sprayed again (I guess this week or next week some time). Blocked with a finer grit paper, and then should be ready for paint. October - November? No, really... I'm just kidding. I'm sure that she'll be painted before my birthday.

So after the first pass of Primer and blocking, this is where she is... At least on the drivers side rear quarter fender...

As you can tell in the reflection, she's looking very nice. After the next round of primer, block sanding, paint, cut, polish, and final detailing,... I think she'll finally be happy.

As I've quoted in the past... B1tche$ Be Crazy. But, just maybe she'll finally smile.

I plan to drive up on Friday. While I'm there, I'll snap my own pictures and post them here for anyone and everyone, besides me, who might be interested.

Mike

[WIS89]

Mike-

I am interested. Heck, I would even drive over to Charlotte to look at her with you!!

She looks great in that picture. Really great!

I can only imagine just how nice the final product will be. Hang in there brother, it won't be long now!

Regards,

Steve

[wirenut]

Can't wait to see it!

I know it feels awesome to finally be close to the finish line.

[beeman]

Just logged in to say hi and looking forward to more pics!

[The Stig]

Mike-

I am interested. Heck, I would even drive over to Charlotte to look at her with you!!

She looks great in that picture. Really great!

I can only imagine just how nice the final product will be. Hang in there brother, it won't be long now!

Regards,

Steve

Hi Steve. Yes it feels good to know that she's getting closer to the paint booth. It was pretty cool to be in the shop not long ago and have Kevin commenting on the fact that she's getting close having paint on her. He did a TON of seriously nice quality work to get her ready, and he seems as happy about it as I am. It was nice to see, and I appreciated it.

Tony has said that she should be finished around the end of August. So it looks like everything's on schedule as far as I know.


Can't wait to see it!

I know it feels awesome to finally be close to the finish line.


Just logged in to say hi and looking forward to more pics!

Thanks guys. The "finish line" is in sight. I had specifically asked to have a couple of pictures of her, showing the full car, when she was painted in the first coat of primer. I wanted it for my documentation time line. I know we have some of her in slick coat, and I'm sure that there is not much difference in the appearance from that to primer, other than the fact that everything would be one single constant color (gray) prior to guide coats.

For me that was an important milestone, given the history of paint and body that she and I have gone through. 2 1/2 years between Whitby's and Charlotte Speed. And a total cost of around 45k.

I guess a portion of the rear fender was enough. I'll get some pictures of the rest of the car tomorrow or early next week, and will post a few soon.

Thanks,

Mike

[The Stig]

Pam and I drove up to Tony's shop in the middle of running errands all over Charlotte. When I got to the shop, she was sitting in the doorway, up on rear stands. From the car, my first impression was that not much else had been done since I last saw her. The doors were back on, but other than that she looked pretty much the same.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1932_zpsw3p35i90.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1932_zpsw3p35i90.jpg.html)

I started to go ahead and leave, but since we were already there, I decided that I would at least walk around her to see the fender section that Tony had sent the picture of.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1933_zps96uhmrep.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1933_zps96uhmrep.jpg.html)

As it turns out, Kevin has been splitting time between the other cars that he's also working on, to try an get Pandora blocked. As I noted in the past, his work is meticulous, as you'll see in the photos below.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1934_zpsge7u0ajt.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1934_zpsge7u0ajt.jpg.html)

When I walked in, I didn't see anyone in the shop, yet all the doors were open, so I assumed that they were working in the paint booth. So I took the time to take a few pictures.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1935_zps5ewttd2j.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1935_zps5ewttd2j.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1937_zpsgtsspe8f.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1937_zpsgtsspe8f.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1939_zpsqby7wtk6.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1939_zpsqby7wtk6.jpg.html)

I was happy to see that they've been able to make progress as they were able to. Rodney is still recovering, and I wish him well and hope to see him again soon! Our Prayers are with you buddy!

[The Stig]

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1941_zpsjvcg3pgg.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1941_zpsjvcg3pgg.jpg.html)

As smooth as the proverbial Baby's Butt. But with adult curves!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1944_zpsb27hyxnl.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1944_zpsb27hyxnl.jpg.html)

The Doors were back on. It's amazing to me to see how well he has everything aligned and fitting with the A post, rear door post and the window to the roof. The picture really doesn't do it justice. They fit perfectly. And as I was able to learn last week, they sound exactly as Ferrari 458 doors do when they close. Awesome!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1945_zpsu7pi8s9q.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1945_zpsu7pi8s9q.jpg.html)

With the upper panels being pretty much the same color, you can start to see how all of the panels have been worked to fit with the adjoining panels, and "flow" through to the next. The word "flow" best describes what Tony is achieving with the look and feel of the car. You can stand anywhere around Pandora, and get the same feeling as you look across the body panels.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1946_zpsenwrdico.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1946_zpsenwrdico.jpg.html)

The Right side of the car hasn't had the same attention given yet. But you can start to see the block work at the upper portion of the rear fender, as well as the rear panel of the car. The was laid in place.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1947_zpsvdv3ur1t.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1947_zpsvdv3ur1t.jpg.html)

The rear hatch is simply lying in place (unmounted or hinged), yet it still fits the car 100% better than it ever had before.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1948_zpsxgargk86.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1948_zpsxgargk86.jpg.html)

More hints of the attention to detail that Tony & Kevin maintain. Note the yellow pieces of tape...

[The Stig]

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1950_zps497ybmhk.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1950_zps497ybmhk.jpg.html)

Kevin keeps track of specific areas that he needs to come back to, as he moves along the panels. Some are visible, especially to him, and others are small and would probably just be covered with the next coat of primer and re-sanded, by others. (And were in Pandora's past).

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1951_zps4m9gzl1k.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1951_zps4m9gzl1k.jpg.html)

See what I mean? Lesser shops would spray over this and call it good. Kevin calls it out to himself to make sure it's right before the next layer of primer is sprayed.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1952_zpsrletofxi.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1952_zpsrletofxi.jpg.html)

As good as these panels looked to me, these guys see the truth, and make sure that she is prepped right, before the paint goes on.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1953_zps2zhjgcc7.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1953_zps2zhjgcc7.jpg.html)

A couple of rough spots today. Smooth as silk tomorrow.

[The Stig]

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1954_zpslusf60ri.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1954_zpslusf60ri.jpg.html)

It is this attention that Tony promised me early on, that helped me to make the decision that I made, to strip her down and have everything completely re-worked: Expose the previous work, and document the corrections through each step.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1956_zpsv7tlwwkx.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1956_zpsv7tlwwkx.jpg.html)

When I saw the nose, before, this particular section looked glass smooth. But as you can see, there were still a couple of high spots that were knocked back down.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1959_zpsr0weeanr.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1959_zpsr0weeanr.jpg.html)

She's a beautiful car. I've always been in love with the GTM, since I first saw the Red Factory Five LS7 car. It's easy to get a sense of how nice and flat the surface of the nose is.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1960_zpslw4rzp7b.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1960_zpslw4rzp7b.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1961_zpslf5j5c8q.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1961_zpslf5j5c8q.jpg.html)

Pandora's right side will be up next, I guess. Kevin told me that he's working the rear gap between the hood and the fender a little more to in order to make sure that it stays as tight and clean as the rest.

Before Pam & I left, he mentioned that he truly enjoys coming in and working on Pandora. I for one am glad. It certainly shows in the work that he's doing.

I walked around to the other side of the shop to find Tony, but he was talking to a customer in his office, so I didn't bother him. I'm glad that we stopped by the shop. For some reason, when I saw Kevin's tape markers I was reassured that Pandora was in good hands.

A little later, Pam and I stopped to grab a late lunch at one of our favorite restaurants, (131 Main). While we were there, Pam asked me how I felt about the car? I told her that everything looks great, and I couldn't be happier with the work that has been done. I've said it before; the main thing that I'm after in this 2nd round is to make absolutely sure that paint and body work is done right.

For me, I have no doubt that Pandora is sitting in the right shop, and has the right people working on her. She'll be finished in due time. And when she is, she will have been done right.


Thanks for tagging along.

Mike

[The Stig]

Memory Lane

Sometimes I just need to remind myself of some of the milestones that were hit before I made the choice to turn back the clock...

First series of dyno runs..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eovwIUakKJo&list=FLmvUXuCQdDn3qanwxLkTPDA

Pandora showing off her RAM Lift Pro system...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zmOoMV44vc

Pandora's Interior is finally unveiled!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgIDjQmnRAU

We were "this" close to being done...

But then the more I looked at the interior and how nice it turned out, the more the paint and body work made me want to explode!

So when I look at her today...

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_1932_zpsw3p35i90.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_1932_zpsw3p35i90.jpg.html)

I still know that I made the right choice. :cool:

Believe it or not, we're actually closer than ever. When she's done, I'll send in a couple of pictures to Factory Five to let them know that I think my car is "SEMA Worthy"; And maybe they'll actually return my calls and/or e-mails. :)

Stranger things have happened. If not, maybe I'll check into renting my own space on the floor and take her there myself. Just because...

It could be a tribute to The Custom Stitching Co., Charlotte Speed Shop, Classic Instruments, CCW Wheels, GM Performance, VRaptor Speedworks, Ted Harrison, David Bordon, Gary Cheney, Jason Cecil, and so many others that this second glass of wine is causing me to not remember at the moment...

I would imagine that if there is space, we could even bring in other Factory Five cars who's owners may want to spotlight their own dream builds.

Another bucket list item checked off. I'm starting to like the sound of this...

Mike

[WIS89]

Mike-

I like the sound of that optimism! I haven't heard that from you in a while, and it is really great to hear.

I can't wait to see some color on her!

Thanks for having us along for this ride, even the frustrating parts...

Regards,

Steve

[The Stig]

Mike-

I like the sound of that optimism! I haven't heard that from you in a while, and it is really great to hear.

I can't wait to see some color on her!

Thanks for having us along for this ride, even the frustrating parts...

Regards,

Steve

For the most part, I try to remain optimistic.

Tony gave me some news this weekend that gave me very good reason to be optimistic that Pandora will have paint on her very soon!

Mike. :)

[The Stig]

The "Fixes"have been fixed. The driver's side is finished as far as getting everything corrected that was in need. Kevin tells me that he will be on the passenger's side first thing Monday to get it caught up with the rest of the car, and then that final coat of primer will be sprayed. Then she'll be blocked and finish sanded, and if all goes well, everything but the doors will have paint sprayed. I guess the doors will be perfected, primed and blocked a couple of times, while the pain on the body is curing for a couple of weeks. I've seen how Tony is able to match paint, so I am absolutely not concerned about the doors being a shade off from the rest when it's all said and done. If they are, they'll get sprayed again. The hood is finished, the hatch is finished, the spoiler is finished, the splitter and rocker extensions are finished.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2001_zpskeacyzpn.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2001_zpskeacyzpn.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2005_zpsujujdclv.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2005_zpsujujdclv.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2008_zpsqatmra6l.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2008_zpsqatmra6l.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2007_zps9jpxbtsd.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2007_zps9jpxbtsd.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2011_zpsx5wlcvn5.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2011_zpsx5wlcvn5.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2009_zpstu7m5nwk.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2009_zpstu7m5nwk.jpg.html)

Stay tuned...

Mike

[Roger Reid]

It's looking good. It's also hard to wait. It will be awesome.

[mlkwd1]

Body lines look very clean. I went back and reread your post were the factory references 600 hours. Far from reality for the delivered condition of the body and the attention to detail you have put into the is more like what it take to fix the issue. I bought mine complete and was told the body was a solid month of work to get looking perfect before paint. I can say I spent a couple hundred hours fixing other suspension and design issues that were not perfect. Can't wait to see your completed car.

Michael

[The Stig]

Thank you Michael.

They're really making sure it's done right. She'll be finished before much longer.

Mike

[carbon fiber]

Can't wait to see it finished. The new color is going to look much more sinister. It would look great at SEMA...

[The Stig]

Can't wait to see it finished. The new color is going to look much more sinister. It would look great at SEMA...

Thank you Sir! I can't wait to see it in paint. There are some subtle lines on the body that Tony & Kevin were very careful to call out.. Most people will probably not see them, but they look very cool.

As far as SEMA, there would need to be someone interested in having her in their booth. You never know. Maybe we can pull a rabbit out of our hat and come up with our own bit of floor space there. That may be the only way she sees the inside of those walls. It's a shame though. She'd look good in those lights.

Mike

[The Stig]

Tony sent another teaser...

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2029%20701873_zpslmhtgmho.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2029%20701873_zpslmhtgmho.jpg.html)

The hood has been through final prime and blocking. Paint is next!

Woo Hoo!

Mike

[The Stig]

By the way, does anyone have the part numbers for the high and low beam headlights for the GTM? I need to order replacements. I can either order direct from hella, or see how long it would take Factory Five to send a set.

Thanks ,

mike

[dallas_]

The hood has been through final prime and blocking. Paint is next!


Fantastic. Looking forward to seeing some color on it. :)

[mlkwd1]

They have a lot of numbers printed on the lenses and not sure which are the model numbers but here is what they say. You may want to reach out to Shane. He has spare parts available when I needed new tail light assemblies and they were very reasonable.

High beam

SAE HR 0 H2/D25
SSB 448 L VOL DOT

Low beam

AHR 17.5 SAE HR 00 H9U
0204 1265 SSB 449 VO DOT


Michael

[The Stig]

Thanks Michael. I'll research and see what I come up with. Much appreciated!

Mike

[claybags]

Mike,
Sent you a PM.
Cheers, Jeff

[The Stig]

Thanks Jeff!
Mike

[The Stig]

I was told today by one of the forum members, that Pandora is killing them... Well, that's just how she is...

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2029%20701873_zpslmhtgmho.jpg

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/GTM%20Final%20Prime%20Prep_zpso7vnk0a4.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/GTM%20Final%20Prime%20Prep_zpso7vnk0a4.jpg.html)

Kevin is finishing up his prep work for the final primer coat. Tony sent word that she should have paint on her this week.

Yep, she's a killer. But she'll be worth the wait.

Mike

[beeman]

Wow, this week? Anxiously awaiting! Are you road legal yet?

[The Stig]

Wow, this week? Anxiously awaiting! Are you road legal yet?

No. I haven't bothered because the car has been tied up in various shops and in different levels of dis-assembly.

Tony wants to change the oil (because it has been sitting for so long) and fire it up before it goes into the booth. Just to make sure. Once she's back together with the exhaust fully re-assembled, I'll schedule the 2nd inspection, and get everything underway.

I don't expect big problems with it. But you never know...

[The Stig]

Back on the lift for some last minute checks. Also looking at coating the underside of the car.
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2043_zpsesw0olsz.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2043_zpsesw0olsz.jpg.html)

It's been a while since I've seen the interior. I guess they got her cleaned up and dusted off, because she was a mess. It doesn't look as though the elements and time were much of a friend to Pandora while she's been worked on. It looks like the leather in a couple of areas has pulled away from the surface and needs to be re-glued. Also, the under dash panel seems to be loose and hanging. The leather on the door panels has loosened a little as well. Fun. Every time we get close, Pandora loses her mind again.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2044_zps1pemkgtg.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2044_zps1pemkgtg.jpg.html)

The plan was to start her up and get everything circulating make sure we're in good shape before everything gets painted and re-assembled... Except for a battery that was completely used up. Would not re-charge. So a new battery has been ordered. The good thing is that they're covering all the bases.

A new hydraulic fluid reservoir was installed for the RamLift system. I think I need to pull the front shocks and flip the pucks though. The Hydraulic feed and the bleeder are at the bottom of the puck,which will make it tough to bleed... Also the pump was originally installed upside down. I'm really not sure why, but supposedly it doesn't really matter in terms of functionality. I think it may cause it to take a little longer to pump all the way up. So,when the suspension arms get replaced, I'll flip the pucks, and possibly remount the pump in the correct upright position. Just because.

Mike

[codename Bil Doe]

Before you write off the old battery, read this.

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?21444-Dead-battery-won-t-trickle-charge-Easy-fix

[The Stig]

Put gas in her on Friday to start the engine for the first time in about a year. Pandora lost her mind and started leaking fuel from the AN fittings on the line from the fuel tank to the pre-pump filter. So the bulk head panel (driver's side) and the forward wheel well aluminum had to be removed in order to get to the lines and fittings. It just seems as though she's going to fight being finished every step of the way. Tony seems pretty adamant about getting things done right though. He said that the car would be sprayed in primer by the end of the day. I haven't checked back to ask whether he was able to spray it or not. Whether it was Friday or Monday or Wednesday doesn't matter. It'll get there. And the right people will be notified when it has.

Stay tuned.

Mike

[WIS89]

Stay tuned.

Mike

Mike-

I am tuned man, I am tuned!! I can't wait to see...

Exciting stuff coming!

Regards,

Steve

[The Stig]

I got a nice picture and surprise from Tony today.

Pandora is one color again. But not without more of a fight. Tony said that he spent the day Saturday chasing a ground issue with the fuel pump. But he won.

Some creative plumbing of the intake and exhaust parts was necessary in order to be able to start her up. He didn't want to assemble the entire exhaust and risk scratching the tips... :) Thank you!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2046_zpssezihm6b.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2046_zpssezihm6b.jpg.html)

She was started up again after a year or so. Man it feels good to know that we're past the "fix" phase and into the final sanding phase!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandora%20in%20Primer_zps8drsou52.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandora%20in%20Primer_zps8drsou52.jpg.html)

More good news....! Rodney is feeling well enough to come back to work! So he'll be doing the final block sanding/prep before she goes back in to be painted.

In the meantime, Kevin will be finishing the doors and getting them ready for primer and paint. There isn't a lot left to do on them.

I'm really glad for Rodney. Seeing the picture was cool. But hearing that he was able to come back made my day. As I've said before, he's one of the good guys!

Mike

[beeman]

Hey, fuel leak and no fire sounds like a successful test start to me!

[fastthings]

Bad ***!

[dallas_]

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandora%20in%20Primer_zps8drsou52.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandora%20in%20Primer_zps8drsou52.jpg.html)




Sweet!!!

[crash]

I'm hoping your calipers are grey and that isn't over spray? Looks pretty clean otherwise and I wouldn't imagine that the interior was left open during spraying, so my guess is that they are supposed to be grey, but just thought I might ask...:)

[The Stig]

LOL...! Yes. They are powder coated gray.

I also asked him him how he kept the primer off the interior.

He he said he was just really careful.

It's looking great. :cool:

Mike

[The Stig]

Tony put Pandora out in the Sun to let her get her Tan on. Actually it's helping to cure the primer so it will be ready when Rodney is ready to hit it.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandora%20getting%20her%20tan%20on_zpsl8osxcq2.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandora%20getting%20her%20tan%20on_zpsl8osxcq2.jpg .html)

These recent baby steps seem much larger lately.

Mike

[GoDadGo]

Looks Like Big Baby Steps From Way Down Here In The City Of Slidell!

[dallas_]

C'mon, let's see some color!

[The Stig]

C'mon, let's see some color!

I know, right? It's coming.

The third member of the dream team will be in tomorrow to do the final prep this week. The plan is that she'll be in the booth later in the week. We'll see where we are then. I have found myself getting very impatient for reasons that I haven't discussed here. I made a bit of an a$$ out of myself as I went about getting my point across. And in the process I was reminded that the goal on this car (this time around) has been, and will continue to be, getting it done right; not fast. So I've been letting that settle back into my head, and trying to regain some patience.

There is a reason that I named this car Pandora. I've never really been the type to "name" things. But when a couple of people here thought that she needed a name, it didn't take long to know what that name would be... I walked into the shop one day, and Tony started shaking his head, and said "working on this car is like opening up Pandora's box. One thing leads to another, which leads to another, and then yet another..."

So she became "Pandora". And I like it.

With that said, she'll be done before you know it. And when she is, you guys will be able to see the sort of work that this shop is capable of.

She's going to something special, and I can't wait.

Mike

[beeman]

Don't rush it, Mike! It's been a marathon, no reason to sprint at this point. We'll all be patiently awaiting the unveiling!

[dallas_]

Mike, I get it. Heck, I'm impatient for it to be done and it isn't even my car. :)

[Aceflo]

I've been quietly stalking the forums....and I'm always anticipating the completion post. Cant wait to see it after all this time!

[The Stig]

Rodney's back! Pandora's getting the final sanding and prep. There is some sweet Carbon Black Paint in her not so distant future.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandoras%20Final%20Blocking_zpseywc3rqa.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandoras%20Final%20Blocking_zpseywc3rqa.jpg.html)

Woo Hoo!

Mike

[GoDadGo]

I Look Forward To Each Of Your Post With Baited Breath!
Well, maybe it's bad breath, but I look for your updates none the less.
Can't wait to see the final product!
Good Luck!

[Roger Reid]

... There is some sweet Carbon Black Paint in her not so distant future.

Mike

Your switching from blue to Black? No worries, your car would look good in any color.

[The Stig]

Your switching from blue to Black? No worries, your car would look good in any color.

Carbon Black Metallic is a BMW shade of blue. It's like midnight blue but darker. It does look black though, until you see it at a bit of an angle and the pearl gets lit up a little.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2815_zpsnnuhjzrn.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2815_zpsnnuhjzrn.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)


I think it'll look pretty nice. But then I've always liked to "fly a little under the radar".

Mike

[The Stig]

I Look Forward To Each Of Your Post With Baited Breath!
Well, maybe it's bad breath, but I look for your updates none the less.
Can't wait to see the final product!
Good Luck!

LOL... I'm sure that there's a hint of "minty freshness" where-ever you go...!

I'm as eager as everyone else to see her when she's all painted and polished. But then, I know pretty much every thing that Tony has done (and has had to do) in order to get her slick and arrow straight and ready for a sweet paint job.

Thanks for all the support and kind words.

Mike

[dallas_]

But then I've always liked to "fly a little under the radar".

That might not be easy to do in your GTM. :)

That color will look stunning. Nice choice.

[Roger Reid]

Mike. The thing I like about your car is the attention to detail on the interior. Many GTM's fall short on fit and finish which affects the driving experience, how you perceive your own car, and resale value. I looked back in this thread and found some interior pics here.

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?506-More-progress-made-on-the-body-)&p=182618&viewfull=1#post182618

[The Stig]

Thanks Roger. I appreciate the compliment. The interior and color choices were all part of the big picture from very early on. Budget busters? Absolutely. Worth it? I really think so.

Pretty soon we'll get a good idea of how it is all coming together. So we'll see what we end up with.

Thanks again.

Mike

[The Stig]

That might not be easy to do in your GTM. :)

That color will look stunning. Nice choice.

Thank you. I've always thought that a deep dark blue pearl, with gray interior, polished aluminum wheels, and subtle brake calipers would look good on the lines of this car.

A lot of people don't like blue on a car like this, but I think it works. Especially when the body has been prepped to show off the reflections...!

I hear that supermodels like the lights...

Mike

[T4Twins]

Wow great job on the interior after seeing the pictures. Cant wait till i get to that part of the build because i will also be focusing a lot on a luxury look for the interior. Mike what seats are those in ur GTM?

[The Stig]

Wow great job on the interior after seeing the pictures. Cant wait till i get to that part of the build because i will also be focusing a lot on a luxury look for the interior. Mike what seats are those in ur GTM?

Thank you Danny.

The Custom Stitching Co., here in Charlotte, worked with me to help design and implement everything that you see inside the car. Steering wheel, switches, gauge cluster are the only things that are not custom built.

The seats are Sparco "Chrono-Road" that were disassembled, cut, re-welded, and then re-covered. Quite a lot went into them, and they still need to be tweaked. But they look great.

Thanks again,

Mike

[T4Twins]

Did you get a chance to sit in the seats before redoing them? I'm still looking for a really good comfort but sports look seats that can adjust back.

[The Stig]

Did you get a chance to sit in the seats before redoing them? I'm still looking for a really good comfort but sports look seats that can adjust back.

The seats were too large to fit in the GTM. I knew that they would be when I bought them. But it had a steel frame that could be reworked in order to build custom seats that would fit in the car and look pretty good in the end.

Even with that, we still need to rework the seat cushions to make them about an inch thinner if we can.

Mike

[JL1958]

Looking forward to the unveil. I admire your dedication to perfection.

[VD2021]

Rodney's back! Pandora's getting the final sanding and prep. There is some sweet Carbon Black Paint in her not so distant future.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandoras%20Final%20Blocking_zpseywc3rqa.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandoras%20Final%20Blocking_zpseywc3rqa.jpg.html)

Woo Hoo!

Mike

Outstanding! Not long now....... Cant' wait.

[Edgeman]

Vidal, any updates on your car/have you finished it?

[VD2021]

Vidal, any updates on your car/have you finished it?

Not yet. I do start it up monthly. Hoping to pick back up before the year ends.

[Aceflo]

Come on Mike!!! You had us at "Rodney's back!" :)
Has it made its way out of the paint booth yet?

[The Stig]

I know, I know. I stopped by the shop today. Pandora is pretty much finished with the series of primer and block sanding, and looks awesome as she sits. There were a couple of nicks and imperfections that will be spot primed and sanded. And then into the booth she goes. I didn't take pictures because she's sitting in the same place, and I would imagine that they would look like some of the recent ones that I've posted. The items that he's finishing up, are very minor, but they're there.

She's close. Very close.

Mike

[The Stig]

So... Pam and I needed to get away. I'm sure you all get to the point from time to time, where you just get to the point where you don't want to deal with things for a while. Whatever those things are... Well Pam and I both hit that wall at the same time yesterday, and decided that we would get out of Charlotte and go to Asheville for the weekend. As we were driving, I got a text from Tony to let me know that the final spots that needed to be addressed after multiple block sanding sessions have been corrected. He said that he plans to have Pandora in the booth Monday night. He says that he wants to do it after hours so he can take his time and concentrate on doing his best job.

I know you can't see me right now,but I am SMILING. If Pandora could physically smile, she would be. I think she's happy though.

Good things are coming.

Mike

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandoras%20Hood%20final%20block_zps6mzytpvh.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandoras%20Hood%20final%20block_zps6mzytpvh.jpg.ht ml)

Rodney's is making everything just right. My feeling is that this body is going to be so straight, that it just won't look "real". I think it's going to look "too perfect". But when I think of where we started to, where we are now, (thanks to Tony, Rodney, and Kevin), I'm good with that.

If you're local to Charlotte; You Need To Talk To Tony at Charlotte Speed Shop for your custom build / paint needs.

Mike

Tony Kutas
Charlotte Speed Shop
8702 Statesville Road
Suite K
Charlotte, NC 28269
(980)322-5895

[dallas_]

ok, so in other words, no reason for me to log in here until Tuesday? :)

[JL1958]

Asheville is great. We just drove the Parkway up there a few weeks ago. There are some great driving roads on the way.
I can't wait to see the pics! Have fun.

[The Stig]

ok, so in other words, no reason for me to log in here until Tuesday? :)

Tuesday, Wednesday,Thursday... Who knows? Monday night was the time frame that Tony sent to me.


Asheville is great. We just drove the Parkway up there a few weeks ago. There are some great driving roads on the way.
I can't wait to see the pics! Have fun.

I can promise you, that those pictures will hit this thread at warp speed.

Mike

[GoDadGo]

Baited Beer Breath Over Here!
Can't Wait To See Pandora!

[The Stig]

Baited Beer Breath Over Here!


LOL...! Too Funny!

Mike

[The Stig]

I about choked on my coffee this morning. Tony sent these pictures little while ago. Keep in mind that this is only fresh paint and clear. No buffing and/or cutting has happened yet; and won't for a couple of weeks at least. The paint color is BMW Carbon Black Metallic. And these pictures of the hood will give you an idea of how dark it is until the sun lights up the blue pearl.

I'm not 100% sure, but I think that the first picture was taken after the paint was sprayed, but before the first coat of clear went on. There is quite a difference in shine between it and the next picture. But I could be wrong. It's happened before...

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandora%20Painted%20Hood%2001_zpsxivw92i1.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandora%20Painted%20Hood%2001_zpsxivw92i1.jpg.html )

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandora%20Painted%20Hood%2004_zpskg7v20ok.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandora%20Painted%20Hood%2004_zpskg7v20ok.jpg.html )

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandora%20Painted%20Hood%2003_zpsoxsstsyd.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandora%20Painted%20Hood%2003_zpsoxsstsyd.jpg.html )

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandora%20Painted%20Hood%2002_zpsbr6ra0gl.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandora%20Painted%20Hood%2002_zpsbr6ra0gl.jpg.html )

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandora%20Painted%20Hood%2005_zps7kccfrlk.jpg

(http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandora%20Painted%20Hood%2005_zps7kccfrlk.jpg.html )http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandora%20Painted%20Hood%2007_zpscdolbcfy.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandora%20Painted%20Hood%2007_zpscdolbcfy.jpg.html )

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandora%20Painted%20Hood%2006_zpshqqwlxed.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandora%20Painted%20Hood%2006_zpshqqwlxed.jpg.html )

This is Tony Kutas showing how clear the reflection of the paint is in the hood.

The name of the shop is Charlotte Speed Shop.

This is the guy that you need to talk to for your paint and body work. (And he tells me that he and the guys have grown to love GTM's...)

You can send your car to him with confidence that he and his guys know what they are doing; and that you will get what you are paying for. When Tony, Rodney, and Kevin, have worked the body and paint of your car, it will have been done right, the first time.

I think it's easy to see that the wait was worth it. The reflections of the lights in the booth are crisp and straight.

The Body is coming up next. I can't wait to see that. And then the Hatch, Spoiler, and Doors will follow.

I'm SMILING!

Mike

[dallas_]

Wow, just... stunning!!

[crash]

As much as I dislike "trailer queens", I must say that I think it would be a shame to take this car, and this paint job, for long drives on public roads. This GTM is a gem and needs to be a showcase piece for FFR or some other worthy company. It is no longer your basic FFR kit car. Beautiful work.

[The Stig]

As you can see in the hood's reflection, it is a beautiful day here in Charlotte.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandora%20Painted%20Hood%2008_zpshspktqkm.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandora%20Painted%20Hood%2008_zpshspktqkm.jpg.html )

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandora%20Painted%20Hood%2010_zpsns7rgbxw.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandora%20Painted%20Hood%2010_zpsns7rgbxw.jpg.html )

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandora%20Painted%20Hood%2009_zps5ybqox3b.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandora%20Painted%20Hood%2009_zps5ybqox3b.jpg.html )

Mike

[GoDadGo]

Not Long Now!

[Roger Reid]

Looks really good.

[claybags]

DANG Mike!! You just keep raising the bar for the rest of us! LOL IT sure is looking GOOD !!
Cheers, Jeff

[The Stig]

Wow, just... stunning!!
Thank you! As I said, it caught me by surprise when I call the first picture. I literally choked on my coffee.


As much as I dislike "trailer queens", I must say that I think it would be a shame to take this car, and this paint job, for long drives on public roads. This GTM is a gem and needs to be a showcase piece for FFR or some other worthy company. It is no longer your basic FFR kit car. Beautiful work.
Mike, I don't care much for trailer queens either. You don't want to know how many hours are in the hood alone. The expectation is that she'll be shown for a while, and then it'll be time to enjoy. We'll see how my will power holds out... I've been in GTM withdrawal for so long, I'm sort of used to it.


Not Long Now!
It shouldn't take much longer. Based on what I see today, I can wait if needed. :)


Looks really good.
Thanks Roger. Much appreciated.


DANG Mike!! You just keep raising the bar for the rest of us! LOL IT sure is looking GOOD !!
Cheers, Jeff

Hi Jeff, All I did was put her in the right hands. Tony, Kevin, and Rodney are the ones with the magic and the ability to do the heavy lifting.

Thanks Guys.

Mike

[WIS89]

As you can see in the hood's reflection, it is a beautiful day here in Charlotte.

Mike

Mike-

No offense, but no matter the weather, the day they got paint on your car was going to be a beautiful day in Charlotte!!

She looks stunning! Congratulations on getting some seriously exciting news!

Very, very happy for you.

Regards,

Steve

[beeman]

Beautiful! Congrats!

[wirenut]

Oh man that is nice!

Are you still shooting for Sema? I might have to take a trip to see that.

[Aceflo]

Wow ....Mike .... Congrats. The paint is stunning. I'm excited that you can finally see a the finish line on this one.

[Fraser D]

A huge milestone Mike!
I think that that color will play well with the shape of the GTM.

[The Stig]

Oh man that is nice!

Are you still shooting for Sema? I might have to take a trip to see that.

Thanks! Tony was approached by a very large corporate sponsor 3 or 4 weeks ago who showed an interest, but wouldn't commit until the car was painted and we could give a firm finish date. I was excited about it, but the more I thought about it, the more I felt that we would need to rush the schedule in order to finish her up. And after all that this build has gone through, it didn't make sense to me to do that.

As for SEMA, you have to be a vendor of some sort in the Automotive industry, or be approached by a company that would like to display your car to promote their products. I am obviously not a vendor in the auto industry. So far, no one else has approached or responded to me with any real interest or commitment.

I put feelers out to Factory Five a couple of months ago, with a firm commitment that the car would be ready if they would let me know anything one way or the other. I got a request for pictures from Dave (Mad Dog) Lindsey (I guess there weren't enough in the build thread), and then never heard another word from them.

I did notice soon afterwards, however, that they asked the forum whether anyone "thought their car was worthy of being shown at SEMA"... Hopefully they found cars that will work. I can't imagine that they wouldn't since there are so many great builds out there.

So at this point, given the short time frame leading into the start of the show, the odds are slim that Pandora would be there.

But you never know what could happen. Pandora will be completely painted in a matter of days, and we're steadily moving along towards completion, which will happen soon. Since there is currently no hard deadline, we'll probably take care of couple of wish list items in the engine bay and under the hood. We'll see.

But right now, for me, I'm just happy that paint is being sprayed, and that it laid down so well.

Mike

[jceckard]

Mike, a while back you were contemplating changing Pandora's name. After thinking about it a bit more, I think Pandora is perfect. After all of the evils escaped, she was able to close the box (or jar for the perfectionists out there) and keep Elpis inside. Elpis usually translates to Hope but could also mean Expectation. I think a lot of us are out here waiting with great expectation to see Pandora completed. She is looking great so far. I can't wait for the final reveal. Be sure to post when you have her at events close to home. My folks are down that way. They keep harping on me to come visit. :)

[The Stig]

Mike, a while back you were contemplating changing Pandora's name. After thinking about it a bit more, I think Pandora is perfect. After all of the evils escaped, she was able to close the box (or jar for the perfectionists out there) and keep Elpis inside. Elpis usually translates to Hope but could also mean Expectation. I think a lot of us are out here waiting with great expectation to see Pandora completed. She is looking great so far. I can't wait for the final reveal. Be sure to post when you have her at events close to home. My folks are down that way. They keep harping on me to come visit. :)

I'm not sure that I would change her name now. I've become accustomed to it; and for the reason that you explained so well.

Like most women, Pandora would send you down a path and then laugh while you did your best to prove that you could get there.

For me. "Pandora" is the perfect "one-word summary" to describe my GTM build.

But now, instead of laughing, I think she's smiling.

Mike

[Cory Brown]

Beautiful Stig! Congrats

[The Stig]

Beautiful Stig! Congrats
Thank you Buddy!

The guys at Bauer Restorations did an awesome job with your paint and bodywork.

I've always thought that it would be very cool if a few of the GTM owners who are willing, could put a weekend or long weekend together that we could all meet some place and do a cruise. Hell, Maybe we all do the power tour... But something. Pam and I have been planning a drive down the west cost from Seattle to Huntington Beach. But could meet anywhere. Tail of the Dragon...? Pam wouldn't like that because it would make her sick. And scared... A drive across the desert... I would suggest a drive down from Wareham MA, to Miami (with stops)... But the east coast roads and highways SUCK!!!!!!!

Sorry. Got a little sidetracked.

Mike

[David Hodgkins]

Thank you Buddy!

The guys at Bauer Restorations did an awesome job with your paint and bodywork.

I've always thought that it would be very cool if a few of the GTM owners who are willing, could put a weekend or long weekend together that we could all meet some place and do a cruise. Hell, Maybe we all do the power tour... But something. Pam and I have been planning a drive down the west cost from Seattle to Huntington Beach. But could meet anywhere. Tail of the Dragon...? Pam wouldn't like that because it would make her sick. And scared... A drive across the desert... I would suggest a drive down from Wareham MA, to Miami (with stops)... But the east coast roads and highways SUCK!!!!!!!

Sorry. Got a little sidetracked.

Mike

California Dreaming...

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=58891&d=1474576721

How long until we see Pandora all together?

:)

[The Stig]

California Dreaming...

How long until we see Pandora all together?

:)

Hi David! Very cool picture! I always like seeing your posts.

We should see that soon. The things that they have been doing have been invisible in that if I took pictures they would look like a lot of the previous pictures.

But... Tony said that Kevin has wrapped up the corrections that needed to be done after the first two blocks, and that he was blocking out some spot primer sprays. I think that has been completed. That means that the body will be painted next. I think the doors and hatch and spoiler go after the body. Not sure. So it will probably be at least a week before we see everything painted and reassembled.

I do know this: She will be at Huntington Beach next year without a doubt. And I'll be looking forward to the burger fest the day before!

Mike

[mlkwd1]

Looks fantastic. You should still have decent weather to enjoy it when finished. It would look great in the 2016 SEMA FF display. Maybe next year.

Michael

[JL1958]

Damn! Money well spent. She is beautiful.

[Taz Rules]

Hot Damn!!!!!

I've been away from the forums for a while (long story), but I'm really happy to see Pandora nearing the finish line!
Your perseverance, patience (and pocketbook! LOL) have been an inspiration for us all!

Congrats. She looks SO AWESOME!!!!! And I'm not talking "hot babe at the beach" awesome, either...I'm talking SI Swimsuit Issue Cover model in your bed AWEWSOME!

[The Stig]

Pam and I stopped by the shop on our way out of town on Friday. Rodney was finishing up some last touches on the body. Tony asked me if my hands were clean, and then told me to rub the back of my hand across the fender. I guess I was expecting there to be at least a little texture or slight roughness from the sanding blocks.

I was absolutely shocked to realize that it felt like highly polished marble or granite. What Rodney has done to prep the surfaces is nothing short of amazing to me. The surface was absolutely glass smooth.

Now I completely understand how the hood came out so nice without having been cut/buffed.

I would imagine that should see the body soon.

Mike

[The Stig]

The word from the high commander (not Pam; the other one), is that they found a couple of spots that they corrected today. She will go into the booth tomorrow night!

Woo Hoo! Man I can't wait to see her when Tony's finished spraying her. After seeing what he did with the hood, I can't imagine how nice the body is going to look.

Why do I hear Carly Simon singing "Anticipation" in the background....?

Mike

[The Stig]

I got a note this afternoon from Tony, that Pandora is in the booth! She was going to go in yesterday, but he did his "shine" test on the surfaces and saw a couple of places that he wanted to tweak. He did; and now she's in the booth and everything is ready for her to be sprayed first thing tomorrow morning. It seems kind of surreal that all this effort is coming to it's conclusion. I hope to stop by tomorrow afternoon sometime to see her in person. She's up on a paint rack to get her higher up so the paint wont blow back on the lower part of the body. So I doubt we'll be able to get her out in the sun for a day or so. But it won't be long.

I'm just a little excited.

Mike

[Fraser D]

Freak'n Awesome!!!!!!
It almost feels like there should be a watch party tomorrow for the 1st set of photos

[GoDadGo]

Hey Mr. The-Stig,

I'll be out of pocket for about a week so I'm really expecting Some Cool Pandora Pics when I get back in town from Cruising The Coast.

Steve >> aka: GoDadGo

[The Stig]

Woo! Hoo!

The final sealer coat went on early this morning.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandora%20final%20sealer%2001_zpsemjqrskw.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandora%20final%20sealer%2001_zpsemjqrskw.jpg.html )

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandora%20final%20sealer%2002_zps6mpnxudz.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandora%20final%20sealer%2002_zps6mpnxudz.jpg.html )

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandora%20final%20sealer%2003_zpskxftnbej.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandora%20final%20sealer%2003_zpskxftnbej.jpg.html )

Here we go folks...!

Mike

[The Stig]

A little later came the base coat. (Base coat only) so far.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandora%20base%20coat%2002_zpskqwdhkwe.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandora%20base%20coat%2002_zpskqwdhkwe.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandora%20base%20coat%2001_zpskce0hrdz.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandora%20base%20coat%2001_zpskce0hrdz.jpg.html)

Even in the base coat, it is easy to see how straight the lines on the car are coming out. If you look at the reflections at the top of the rear fenders they follow a straight line along the curves. They are now at all wavy like they were originally.

"Pumped and Excited" don't even begin to describe how good I'm feeling right now.

Mike

[Taz Rules]

A little later came the base coat. (Base coat only) so far.


Even in the base coat, it is easy to see how straight the lines on the car are coming out. If you look at the reflections at the top of the rear fenders they follow a straight line along the curves. They are now at all wavy like they were originally.

"Pumped and Excited" don't even begin to describe how good I'm feeling right now.

Mike

Ok, Mike, STOP! STOP NOW!

The last time I bragged about how good a paint job was going, a freakin' MOTH landed in the clear coat!!!!!

DO NOT JINX THIS!

There is plenty of time to count successes when the job is done!:cool:

[The Stig]

Pandora has been painted..!

Tony took the hood out into the sun so I could see the color pop.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2441_zpslge2iwxd.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2441_zpslge2iwxd.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2440_zps6wm4o1iy.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2440_zps6wm4o1iy.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2442_zpsb6xv8q2r.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2442_zpsb6xv8q2r.jpg.html)

And then he opened the booth doors...

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2445_zpswwqxycz1.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2445_zpswwqxycz1.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2444_zpseqez9uh1.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2444_zpseqez9uh1.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2448_zpsxdfcwlyr.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2448_zpsxdfcwlyr.jpg.html)

OMG...!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2450_zpsqgihnomx.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2450_zpsqgihnomx.jpg.html)

Happy? Yep...!

[JL1958]

Those guys are good!!

[The Stig]

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2458_zpsosl5fywz.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2458_zpsosl5fywz.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2461_zpskhiv6ej8.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2461_zpskhiv6ej8.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2464_zpsnt3nlqsf.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2464_zpsnt3nlqsf.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2471_zpsb3gnicqf.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2471_zpsb3gnicqf.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2472_zpsd0f1vrco.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2472_zpsd0f1vrco.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2474_zpsrsnbxtsr.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2474_zpsrsnbxtsr.jpg.html)

[The Stig]

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2482_zpstiiczikc.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2482_zpstiiczikc.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2479_zpsoi4m6oqa.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2479_zpsoi4m6oqa.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2478_zpscvnbp4mw.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2478_zpscvnbp4mw.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2476_zpsjsliohhn.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2476_zpsjsliohhn.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2475_zpsb5zsbpil.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2475_zpsb5zsbpil.jpg.html)

And there she is... These pictures were taken within two hours after Tony put the first 4 coats of clear on. When it cures more it will lay more flat. But my gosh... It looks insane as it sits.

The pictures are nice, and they give a sense of the work that went into getting her ready for today. But being there and seeing her in person pretty much rendered me speechless. She looks Great. She looks Unbelievable. I can't even imagine how nice these lines are going to look once they have wet sanded and buffed her with the same attention to detail that they have shown over every square inch of this car so far.

Right now, at this point, all I can say is Thank You to Tony, Rodney, Kevin, and Kenny for all that you have done to this point in helping me to realize my vision of what I always hoped Pandora would be. Thanks to you, she has not only met that goal, but will surpass it by a huge margin... You guys a true craftsmen, and I want you to know that you are appreciated.

Pandora has tested us all repeatedly. She was supposed to be in the booth yesterday, but for whatever reason she wasn't having it.

Kevin has been working the body, perfecting cut lines and beauty lines; creating ridges and blend lines where there were none, and making the panels flow from one to the other. He created some length in the doors and hood that most people will never notice, but absolutely make the car look complete. He gave Pandora an OEM look and finish that she deserved.

Rodney worked that body to perfection, and she still snuck a couple of things in there that had to be re-addressed. So Rodney saw them and addressed them like the pro that he is.

Even today, she put Tony through his paces while he sprayed the first coats onto the panels. But Tony's patience won out over her "Pandorian" efforts to push back. (Not sure if that's really a word, but after today, I'll bet it's one that Tony will use in the future: Along with a few other choice ones...)

As I've said repeatedly in the past, B1tches be Crazy!!! And this one certainly has been.

So again; Thank you guys for taking this on, and not giving up on her!

She is in great hands.

Mike

[T4Twins]

Congrats mike look really good!!! How soon till its dry's for you to install the body?

[Kempo]

Almost there Mike. You are in the home stretch now. Looking good!!!!

[GoDadGo]

Now You Are Cooking With Gas!

Covering things in paint too.

Congratulations On Hitting This Milestone!

[cgundermann]

Awesome Mike...feel like I have been holding my breathe through your whole ordeal...well done!

[dallas_]

Stunning. Just stunning.
Well played sir, well played indeed.

[tucker298]

Amazing! Nothing short of amazing!

[Taz Rules]

so sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee t!

[The Stig]

Congrats mike look really good!!! How soon till its dry's for you to install the body?

I guess is't hard to tell with the paper taped in place, but the body is actually on the chassis. The cool thing about this car is that everything tucks in pretty tight.


Almost there Mike. You are in the home stretch now. Looking good!!!!

Thank you Hugo.


Now You Are Cooking With Gas!

Covering things in paint too.

Congratulations On Hitting This Milestone!

Thank you. To say that I'm excited is simply an understatement. I am ecstatic. Having seen her in person, I was able to see how Tony will be able to finish her out.


Awesome Mike...feel like I have been holding my breathe through your whole ordeal...well done!


Stunning. Just stunning.
Well played sir, well played indeed.

Yes. I hung on to the "Ace of Stubborn" through the whole thing. Some might call that the Joker...


Amazing! Nothing short of amazing!

Thank you Sir. I can't wait for you and I to figure out a way to have our cars at the Pinehurst Concourse. They might shove out out into a corner, but at least we could say we were there. :)


so sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee t!

LOL .........!!!!! Thank you!

Mike

[crash]

Beautiful. FFR should have pulled new molds from your car before paint went down.

[SingleMaltWSKY]

Looks AMAZING! Congrats!

[fastthings]

So nice, makes me excited.
Congrats, the boys did you right!
Man, that looks good!

[The Stig]

https://www.facebook.com/279254132223695/videos/696960223786415/

This is a quick video that Tony Posted on his Charlotte Speed Shop Facebook page.


Mike

[The Stig]

Back out of the booth.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandora%20Painted_zpsbpua6x0l.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandora%20Painted_zpsbpua6x0l.jpg.html)

Mike

[dallas_]

I watched their Facebook video.
Having done the bodywork and paint on my roadster, I can say that it takes a lot of time, effort patience and SKILL to get the reflections to look like that. Incredible.

It's so nice that I just hope you are still willing to drive it when it's all back together. :)

[The Stig]

I watched their Facebook video.
It's so nice that I just hope you are still willing to drive it when it's all back together. :)

LOL... Haven't you heard? Super-models aren't just about the catwalk. They like to get out and be seen. Pandora will be seen. And as she moves from venue to venue, she'll do it in style.

Thanks. I appreciate the compliment. And I'm sure that Tony and the guys do as well. You mentioned time, effort, patience, and SKILL; and they certainly brought all of that to the table. If it wasn't just right, they went back after it again until it was. We all took our time with her this time. They have been patient with her. And I've been learning patience with the process of this type of meticulous work and accomplishment. Tony saw this from the beginning. I had to have faith, and let the guys all do their thing.

It wasn't easy at times. But we all made it through.

Mike

[The Stig]

Tony had the hood back on the car, so I wanted to drive up to the shop and see the guys and have a look at Pandora. She looks great! There was a bit of dust on the surface, but I was amazed at how "wet" the paint still looks. I can't wait to see it after she's been wet sanded and polished.

There is still a little work being done on the doors, so they won't be ready for the booth until next week some time. To see her with the doors, hood, and hatch on will be a nice milestone. It should be soon.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandora%2010072016%201_zpswso4jqor.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandora%2010072016%201_zpswso4jqor.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandora%2010072016%202_zpsunqkgezs.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandora%2010072016%202_zpsunqkgezs.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandora%2010072016%205_zpshn86som2.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandora%2010072016%205_zpshn86som2.jpg.html)

Mike

[JL1958]

A work of art. Can't wait to see her finished.

[Steven K]

She looks great!

[The Stig]

I stopped by the shop on Friday. Rodney was wet sanding the hood and body. It was amazing to me to see the "orange peel" that was there. You could see where he had taken it down to an even smoother surface than the pictures showed. At the edges of where he was working you could see the transition from smooth to slight orange peel.

Rodney said that he was working with 1000 grit on the first pass, and will go to 2000 on the next pass. If needed, he'll hit it with 5000 grit to get it just right before polishing. He said that he hopes to be done with the sanding this week.

The doors and hatch are apparently still being worked. The interior panels on the inside of the door, apparently never really fit the shape of the door correctly. So Kevin is still building up the door surfaces and shaping them so the door panels fit, and "seal" all the way around, without forcing them inward towards the seats or the dash. (because there is literally no room for the panels to move inward).

It's all a balancing act with this car.

They showed me a very simple yet strong and effective door stop, that will limit the doors from opening too wide and cracking the fiberglass. We used a "standard" door limiter system, that still allowed the door to swing open too far, and caused stress cracks at the top. With the new limiters, that can't happen now.

The hatch is still being worked. I don't know at this point whether this is structural, or final prep and sanding. Rodney said that there was probably still a half day or so worth of effort to do. So, my assumption is that this is final prep work for having it ready for paint.

Tony is taking Bill Phillips SLC to Tennessee to be on Stacey David's show (Gearz). I'm not sure if it is being featured or a part of specific segment. I do know that he (Stacey) featured an SLC build some time back. And Bill's car is a beautiful example of what those cars can be. Maybe this is to sort of add to that story line in some way. Either way, it's pretty cool.

My understanding is that Tony will be out of play for part of the week doing that. So Pandora will be well prepared by Rodney, Kevin, and Kenny; and will get some magic applied by Tony and the buffing pad.

It is not a quick process. But it is definitely the correct process. I am proud of Pandora, and the work that these guys have put into her.

Mike

[Taz Rules]

Is Gearz still on tv? I haven't seen or heard about it in literally several years now.

Wet sanding Pandora...yeah, I remember doing that on show cars. 1000 wet by hand, 1500 wet by hand, 2000 wet by hand, 3000 Trizact on a DA with a soft pad and super short throw, 5000 Trizact on the softpad short throw DA, polish with 3m white, polish with 3m gray, polish with 3m blue. First time I went through the process, I burned through on an edge and had to re-shoot the fender. Fortunately it wasn't a candy or fancy pearl, so I was able to match. Whew.

Its a process, but its sure worth it. Can't wait to see it all done and together.

(This has got to be more exciting than a girlfriend getting a boob job!)

[crash]

(This has got to be more exciting than a girlfriend getting a boob job!)

It's certainly more expensive!

[The Stig]

Is Gearz still on tv? I haven't seen or heard about it in literally several years now.

Wet sanding Pandora...yeah, I remember doing that on show cars. 1000 wet by hand, 1500 wet by hand, 2000 wet by hand, 3000 Trizact on a DA with a soft pad and super short throw, 5000 Trizact on the softpad short throw DA, polish with 3m white, polish with 3m gray, polish with 3m blue. First time I went through the process, I burned through on an edge and had to re-shoot the fender. Fortunately it wasn't a candy or fancy pearl, so I was able to match. Whew.

Its a process, but its sure worth it. Can't wait to see it all done and together.

(This has got to be more exciting than a girlfriend getting a boob job!)


It's certainly more expensive!


Now there's a perspective that I hadn't thought of...! :rolleyes:

Mike

[The Stig]

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandora%20Wet%20Sanded%2001_zpsxxjlavwk.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandora%20Wet%20Sanded%2001_zpsxxjlavwk.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandora%20Wet%20Sanded%2002_zps6c2fvnli.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandora%20Wet%20Sanded%2002_zps6c2fvnli.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandora%20Wet%20Sanded%2003_zpszmux4xxx.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandora%20Wet%20Sanded%2003_zpszmux4xxx.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandora%20Wet%20Sanded%2004_zpsqech8f5r.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandora%20Wet%20Sanded%2004_zpsqech8f5r.jpg.html)

Rodney has been doing Masters Work on the paint prep for Pandora.

Her curves are as smooth as a baby's butt!

Also, the brake rotors are going to be painted Ferrari Silverstone Gray. I think they will look much nicer than the battleship gray color that they are currently.

Mike :)

[Roger Reid]

I thought the paint was already shot and in the process of wet sanding? Are these retro shots?

[The Stig]

Hi Roger,

Yes the paint has been shot. 3 coats of base, 4 coats of clear. But... it hadn't been cut & buffed yet. The previous pictures were take within a couple of hours after being sprayed.

These pictures are after being wet-sanded with 1 round of 1000 grit and another round of 2000 grit. We were thinking that we may need to go with a 5000 grit to get everything to the level that they want to see. But it came out really nice with the 2000. So they'll test a section with the buffer and see where they are.

It sure looks good to me though...

Mike

[Roger Reid]

Ok, I see what your talking about now. My paint was done 2,000 miles away so I never got to see the wet sand stage.I look forward to seeing in person. Pictures never do justice to the real thing.

[The Stig]

Ok, I see what your talking about now. My paint was done 2,000 miles away so I never got to see the wet sand stage.I look forward to seeing in person. Pictures never do justice to the real thing.

I look forward to meeting you, and showing you around Pandora. I know that I've made these plans before, but Pam and I plan (again) to be in Huntington Beach this coming year.

Maybe this will be the year that it actually happens...

Mike

[The Stig]

Tony sent a teaser. I haven't decided if this guy hates me or loves me...

Pandora's left rear fender: obviously... He sent this to give me an idea of how the panels are polishing out.

Oh. My. God!

I think it's pretty obvious that the work that He, Kevin, & Rodney have put into her, is paying huge dividends. You can clearly see the 20' roof of the shop in the mirror finish of Pandora's rear fender.

Sorry... :) I can't help but act like a proud Poppa. This has been a long time in coming.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandoras%20Rear%20Fender%20polished%20up_zpscc58mg tc.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandoras%20Rear%20Fender%20polished%20up_zpscc58mg tc.jpg.html)

I can't stress this enough!!!!! Anyone who is seriously interested in having the bodywork and paint of their car done right, needs to contact Tony at Charlotte Speed Shop. If you will send me a PM, I would be more than happy to send his contact information to you.

You owe it to yourself to at least talk to him before you have your car painted anywhere else in the southeast. His guys are absolutely top rate, and you will be hard pressed to find ANY PLACE that will do a better job.

They will do it right, the first time, which will save you a ton of money. Believe me, I know... as you've seen documented in this build thread. Save yourself a ton of stress and drama, and have your car done right the first time. GTM, or Cobra, SLC or GTR: He's up to the task. And you will be happy that you spent whatever the price might be.

It's always less expensive to get what you want the first time, than to have to try two or three times.

The choice is up to you. All I can say is that I could absolutely not be any happier.

Mike :)


(http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandoras%20Rear%20Fender%20polished%20up_zpscc58mg tc.jpg.html)

[The Stig]

I've also asked him to repaint Pandora's brake calipers "gun metal" metallic gray. I think it will look great next to the polished wheels and the carbon black metallic paint! Instead of Ferrari as shown on the calipers in the picture, I plan to have "Factory Five Racing" as the logo. I am debating whether that should wrap in a curve or be shown in a straight line.

Either way, I think it should finish off the look of the exterior. What do you think?

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Ferrari%20Brake%20Callipers%20Aluminum%20Paint_zps djjhucem.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Ferrari%20Brake%20Callipers%20Aluminum%20Paint_zps djjhucem.jpg.html)

Highly polished carbon fiber splitter & rockers, Highly polished aluminum CCW wheels, BMW Carbon Black Metallic Paint, Highly polished exhaust tips, Gun Metal Gray Metallic brake calipers... And a light gray leather interior.

Elegant, yet bad a$$...

I think it's going to look killer! But then I may be a bit biassed.

Mike :cool:

[LCD Gauges]

It's so clear, it almost looks like a printed wrap. Very nice indeed.

I can't wait for the day my car is ready for paint; it seems like it will never happen.

You should be all buttoned up for the 2017 season!




http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandoras%20Rear%20Fender%20polished%20up_zpscc58mg tc.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandoras%20Rear%20Fender%20polished%20up_zpscc58mg tc.jpg.html)

[Aceflo]

I had to take a second look at the picture, because I couldn't tell what I was looking at. LOL

At first, I was like ...what the hell is that sticking out of the fender? Then I realized that it was a reflection of the ductwork in the ceiling.

That's going to be gorgeous.

[dallas_]

Wow, that is simply stunning.
Can't wait to see the finished product.

[beeman]

Just a matter of time now! Better box up all your t-ball trophies to make room for new ones in the display case!

[The Stig]

More teasers... Oh Man, Oh Man, Oh Man!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2615_zpsccmtiffv.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2615_zpsccmtiffv.jpg.html)
Polished.

The paint looks wet.
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2616_zpsu5jgmeif.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2616_zpsu5jgmeif.jpg.html)

It looks like some new aluminum has been fitted into the nose, in order to close up the opening around the radiator. My panels were powder coated black. These don't appear to be...

A coat of wax has been applied to the paint. I can't believe the shine that is coming through.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2618_zpspeuglw8q.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2618_zpspeuglw8q.jpg.html)

Wow... Wow.

I don't know whether or not this is the final cut and buff. I'm guessing that if he put wax on the hood, he must be calling it done.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2614_zps3vc29dfk.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2614_zps3vc29dfk.jpg.html)

Another step closer. Tony says that the rest of the body will be polished and waxed by the end of the week.

The shop will be closed this coming week while Tony takes the guys to SEMA.

And then we'll see where we are with the doors and the hatch, and the rear spoiler.

It will be nice to see the car with these parts painted and re-assembled. We're still making some progress, so that's a good thing.

Mike

[VD2021]

Mike,
Beautiful.... Much deserved Congratulations.

[The Stig]

Vidal...!

It's great to see you here. It's been a while.

Thank you for the compliment. Truly appreciated. ��

How are YOU doing? And how's the build coming?

Mike

[Kempo]

LOOKING GOOD Mike!!!!! cant wait to see the finished product.

[JL1958]

Beautiful!

[The Stig]

Hello. I stopped by the shop today to see what progress might have been made on Pandora since Tony and crew returned back from a week in Nashville TN (Gearz), and a week in Las Vegas (SEMA). Here's the picture...

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandora%20Painted%20Fender%2001_zpsqqxgllxa.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandora%20Painted%20Fender%2001_zpsqqxgllxa.jpg.ht ml)

It's easy to see that the paint looks good. Very clear reflection. Tony mentioned that this is the result of the first pass. Not sure if the entire car will be cut with a finer grit and polished again, or if he's planning to use a polishing compound to do the final work. The hood, fenders, half of the roof, the drivers rear fender and some of the rear facia has been buffed. So roughly 3/4 of the car has been worked on since the wet sanding was completed. But not much has been done this week. The car is covered in a heavy layer of dust from the past couple of weeks, except for the front drivers side fender. I guess he figured that I would stop by and cleaned it up.

We were talking about painting the brake calipers. But now it looks like we'll be sending them out to be stripped and re-powder coated a nice medium gray metalic (Ferrari-ish). Some company that Stacey David (Gearz) uses that apparently does pretty nice work. No idea who they are. The calipers will need to be completely disassembled in order to be acid washed to get rid of the current powder coating.
According to Tony, we can send them out and get them back reasonably quick. But keep in mind, with Pandora, the term "quick" is definitely a relative term. 1 year could be quick in many circumstances. So we'll see what they belive "quick" means in their world.

I don't want the calipers to have that "in your face" look. My goal is for a subtle look that blends with the rest of the car instead of fighting for attention with other parts of the car. So my thought is that with the carbon black metalic paint, and highly polished wheels, the medium gray metalic calipers should look pretty nice.

I guess we'll find out.

Mike

[Taz Rules]

You should have them put little "sad" emoticons on the calipers...after all, it's always sad to have to slow down! :p

[The Stig]

You should have them put little "sad" emoticons on the calipers...after all, it's always sad to have to slow down! :p
I was thinking of having a set of Chrome Silver text "Factory Five Racing" stickers made that would fit the front and rear calipers.

I haven't decided yet whether I want to do that or not.

I've also thought of having "Pandora" put on them... for about 15 seconds...

The only thing left is to have some side-panels made that will cover the open areas of the engine bay, and make it look much cleaner.

Then she's done. (I think).

By the way, I guess you can see, she won't be finished in time to have any pictures made that could be used in this year's calendar.

Mike

[WIS89]

Mike-

Pandora looks all kinds of sexy!! I cannot express how awesome she looks. What an amazing job they did to get that extraordinary paint job!

I have to think they came awful close to your vision for her! I know you must be really ecstatic with how it all turned out.

It won't be too much longer before she's back home with you. There's still plenty of good driving weather left before the real cold sets in. I can't wait to see her all buttoned up.

Congratulations again on getting her to this point, and what an awesome paint job!!

Regards,

Steve

[beeman]

Mike, have you planned Pandora's 2017 US tour yet? Any events we can look forward to seeing her (and you as well I suppose :p) at?

[The Stig]

Mike, have you planned Pandora's 2017 US tour yet? Any events we can look forward to seeing her (and you as well I suppose :p) at?

Every time I try to put a stake in the ground, and say that I'll have the car at any specific show, it comes back to bite me in the rear. And the reason for that has ALWAYS been that the commitments that had been given to me that work that was being done to my car, would be finished in time for me to wrap everything up and make the dates. Obviously that hasn't happened.

But with that being said, when Pandora is "finished":

- She will prepped for professional photos to do as much as possible to highlight the work that has been done inside and out. (Mainly because I just want some professional level shots to document the build).

- There is a potential "Kit Car track day comparison" that may take place: (Television). But I haven't really decided whether or not I want to put the car on the track, and screw up what I've just spent another $20,000 and another two years to achieve.

- The HB Cruise-In has always been a bucket list goal for me. Not necessarily for the show itself, as much as being able to see west coast friends. It would also be nice to meet people that I've only been able to speak to on the phone or via the forums. So I hope to have her at the 2017 Huntington Beach show. I'm also hoping to try to make a drive down the west coast (PCH) with Pam.

- I may take her (Pandora) to Carlyle if it makes sense logistically.

- I may take her to the Factory Five Open House in Wareham, but for personal reasons I haven't decided if I'm going to commit to that one or not.

- I will probably have her at the Charlotte Auto Fair this spring because I think it would be fun to show her at a local show and see what sort of response she gets.

- For the longest time, I had hoped to show the car at SEMA. But I'm learning that that's more than likely out of reach, for me. Apparently there is a game that has to be played in order to be considered, and I'm not much for those types of games. But you never know.

- Charlotte Cars & Coffee is sounding pretty good; as well as Cars and Cappuccino...

- My reasons for taking her anywhere at all, is purely to prove that that "the build that never ends", finally ended... And to hopefully see my forum friends and hang out with them for a while.

Other than that... not much.

As I sit here writing the response to your question, it's becoming more obvious to me that I'm really pretty much over it all. There was a point during this year's SEMA show where a switch inside me was simply turned off. So I honestly can't tell you with any certainty that I'll definitely be at any one place. But Huntington Beach, and/or The Factory Five Open House are the two most likely places that we might travel to.


Mike

[The Stig]

I got an update from Tony this afternoon to let me know that he has finished the buff/polish of the body.
He didn't send a picture. Sorry.

We're still anticipating the doors, rear hatch, and spoiler being sprayed with primer and prepped for paint. But I'm sure that is just around the corner.

The brake calipers are are being sent out this week to be re-coated. They told Tony to expect a 1 week turn around, so we'll see how that goes. They should look much better when we get them back on the car.

The glass was picked up today in order to be prepped for installation tomorrow.

Undercoating for the wheel wells and under-body will take place next week, I think.

Progress is progress!

Mike

[The Stig]

The main body section and hood is finished.

Tony sent a text to let me know that the body was finished with being buffed/polished, along with a couple of pictures.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandora%20Rr%20Pass%20Side%20Fender%2002_zpsodlg79 5o.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandora%20Rr%20Pass%20Side%20Fender%2002_zpsodlg79 5o.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandora%20Rr%20Pass%20Side%20Fender%2001_zpsedffpz tc.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandora%20Rr%20Pass%20Side%20Fender%2001_zpsedffpz tc.jpg.html)

These guys simply do Amazing work.
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandoras%20Roof%20Painted%20and%20Polished_zpsarzc nr0c.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandoras%20Roof%20Painted%20and%20Polished_zpsarzc nr0c.jpg.html)

She's back on the lift to re-install the carbon fiber splitter, and rockers. The Diffuser will need to wait until next week.
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandora%20back%20on%20the%20lift_zpsttj1hbmm.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandora%20back%20on%20the%20lift_zpsttj1hbmm.jpg.h tml)

Steve Kurzman (Custom Stitching) interior guy is scheduled to come to the shop to pull the halo and a-pillar covers to make adjustments (so I can see out); as well as make a couple of changes in the seat cushions and seat back angle. When he's done with that, the windshield can go back in. Hopefully, we aren't looking at an excessive amount of time there.

A few odds and ends will be taken care of while that is taking place. Like the doors, and the hatch, mesh/grill installation and the spoiler.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandoras%20Doors%20ready%20for%20Primer_zpspfyyciu l.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandoras%20Doors%20ready%20for%20Primer_zpspfyyciu l.jpg.html)

It looks like we're actually going to see it finished before THIS Chrismas (2016).

Who would have thought?

Mike

[crash]

Absolutely Beautiful! Keep the pictures coming!

[cgundermann]

Beautiful!

[Roger Reid]

... It looks like we're actually going to see it finished before THIS Chrismas (2016).

Who would have thought?

Mike

That's great news Mike. Another quote from the A Team, "I love it when a plan comes together".

[The Stig]

I made a trip up to North Charlotte, and spent an hour with Tony, "the boss", Kevin, and Kenny. Pandora is really coming together.

As I have mentioned in previous posts, pictures just don't do her the justice that she and the guys deserve.

Tony is polishing the wheels, and OMG do they look good...!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2816_zpsg8bdrqf5.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2816_zpsg8bdrqf5.jpg.html)

Here she is guys!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2822_zpsptzfhcid.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2822_zpsptzfhcid.jpg.html)

When I saw her, all I could do was drool... all the right curves, in all the right places.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2823_zpstdwcpa0l.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2823_zpstdwcpa0l.jpg.html)

I wanted to take a picture to show the contrast between the paint, and the interior color.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2825_zps4uhyy4dr.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2825_zps4uhyy4dr.jpg.html)

Man O Man O Man O Man...!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2827_zpsseove2sr.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2827_zpsseove2sr.jpg.html)

Piece by piece, she going back together.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2828_zpstspzcsvg.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2828_zpstspzcsvg.jpg.html)

We were standing around talking about the current status of Pandora. Kevin looked at Tony and said, " If we can get the other intake runner polished, we can get it installed and then get her fired up. I've never heard it with the exhaust installed." So they polished it up and put it on, and then fired her up. And OMG did she ever sound great. I don't know if it was just that I hadn't heard her running in a VERY long time, and her Kooks headers and exhaust sounded freakin's awesome. I think Kevin thought so too. Kevin asked me a couple of time whether or not I would like to make a video, of Pandora starting up, and listening to her run. I decided to not do that just yet. There will be a professional video made that will show off her sublty as well as her strength.

Mike

[The Stig]

The Rear Quarter windows are back in, and and they fit PERFECTLY!!!!!!!!! The surfaces are absolutely flush with the adjacent panels. The rear door pillars fit perfectly flush. So when the doors are installed, you'll be able to see how flush all of the panels have been made to fit from front to back. It will look like a flat panel from front to rear.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2829_zpstfiroqsr.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2829_zpstfiroqsr.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2830_zpsuhxr5nng.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2830_zpsuhxr5nng.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2831_zps49exwjgq.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2831_zps49exwjgq.jpg.html)


The exhaust tips look SO GOOD next to the Carbon Black Metallic paint.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2832_zps9fgx8fph.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2832_zps9fgx8fph.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2834_zpsb12pflnq.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2834_zpsb12pflnq.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2835_zpseoudtmwm.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2835_zpseoudtmwm.jpg.html)

I bought a new set of fuel filler caps, and had them chromed and polished.

With the paint finish and the chrome, the polished aluminum wheels, and the interior, Pandora is coming together so well.

What do you think?

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2836_zpskquaqqp8.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2836_zpskquaqqp8.jpg.html)

Cool Stuff!!!

Mike

[T4Twins]

61106
I made a trip up to North Charlotte, and spent an hour with Tony, "the boss", Kevin, and Kenny. Pandora is really coming together.

As I have mentioned in previous posts, pictures just don't do her the justice that she and the guys deserve.

Tony is polishing the wheels, and OMG do they look good...!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2816_zpsg8bdrqf5.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2816_zpsg8bdrqf5.jpg.html)

Here she is guys. Be sure and tip the waitresses well...!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2822_zpsptzfhcid.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2822_zpsptzfhcid.jpg.html)

When I saw her, all I could do was drool... all the right curves, in all the right places.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2823_zpstdwcpa0l.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2823_zpstdwcpa0l.jpg.html)

I wanted to take a picture to show the contrast between the paint, and the interior color.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2825_zps4uhyy4dr.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2825_zps4uhyy4dr.jpg.html)

Man O Man O Man O Man...!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2827_zpsseove2sr.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2827_zpsseove2sr.jpg.html)

Piece by piece, she going back together.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2828_zpstspzcsvg.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2828_zpstspzcsvg.jpg.html)

We were standing around talking about the current status of Pandora. Kevin looked at Tony and said, " I we can get the other intake runner polished, we can get it installed and then get her fired up. "I've never heard it with the exhaust installed. So they polished it up and put it on, and then fired her up. And OMG did she ever sound great. I don't know if it was just that I hadn't heard her running in a VERY long time, and her Kooks headers and exhaust sounded freakin's awesome. I think Kevin thought so too. Kevein asked me a couple of time whether or not I would like to make a video, of Pandora starting up, and listening to her run. I decided to not do that just yet. There will be a professional video made that will show off her sublty as well as her strength.

Mike

[T4Twins]

I made a trip up to North Charlotte, and spent an hour with Tony, "the boss", Kevin, and Kenny. Pandora is really coming together.

As I have mentioned in previous posts, pictures just don't do her the justice that she and the guys deserve.

Tony is polishing the wheels, and OMG do they look good...!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2816_zpsg8bdrqf5.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2816_zpsg8bdrqf5.jpg.html)

Here she is guys. Be sure and tip the waitresses well...!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2822_zpsptzfhcid.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2822_zpsptzfhcid.jpg.html)

When I saw her, all I could do was drool... all the right curves, in all the right places.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2823_zpstdwcpa0l.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2823_zpstdwcpa0l.jpg.html)

I wanted to take a picture to show the contrast between the paint, and the interior color.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2825_zps4uhyy4dr.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2825_zps4uhyy4dr.jpg.html)

Man O Man O Man O Man...!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2827_zpsseove2sr.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2827_zpsseove2sr.jpg.html)

Piece by piece, she going back together.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2828_zpstspzcsvg.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2828_zpstspzcsvg.jpg.html)

We were standing around talking about the current status of Pandora. Kevin looked at Tony and said, " I we can get the other intake runner polished, we can get it installed and then get her fired up. "I've never heard it with the exhaust installed. So they polished it up and put it on, and then fired her up. And OMG did she ever sound great. I don't know if it was just that I hadn't heard her running in a VERY long time, and her Kooks headers and exhaust sounded freakin's awesome. I think Kevin thought so too. Kevein asked me a couple of time whether or not I would like to make a video, of Pandora starting up, and listening to her run. I decided to not do that just yet. There will be a professional video made that will show off her sublty as well as her strength.

Mike
61107

[WIS89]

Mike-

Oh......my......goodness!! I cannot believe just how good she looks. I cannot imagine how excited you are.

Congratulations on seeing her to this point. I look forward to the final pictures here in a few weeks.

You and Pam must be over the moon happy to have her finally at this point. Well done Sir!

Regards,

Steve

[T4Twins]

Look awesome Mike. Wish I never saw these pictures since I told myself I would wait till after the holidays to start up my build and now I'm having a change of heart lol. I'm shocked not seeing a sleeping tent in the backround while waiting for her. Hopefully with the holidays around it will help make time fly and before you know it will be styling out of the shop on the road.

[JL1958]

Caffeine and Octane in Atlanta has gotten so big that Velocity channel has been coming and is going to film 8 editions with people and their cars. If anyone deserves to be featured, you and Pandora do! Please bring her to ATL sometime. I would love to see this car in person. She is beautiful.

[The Stig]

Caffeine and Octane in Atlanta has gotten so big that Velocity channel has been coming and is going to film 8 editions with people and their cars. If anyone deserves to be featured, you and Pandora do! Please bring her to ATL sometime. I would love to see this car in person. She is beautiful.

Sounds fun to me. My brother and his family live in Sandy Springs. So I could put it together.

I would imagine that we could make that happen.

Mike

[LCD Gauges]

The paint looks like a wet mirror! Beautiful job for sure… and that interior. :eek:

[Taz Rules]

DAMN!

Nothing else to say.

[The Stig]

The Hatch was sprayed with smooth under-coating. The guys really paid attention to the seams on the underside to make everything smooth and to give it a very OEM look & feel.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandora%20Hatch_zpspq6bierw.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandora%20Hatch_zpspq6bierw.jpg.html)

The wheel wells were coated as well.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandora%20Undercoating%2001_zpsdb5qg2ee.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandora%20Undercoating%2001_zpsdb5qg2ee.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandora%20Undercoating%2002_zps7zu6ln3m.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandora%20Undercoating%2002_zps7zu6ln3m.jpg.html)

The underside of the car will be sprayed as well.

Man I'm lovin' it.

Mike

[cgundermann]

Looks my killer!

[beeman]

What undercoating is that? Looks really nice. Any concerns with it cooking by the exhaust?
Keep the pics coming! Beautiful!

[Roger Reid]

Looking really good Mike.

[Steven K]

Wow!!!!

[The Stig]

The "Belly Pan" has been coated.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandoras%20Belly%20Pan%20Undercoated_zps8acnniur.j pg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandoras%20Belly%20Pan%20Undercoated_zps8acnniur.j pg.html)

It really cleans up the look of the suspension in the Wheel Wells.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandora%20Wheel%20Wells%20Undercoated%2011_zpsywe6 kgoj.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandora%20Wheel%20Wells%20Undercoated%2011_zpsywe6 kgoj.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandora%20Wheel%20Wells%20Undercoated%2012_zps6xjj ffx9.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandora%20Wheel%20Wells%20Undercoated%2012_zps6xjj ffx9.jpg.html)

Stepping back for a better view...

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandora%20coated%20Wheel%20wells%2012_zpsjxwhqb0x. jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandora%20coated%20Wheel%20wells%2012_zpsjxwhqb0x. jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandora%20coated%20Wheel%20wells%2011_zpsnyy9i3wz. jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandora%20coated%20Wheel%20wells%2011_zpsnyy9i3wz. jpg.html)

The calipers come off on Monday (after Thanksgiving), and will be sent to Nashville TN to be powder-coated. He says that once he has them, he can turn them around in 1 week.

That would be about the quickest that anyone has ever done anything to this car. Some sort of world record or something.

Mike

[The Stig]

The doors have been sprayed with primer and blocked. Tony says that he wants to spray them once more and then do the final sanding before paint.

There has been a TON of hours put into these doors. Kevin and Tony have shaped and tweaked and shaped and tweaked and shaped and tweaked some more...

They are doing everything they can do to make them fit the car, feel and sound solid, seal to the body, and look great.

So I said... Ok. :)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandoras%20Doors%20Primed%2011_zpsjjdre4em.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandoras%20Doors%20Primed%2011_zpsjjdre4em.jpg.htm l)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandoras%20Doors%20Primed%2012_zpsfl0emga1.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandoras%20Doors%20Primed%2012_zpsfl0emga1.jpg.htm l)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandoras%20Doors%20Primed%2016_zpstxvowrba.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandoras%20Doors%20Primed%2016_zpstxvowrba.jpg.htm l)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandoras%20Doors%20Primed%2014_zpscmrl3t2q.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandoras%20Doors%20Primed%2014_zpscmrl3t2q.jpg.htm l)

[The Stig]

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandoras%20Doors%20Primed%2017_zpsezpemxeg.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandoras%20Doors%20Primed%2017_zpsezpemxeg.jpg.htm l)

There will be a cover made the fit over the door latch, to clean that up a little. It will be painted the body color as well.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandoras%20Doors%20Primed%2018_zpsb3cjqjgy.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandoras%20Doors%20Primed%2018_zpsb3cjqjgy.jpg.htm l)

She's coming along. Before you know it, she'll be finished and everyone will say, "Wow that was fast"... :)


Just kidding. They won't be saying that.

But hopefully, they will be talking about the fact that everything was done right. :)

For that, I am extremely happy and proud.

I just can't say enough good things about these guys.

Mike

[The Stig]

What undercoating is that? Looks really nice. Any concerns with it cooking by the exhaust?
Keep the pics coming! Beautiful!

I believe that Tony called it "Raptor" bed liner.

http://www.raptorliner.com.au/

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Raptor%20Bedliner%20Kit_zpsl0g9dozy.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Raptor%20Bedliner%20Kit_zpsl0g9dozy.jpg.html)

I think it looks really good when sprayed on smooth.

Mike

[The Stig]

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandora%20Shiny%20Shoes_zpslpwddcae.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandora%20Shiny%20Shoes_zpslpwddcae.jpg.html)

The CCW Aluminum Wheels have been polished to a fine shine. Pandora is ready to rock...! The wheel are back on, and she's ready to come down off the lift.

The Carbon Fiber Splitter, Rocker Panels, and Diffuser have been sprayed with 3 coats of clear, and polished. They'll be put back on next week... or the week after... or the week after... but before Christmas of 2016.

She's getting there! Life is good!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Mike

[The Stig]

I have a quick question for the GTM builders... when we ran the engine last week, Kenny asked about a "noise" the he was hearing (besides the kooks exhaust).

Initially, I thought it was the transaxle cooler fan, because it can be pretty loud. But after looking around the engine, I think it's the tilton pump that feeds the cooled oil to the transaxle.

Can anyone else tell me whether or not their trans oil cooler pump sounds very loud to them as well. I'm trying to figure out if I need to swap the pump out while the diffuser is still off.

I would appreciate your thoughts.

Mike

[Tarmac]

Mike,
This build is amazing... and what can i say about the paint job "Fantastic"!

I'm glad you have persevered from all the set-backs.

Paul

[crash]

The Tilton pumps use a flexible rubber diaphragm so there really shouldn't be a "loud" noise coming from it. Some models are louder than others with larger or smaller motors, but I have never heard one that is "loud". Did you use the rubber isolators when installing? If not, that could make it loud. We have used other style pumps that are not Tiltons and are not rubber mounted and they are definitely louder. The Tilton trans pump should be about the same noise level as your fuel pump. Maybe slightly louder.

[mlkwd1]

Mike, I have a Tilton trans pump and I can not say I have heard it make noise when running, certainly not over the Kooks exhaust noise.

Beings I live in NJ and it is fairly cold in the winter (24 deg this morning), I was concerned about the trans oil being cold and running the pump seemed unnecessary. I installed a surface mounted temperature switch on the side of the trans (near the gear set) that closes at 145 degrees and actuates a relay to power the pump.

If I get home from work early enough tomorrow, I will jump it with the car off and see what it sounds like with cold oil.

Michael

[The Stig]

Tony sent a text to show my the hatch prior to going into the booth.
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_0455_zpswewzfi3x.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_0455_zpswewzfi3x.jpg.html)

It was cloudy outside today, but she sure looks good in natural light.
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_3940_zpsojjq33uv.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_3940_zpsojjq33uv.jpg.html)

[The Stig]

Double click the link for a quick video.

Kevin Took Pandora out to get some air...! :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6a9QOvhyxw

She sure looks good in natural light.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tzh0w0BCyU4

Have I mentioned that Tony and his guys do unbelievable work? Yes...? Ok...

I know how hard it is to make painted fiberglass look like painted metal, and they have done that and then some.

Thanks guys.

Charlotte Speed Shop
8702 Statesville Hwy.
Suite J.
Charlotte, NC
(980) 322-5895

Ask for Tony. (Or his boss, Lourdes) :)

Mike

***********

Earlier days: Before Pandora became Pandora

One of the first few starts.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isEmrDKxAtk

The Whitby 500 (I took a lap around Whitby's Shop).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ref8_K4dJs

Pandora on the tuners dyno...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eovwIUakKJo

Testing the hydraulic lift system in order to navigate my steep steep steep driveway entrance.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zmOoMV44vc

Walk around upon the completion of the full customer interior.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgIDjQmnRAU&t=40s

[GoDadGo]

Not much longer now.
I know you've got to be excited.
Good Luck & God's Speed To Tony & His Crew!

[The Stig]

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2906_zpsu18866ku.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2906_zpsu18866ku.jpg.html)

The Carbon Fiber Rocker extensions have been re-installed.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2908_zpsmvugwql3.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2908_zpsmvugwql3.jpg.html)

Tony has polished them to a fine shine.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2910_zpsrs3rilhj.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2910_zpsrs3rilhj.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2911_zpsc9hbessq.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2911_zpsc9hbessq.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2912_zpsvqy8ec5f.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2912_zpsvqy8ec5f.jpg.html)

[The Stig]

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2906_zpsu18866ku.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2906_zpsu18866ku.jpg.html)

The Carbon Fiber Rocker extensions have been re-installed.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2908_zpsmvugwql3.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2908_zpsmvugwql3.jpg.html)

Tony has polished them to a fine shine.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2910_zpsrs3rilhj.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2910_zpsrs3rilhj.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2911_zpsc9hbessq.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2911_zpsc9hbessq.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2912_zpsvqy8ec5f.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2912_zpsvqy8ec5f.jpg.html)

[The Stig]

Pandora's rear hatch and wing were set in place for the last test fit prior to going into the paint booth.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2903_zpspaa3uqob.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2903_zpspaa3uqob.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2904_zpsprxoiwua.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2904_zpsprxoiwua.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2907_zpstdkusxf8.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2907_zpstdkusxf8.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2913_zpstwtgjwlo.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2913_zpstwtgjwlo.jpg.html)

Very nice gaps and lines all the way around.

Mike

[beeman]

Very nice gaps and lines all the way around.

Mike

Big surprise! I'm thinking we could probably calibrate the atomic clock by your gaps!

[The Stig]

Not much longer now.
I know you've got to be excited.
Good Luck & God's Speed To Tony & His Crew!

I am very excited to see this thing finally get to a real point of completion. There have been times when it didn't seem possible.
When I saw her yesterday, everything sort of hit me at once. The bodywork and paint are better that I ever expected.
The fit and finish is always top priority with Tony and his guys, I think it shows in their work. He put the seats back in because I needed to sit in the car and figure out whether I fit in it or not. When it left the interior shop I didn't. Today, I slipped in, and she fit like a custom made glove. Losing about 50 pounds apparently helps you feel good in your Factory Five GTM.

The color contrast between the leather and the paint is dead on, in my opinion. I love the way the interior looks in the car. It just fits the look. It is all exactly what I what I had hoped for.

Steve Kurzman (Custom Stitching Co,) came by and picked up the roll bar covers and the a pillar covers to make some adjustments that will tighten them up a little and hopefully give me a litte more field of vision.

Yes, I'm very happy with how she's turning out.



Big surprise! I'm thinking we could probably calibrate the atomic clock by your gaps!

Maybe that will save me some money in gas... Atomic clock power. W e may be onto something here.


Thanks guys,

Mike

[The Stig]

The Calipers have been pulled, disassembled, and packaged to be shipped to the powder-coater.

Hopefully we'll get the quick turn around that they promised a couple of weeks back. I can't wait to see them back on the car.

We should be seeing color on the remaining parts pretty soon.

I made a quick run over to Steele Rubber products in Denver, NC., and picked up the weather seals for the hatch yesterday. Hopefully they'll work out well.

I suppose the side glass will need to be re-tinted. They picked up a couple nasty scratches early in the "door prep" process.

Things are coming together quickly.

Mike

[Taz Rules]

Next year, I think we're going to have to offer a PANDORA calendar in addition to the GTM, Roadster, 818, and 65 Coupe calendars, LOL!
(The Pandora one will be a 5-year calendar, I think!)

[The Stig]

Next year, I think we're going to have to offer a PANDORA calendar in addition to the GTM, Roadster, 818, and 65 Coupe calendars, LOL!
(The Pandora one will be a 5-year calendar, I think!)

Wow... That would be cool: and a fun way to capture the milestone. :)

Mike

[VD2021]

Mike,

WOW! She's beautiful. It won't be long now.

[The Stig]

Mike,

WOW! She's beautiful. It won't be long now.

Thanks Vidal.

She's far enough along that I can let myself believe that it may actually be finished this year.

But as always, we'll just have to see how it goes. I hope you're doing well, and I hope to talk to you soon.

Take care my friend.

Mike

[The Stig]

Tony sent a few pictures to show that the hood had been installed permanently (for the last time).

As well, mesh has been installed into the hood openings.

The bonding agent is still setting up, so they are being held in place by cardboard and zip-ties.

I looked for the mesh through various steel retailers. I finally found what I was looking for, right here in Charlotte. The opening ratio was 60% pass-through. Much better air-flow into the radiator and then back out through the hood vents.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Aluminum%20Body%20Mesh%20008_zpsy9pqn0fg.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Aluminum%20Body%20Mesh%20008_zpsy9pqn0fg.jpg.html)

Kenny cut the pieces so that they all line up, and are visually oriented, in the same direction from side to side.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandora%20Hood%20Mesh%20Installed%2001_zpskcu8r1hz .jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandora%20Hood%20Mesh%20Installed%2001_zpskcu8r1hz .jpg.html)

She's really starting to look "finished".

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandora%20Hood%20Mesh%20Installed%2003_zpszwkeyopr .jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandora%20Hood%20Mesh%20Installed%2003_zpszwkeyopr .jpg.html)

The mesh at the wheel openings look great as well.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandora%20Hood%20Mesh%20Installed%2004_zpspqndxmt2 .jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandora%20Hood%20Mesh%20Installed%2004_zpspqndxmt2 .jpg.html)

The new head lights have been installed. We found out the hard way that you can't really remove the headlights from the hood, once they've been installed, without damaging the mounting holes. So the fiberglass around the mounts has to be fixed in order to install the replacement lights.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandora%20Hood%20Mesh%20Installed%2002_zpsatae24be .jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandora%20Hood%20Mesh%20Installed%2002_zpsatae24be .jpg.html)

The rear hatch, the spoiler, and the doors were supposed to be in the paint booth this week. I don't know if it happened or not.

As you can tell, Tony doesn't send too many full body pictures any more.

He's trying to save it for "The Big Reveal"...

That's why I take my own pictures when I go there, (if there is anything new to see).

I'm going back up tomorrow. :)

Merry Christmas!

Mike

[GoDadGo]

https://youtu.be/k0AuipqPqsU

Sorry, but I just had to.

Looks Great & I Know You Can't Wait!

[The Stig]

https://youtu.be/k0AuipqPqsU

Sorry, but I just had to.

Looks Great & I Know You Can't Wait!

That's Funny!!!! Thanks for the laugh!

Mike

[The Stig]

The rear mesh has been "test" fitted around the exhaust tips. They'll be taken back out and painted satin black, and then re-assembled.

I love the "texture" and the strength of these pieces. Very sturdy.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandora%20Rear%20Exhaust%20Mesh%2001_zps8ojhqatf.j pg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandora%20Rear%20Exhaust%20Mesh%2001_zps8ojhqatf.j pg.html)

The diffuser has been cleaned up and reassembled.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandora%20Diffuser%20Reassembled_zpsuhodescd.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandora%20Diffuser%20Reassembled_zpsuhodescd.jpg.h tml)

All the cool parts are coming back together!

I think that I understood that calipers should be back in the shop next week. I'm looking forward to seeing them back on the car. They have been kicking Kevin's butt, yet he presses on in order to get them just right.

The doors have gone through their 4th or 5th primer coat and block sanding and should be in paint soon. The issue has been that the fibergalss in the face of the door is so thin that it flexes a bit when being sanded and blocked; even with the long block sander. They have come up with a solution to hold it firmly in place (flat) so they can be sanded straight.

All I know is that Kevin is doing a great job, and I'm sure the paint is going to lay down perfectly smooth as it has over the rest of the car.

Still laughing from Go Daddy's "Chico and the Man" post... :)

Mike

[crash]

Mike, just to preface this comment, I think your car is the most developed GTM, as far as body work goes, that I have ever seen...and the interior is also a work of art.

That said, I am a little surprised that you left the hood openings in the stock configuration. I thought you would probably, at least, do something with some contoured fiberglass? Any particular reason you didn't do anything there?

[The Stig]

Mike, just to preface this comment, I think your car is the most developed GTM, as far as body work goes, that I have ever seen...and the interior is also a work of art.

That said, I am a little surprised that you left the hood openings in the stock configuration. I thought you would probably, at least, do something with some contoured fiberglass? Any particular reason you didn't do anything there?

Hi Mike,

Thanks for the compliments. I left the body alone because I decided, on day one, that I was going to build this car as closely to the Factory Five design as possible. No fender flares, no design changes that would change the lines in any way. I have gone out of my way to enhance what was given to us as our starting point, with little tweaks here and there. Most people would never know that any adjustments/changes were made.

The only panel that was visually changed was the hatch. Jason Cecil and I spoke a few times, and he came up with a nice solution using the original hatch as the starting point. I tried to make the original hatch work, but it just didn't. The GTM NEEDs a good heat vent solution to get rid of trapped heat that builds up in the upper section of the engine bay when the car is sitting still at idle, stop lights, or slow moving traffic. The updates made to the hatch allow heat to vent through an upper vent. So I am ok with the small change that was made there. It also NEEDS to fit the adjoining body panels in a flush manner. Even after this new hatch was designed, (a design that I am VERY pleased with), we still ended up putting over 300 hours in getting it to fit the roof, quarters, and fender panels as it should. Tony, Rodney, and Kevin have done a tremendous job fitting the panels on the car. Amazing work by amazing people.

I know that there are many things that other people have done to their cars to make them more unique and match up to what they think "their" super-car should be. When I saw the GTM for the first time, I thought that it was already everything that I wanted as far as the design and look was concerned.

So back to your question... Keeping the original look, just seemed to fit my style, and sticks with the original picture that I saw in my mind's eye the day that I saw the LS7 (Red) GTM show car back in 2007.

I guess she could have been much blatantly "more". But for me, doing more in subtle ways that most people would never notice, gets me closer to my end goal. That's where the over the top paint color and extreme quality of the body work come into play. 99.9% of the people that see this car, will only see the paint job because it's that good. The other 0.01% may notice the tweaks that we've made around the car, and how we did our best to raise the bar a few notches.

My long winded way of an answer...

Thanks again for the compliments. I know that Tony & Steve appreciate it also.

Mike

[Taz Rules]

Sorry for the slow response. Took me a few days to recover from the image of Tony's "full body pictures"! (The Freddy Prinze vid was hilarious, too, btw!)

Mike this is one VERY nice piece! You have nothing to prove to anyone. Don't sweat who puts your car in their display and who doesn't. That's on them. What I do know is wherever your car does get displayed, you will have hundreds of gear-heads and non-gear-heads alike drooling over this spectacular car.

You don't need lots of bells and whistles to be outstanding. Quality shows, and simplicity is elegance.

[The Stig]

Sorry for the slow response. Took me a few days to recover from the image of Tony's "full body pictures"! (The Freddy Prinze vid was hilarious, too, btw!)

Mike this is one VERY nice piece! You have nothing to prove to anyone. Don't sweat who puts your car in their display and who doesn't. That's on them. What I do know is wherever your car does get displayed, you will have hundreds of gear-heads and non-gear-heads alike drooling over this spectacular car.

You don't need lots of bells and whistles to be outstanding. Quality shows, and simplicity is elegance.

LOL... Thank you Taz. I re-read what I had written, and it did sound more "intense" than I intended... So I shortened it up. I didn't mean to give the impression that I was losing sleep over it. :)

I'm enjoying the build and wrapping up the details with Tony.

I'm not sweating anything. Pandora is very close to being finished, and Life is good.

Thanks.

Mike

[The Stig]

I got a nice text from Tony last night.

It seems that Kenny and his wife are expecting a baby to be born at any minute.

Pam's birthday was yesterday, and my youngest daughter was born on Christmas Eve.

Pam & I send good wishes and prayers for them all!

Congratulations Kenny. That's great news.

Mike

[The Stig]

It's time to re-install the door mirrors... Kevin and Rodney test fitted the doors for the last time, in order to position the mirrors and drill the mounting holes. We hit each side perfectly the first time.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2968_zpssvefd6z5.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2968_zpssvefd6z5.jpg.html)

The door is aligned and all edges are flush with the adjacent panels and rear glass.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2980_zpsdzuscyel.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2980_zpsdzuscyel.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2981_zpsfoen92tt.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2981_zpsfoen92tt.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2989_zpsatsfm0h4.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2989_zpsatsfm0h4.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2990_zpssbxtnb5p.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2990_zpssbxtnb5p.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2995_zpsq3wyxuvt.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2995_zpsq3wyxuvt.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2994_zpsysszfwuw.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2994_zpsysszfwuw.jpg.html)

The mirrors really make the car look complete.

[The Stig]

The rear exhaust mesh has been painted and installed. I really like the look of these mesh panels. The pictures seem to look more "see-through", but when you're standing next to them, you see as much through them. I also could be that when the hood and hatch other panels are closed, there isn't as much light inside to see.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2992_zpsy3d6kdkg.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2992_zpsy3d6kdkg.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2991_zps2xazy3qs.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2991_zps2xazy3qs.jpg.html)

Front wheel Vents:

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2975_zpschi3hanp.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2975_zpschi3hanp.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2974_zpsrboe1xkb.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2974_zpsrboe1xkb.jpg.html)

Hood mesh: I guess it's my personal taste, but I really like the look and texture of this stainless steel mesh. And I really
like the look of the Canton C-5 radiator overflow tank. The cap will be painted sating black as well in order to help it disappear.
I had the tank and the wiper motor mount/tank powder coated satin black.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2971_zpsun4vggii.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2971_zpsun4vggii.jpg.html)

[The Stig]

A view from the driver's seat. Not a perspective that I've had the privilege of seeing in some time.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2984_zps3wbvzbjp.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2984_zps3wbvzbjp.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2983_zpsmocl7pke.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2983_zpsmocl7pke.jpg.html)

Smile and show some emotion...

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_2982_zpsqyv96bpc.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2982_zpsqyv96bpc.jpg.html)

The mirrors are still the original blue color; quite a difference.

Pandora's really turning out exactly as I hoped and planned. Getting closer and closer every day.

Yup. Pandora's making me smile. (And Tony, and Kevin, and Rodney, and Kenny...!)

Mike


(http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_2974_zpsrboe1xkb.jpg.html)

[WIS89]

Mike-

I would have expected a bit of a bigger smile! HA.

Pandora looks stunning. Is she going to be under your tree, or will she need just a bit more time?

I have to say, I thought your original blue color was nice, but seeing it against your new deep blue/black confirms your decision to change colors! It looks fantastic!

I look forward to seeing her all buttoned up and in your garage. And, it will be great to see you truly enjoying her, and all the hard work it took to get her done --- your way!!

Regards,

Steve

[The Stig]

Mike-

I would have expected a bit of a bigger smile! HA.

Pandora looks stunning. Is she going to be under your tree, or will she need just a bit more time?

I have to say, I thought your original blue color was nice, but seeing it against your new deep blue/black confirms your decision to change colors! It looks fantastic!

I look forward to seeing her all buttoned up and in your garage. And, it will be great to see you truly enjoying her, and all the hard work it took to get her done --- your way!!

Regards,

Steve

LOL... Hi Steve. I know. Tony tells me all the time that I'm too serious and that I need to relax a little. That's probably true, and hopefully in the next month or so, I'll be able to do just that. Will Pandora make it under the tree? Probably not. But I am very happy with where she is, and how close she is to being finished.

While I was sitting inside the car giving a visual reference for the placement of the mirrors, we fired her up. Hearing that engine running right behind my head made me feel a little more connected to "the build" again. We're on the final stretch. Everything is coming together, and Pandora will be out on Charlotte's I-485 "Speedway" before we know it. I call it the "Speedway" because the transplants that have moved here all seem to think that it's an extension of the Charlotte Motor Speedway, and that they're really Dale Jr., Jimmy Johnson, Brad Kesolowski, or Danica Patrick... Or "Lewis Hamilton". (I threw that one in there for me since I'm more of an F1 fan.)

It's always an adventure... I guess they'll have to get used to following. :)

Mike

[Taz Rules]

I call it the "Speedway" because the transplants that have moved here all seem to think that it's an extension of the Charlotte Motor Speedway, and that they're really Dale Jr., Jimmy Johnson, Brad Kesolowski, or Danica Patrick... Or "Lewis Hamilton". (I threw that one in there for me since I'm more of an F1 fan.)

It's always an adventure... I guess they'll have to get used to following. :)

Mike

Lewis Hamilton...OK (I like F1, too)
But Danica Patrick????? REALLY??? Don't even joke about that! She's a wrecking machine! Do NOT jinx your car by bringing her name up, or you will get run into, T-Boned, dented, or otherwise seriously damaged!
(And no, its not a girl thing...I know lots of women racers. But DPatrick is as useless as boobs on a nun!)

[The Stig]

Lewis Hamilton...OK (I like F1, too)
But Danica Patrick????? REALLY??? Don't even joke about that! She's a wrecking machine! Do NOT jinx your car by bringing her name up, or you will get run into, T-Boned, dented, or otherwise seriously damaged!
(And no, its not a girl thing...I know lots of women racers. But DPatrick is as useless as boobs on a nun!)

LOL! I know, I know... "Boobs on a Nunn"... I love it.

I was attempting to be "NASCAR-ly" correct. Danica seems to sell tickets, but so far that's her greatest achievement. She should have stayed in Indy Car.

With that said... I've always liked Formula-1, and I feel that Hamilton has proven himself to be a tremendous talent in the sport.

Mike

[The Stig]

Hi guys,

I took the wiper arms, wiper motor, and the aluminum washer fluid tank to Tony to let him go ahead and install since he is already working in the front of the car. One of the parts that I can't find anywhere in my parts stash, is the connectors and linkage from the wiper motor to the wiper arm transmission at the window.

Was it just the end-connectors that came in the kit, or was there an actual connecting rod as well? If not, what did you guys decide to use?

I may have a connector rod machined with the correct with opposite threads at each end, just to make it look clean.

Thanks for your help, as always.

Mike

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandora%20Wiper%20Motor%20and%20Tank%2001_zpsq0wij vlo.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandora%20Wiper%20Motor%20and%20Tank%2001_zpsq0wij vlo.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pamdora%20Over%20Flow%20Tank%2001_zpsdtpxyxkb.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pamdora%20Over%20Flow%20Tank%2001_zpsdtpxyxkb.jpg. html)

[beeman]

Mike, I'm not using the corvette wiper system, so if it's a kit supplied piece I should have it. I think I also have the corvette parts too if that's what you're missing. Let me know and I'll drop it in the mail.

[The Stig]

Mike, I'm not using the corvette wiper system, so if it's a kit supplied piece I should have it. I think I also have the corvette parts too if that's what you're missing. Let me know and I'll drop it in the mail.

I just found the section in the build manual that calls for a "rod end" to be placed on each end, and then a threaded rod used to link the two. I'm not sure if I want to go that route or not. I thought that there were a couple of ends similar to the ones on the gas struts for the hatch. Maybe I dreamed that... It wouldn't be the first time.

Now that I know what the parts look like, I'll go back out to my work bench as see if they're laying up there somewhere. I was thinking of having the rod made, and I suppose if I need to, I can get a set of replacements from Factory Five.

Did your wiper sprayer work from the stalk on the steering column, or did you have to do something else to get it to work. I thought that motor was tied into the wiper motor harness.

Thanks for the info!

Mike

[The Stig]

It's amazing how fast you can find parts when you know what the heck you're looking for...

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_3003_zpswdaqg6jh.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_3003_zpswdaqg6jh.jpg.html)

The next Pandora project is to switch the front upper control arms to these adjustable configuration that Mike Jimmenez put together for us a while back.

Trying to decide if I want to powder coat the adjustment sleeves the color of the other control arms, but leaning towards just painting them satin black (to get rid of the logo).

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/GTM%20Adjustable%20Upper%20Control%20Arms_zpshwykm jiz.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/GTM%20Adjustable%20Upper%20Control%20Arms_zpshwykm jiz.jpg.html)

I am also planning to switch the other control arms and knuckles for a set that I had powder coated. Here is a picture of one of the lower arms to give you an idea. I had them done in the same "Mercedes Benz Silver" that Mercedes uses on their wheels.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Lower%20Control%20Arm%20Powder%20Coated_zps4lcrgz5 9.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Lower%20Control%20Arm%20Powder%20Coated_zps4lcrgz5 9.jpg.html)

The ball joints, wheel hubs (SKF), tie rod ends, and rear toe links will also be replaced. The front and rear bump steer kits will be added.

These are pretty much the only parts on the car that aren't new or re-manned, so I figured that I would make the change. Plus they will much a lot nicer.

This will be the last thing done to the car.

Mike

[Taz Rules]

Pandora...astronaut.
A car barely alive.
We can rebuild her. We have the technology to make her better, faster, stronger.

She is the world's first 6 Million Dollar GTM!

[The Stig]

Pandora...astronaut.
A car barely alive.
We can rebuild her. We have the technology to make her better, faster, stronger.

She is the world's first 6 Million Dollar GTM!

LOL... You joke... But it's true. Gary Cheney told me a little while back that I always come up with new reasons for her to not be finished.

That's why the suspension will be done after everything is complete, and she's in the garage for winter.

Come to think of it, I believe that he was the person who REMINDED me that if I had just bought the Veyron instead, I would have saved a ton of money...

But your point is well taken.

Thanks,

Mike

[JL1958]

"This will be the last thing done to the car. "
I'm sorry, but this made me laugh. : )

She's gorgeous.

[GoDadGo]

I've been following this build for a while and it is approaching the point of being "Stone Soup" so I hope this is the last change that is made.
As for my stone soup, I'm so, so, so, so ready to go Go-Karting because my off beat MK-4 is starting to wear on me.
Good Luck, Gods Speed To Pandora, Happy Hanukkah & Merry Christmas To You All!

https://youtu.be/3f1Q4aS5SG4

[The Stig]

Wow...! It's that good huh? :)

Don't worry. Pandora will be on the road, and getting some miles under her belt before any of the suspension changes will be addressed. After a suitable shake down period, I'll go in and make sure that everything is still tight, and that there are no leaks. Any "fixes" that need to be made, will be made then. That's when I plan to switch the suspension assemblies. I only posted the pictures, because it was pretty much the only other thing that will be done to her... Period.

She's pretty much finished when she leaves Tony's shop. So expect some sort of video of her cruising into the sunset before much longer. :)

Even though the right stones might eventually produce a wonderful soup, maybe we can avoid that particular meal.

Mike

[GoDadGo]

The Stig,

I'd love to do a GTM, but man your build has got me happy that I'm only doing a MK-4.
I just don't think I've got the skills to take on a project of this magnitude.
Can't wait to see this thing re-born.

Steve >> aka: GoDadGo

[The Stig]

The Stig,

I'd love to do a GTM, but man your build has got me happy that I'm only doing a MK-4.
I just don't think I've got the skills to take on a project of this magnitude.
Can't wait to see this thing re-born.

Steve >> aka: GoDadGo

Thank you Steve. I'm looking forward to it as well. But I don't see it as "re-born", as much as born correctly the first time. Although the labor has been hell...

Before she could ever called complete and turned loose on the streets, I decided to re-work parts of the project that were done wrong by people that I "trusted", but that still needed to be done correctly: Wiring & Body work.

The interior was done right the first time, with need for only a couple of small adjustments.

I think the skill that you need in order to build the GTM, is simply the confidence that you will have in yourself when you finish your Mk-IV. (And the ability and desire to spend a bit more money to build it).

The GTM is literally what you make of it; from budget builds to over the top builds. And they are all fun cars to own and drive. They all garner attention; whether you want them to or not.

Oh yeah... I forgot to mention that one of the reasons that I've been able to get through this build was that I refused to become one of the statistics... One of those people who started a project of this magnitude, and the found out that they were in over their heads. I was determined that no matter what, I was going find a way overcome the hurdles that were going to come. And it was only due to the fact that I have been fortunate enough to be able to afford to spend what it takes to build this car, that I could be able to meet my project milestones: but I did so at my own pace. This is why it has taken longer for me to get through this project. If something took two months, fine. If it took 2 years, fine. At the end, I was going to have what I had planned for. And who knew.. It actually seems to be working out the way I had hoped.

So if you have it in the back of your mind to build one of these wonderful self educational projects, you should! :)

Mike

[GoDadGo]

The Stig,

I think our next build, should we do one, will likely be the new Type-65 because that car I find to be a lot less intimidating since it shares most of the components with the MK-4. I'd love to do another 383-SBC build with a ZF 6-Speed transmission set up since I'm pretty much hooked on that combination, plus that new chassis is really sweet!

Since our last child will be going off to college in the fall, I am sure that I'll have plenty of time to research and plan the next build while I save up the cash to do it. Plus our MK-4 has got to Cruise The Coast a few times and make it's way to Key West first.

Merry Christmas & Happy Hanukkah!

Steve

[The Stig]

The Stig,

I think our next build, should we do one, will likely be the new Type-65 because that car I find to be a lot less intimidating since it shares most of the components with the MK-4. I'd love to do another 383-SBC build with a ZF 6-Speed transmission set up since I'm pretty much hooked on that combination, plus that new chassis is really sweet!

Since our last child will be going off to college in the fall, I am sure that I'll have plenty of time to research and plan the next build while I save up the cash to do it. Plus our MK-4 has got to Cruise The Coast a few times and make it's way to Key West first.

Merry Christmas & Happy Hanukkah!

Steve

One of my favorite builds to date, was done by Allan Smith's dark gray Type 65, and documented on the FFCars forum.

Ever since I saw that car in Kit Car Magazine, I've wanted to build one. But then I sat in one... The good thing is that now the Gen 3 did away with those 4" steel structural tubes in the frame, which means that I stand a better chance of sitting comfortably in one. Time will tell.

Another of my favorite "builds" was Gary Bopp's Type 65. That car was (and I guess still is) just beautiful to me, but I came along after he finished his build, so I didn't get to follow along.

Also... I was born in Key West just before the Cuban Missile crisis. (My dad was stationed there in the Navy). So I would also like to make a trip down in the GTM... Hmmm, sounds like the makings of a plan... :)

Mike

[GoDadGo]

Sound Like We Will Need A Factory Five Cruise To The Keys Event In 2017!

[The Stig]

I dropped by the shop today to see how Pandora was coming along, and to say hello to the guys.

The vent/mesh has been completed in all panels except the hatch. And Kevin has started placing the upper window seals. Maybe it's just me, but these things look OEM!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_3021_zpsablg20to.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_3021_zpsablg20to.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_3023_zpsrjvtsaxe.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_3023_zpsrjvtsaxe.jpg.html)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/IMG_3022_zpsycj8uqmm.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/IMG_3022_zpsycj8uqmm.jpg.html)

When the door closes, the window lays on top of the round seal and pinches into the top seal flush all the way around.

:)

Mike

[dallas_]

dang..... that looks really good.

[The Stig]

dang..... that looks really good.

Thank you. I didn't know that they were installing the seals yet, so I was a little surprised when I saw it. Especially when I saw how well it fits the contour of the roof and A-pillars. It really looks nice and it works!

Now... Back to Christmas and the family.

Enjoy the day everyone!

Mike

[mlkwd1]

Mike, the door seals look like they were supplied by the OEM. Can you find out a part number for the seal they used? My upper window fitment is poor I was looking for a seal design to fix the problem. Looks like you have that licked. FYI, your interior looks fantastic.

Michael

[The Stig]

Mike, the door seals look like they were supplied by the OEM. Can you find out a part number for the seal they used? My upper window fitment is poor I was looking for a seal design to fix the problem. Looks like you have that licked. FYI, your interior looks fantastic.

Michael

Hi Michael. The doors & seals are pretty much done. Just a couple of things left to do, and then they will seal the car just as a Mercedes does.

I will tell you this; make sure that whoever you have do this work KNOWS exactly what they are doing. And be prepared for the fact that it is going to take a lot of time and a large portion of your body/paint budget to make it happen.

Without going into too much info that Tony wants to keep close to the vest, for now, I can tell you this:
- We used some stainless steel Window rails and the matching rubber seals from Classic Industries.
- These were then cut and re-welded and made to fit the window openings.
- We also used some hip moldings/seals for the doors at the lower section of the glass.
- Structures had to be created in the doors to hold the hip-molding in place (inner & outer).
- Once these parts were cut and fit, and adjusted and re-fit, they were installed permanently.
- Then the Roof, A-Pillars, and Door (B) Pillars were re-designed and Tony & Kevin defined the shape of the "drip rail" along the roof to the back where it meets flush with the rear quarter windows.

Side note... The doors have been on and off the car so many times, we had to get another set of bushings for the hinges because they were starting to get some slop in them. Go figure.

The doors themselves were finally finished with bodywork & prep for painting on Friday (23rd). They have been particularly tough to block sand so that they reflect a straight line, due to the flex in the thin layers of fiberglass as the sanding block went across them. Kevin and Kenny came up with a great solution for that. Tony says that he now knows exactly what to do on any other set of GTM doors that come into the shop. (Eric Brown's car for instance).

It's not fun to pay to be a test mule that ends up saving other people a lot of money... (I still have another invoice coming for more hours that recently went into the doors to tweak them a little more). But, when you're first in line, and there is a learning curve to be completed, I guess it is what it is.

Based on a conversation that I had with Kevin, I believe that they are finally finished, and will be in the paint booth this week sometime along with the hatch, mirrors, and spoiler.

There have been an enormous number of hours invested in getting all of these elements in sync with each other, and fit to the point that we are all happy with it. (Personally, I've been blown away with it every time I've seen it, through it's progression.) But it really stopped me in my tracks when I saw it this past Friday. Tony has eaten a ton of hours through this process, and I am very appreciative.

The hatch was (and is) a separate story, in and of itself, in terms of effort and hours spent. But we won't go there. It is now correctly fitted to the car, and looks great.

There are MANY more details in terms what has actually been done to get the doors, windows, quarter windows, pillars, and roof re-shaped and corrected in order to have the doors fit and seal 100%. I've only scratched the surface in this description of work. Tony will share more details when the time comes.

I honestly think you should just send your car to Tony, and let him tackle it for you. They've got it figured out now, and can do it much quicker on other GTMs and will more than likely save you a good bit of money by doing it RIGHT the first time.

As I've said many times, these guys have proven to me that they are the real deal.


Mike

[mlkwd1]

Wish I had the cash to do what you suggest. I will have to live this one through you for this coming year. My doors fit well and the lines are good but the window functionality and the seal is far from what I would like it to be. I have minor back hatch issues as well. Side lines are good but the horizontal line on the back lip is not correct. The whole hatch seems to have a slight twist. A dark car would not be as noticeable but on a bright orange car it is pretty easy to see.

I really want to see your car in person when finished. Maybe I will have to take a road trip to Charlotte this coming summer. If not, I am sure your car will be in SEMA next year and I will take a look at it there.

Thanks for the info.

Michael

[beeman]

Yeah I don't blame Tony and the guys for not divulging 'secrets' of his success with Mike's car. They are in the business of making money, not hobbyists like ourselves.

[The Stig]

Yeah I don't blame Tony and the guys for not divulging 'secrets' of his success with Mike's car. They are in the business of making money, not hobbyists like ourselves.

That's true. He's in business for a reason; to make a profit and support his family.

I'm just glad that I finally found a shop that I can trust, and that can actually do what they say.

Thanks,

Mike

[The Stig]

I was just told by Tony that the Doors, Hatch, Mirrors, and Spoiler will finally be painted tomorrow! Woo Hoo!!!!!!!

I also ordered that last of the weather stripping for the body/doors; so they'll be DONE soon!

Am I ever looking forward to seeing it with all the panels and parts painted and re-installed!

Also, we're supposed to be getting the brake calipers back soon. Hopefully sometime this week.

It all seems to be coming together.

Mike

[crash]

Seeing the paint in contrast with the interior...I'm in love with your car!

[The Stig]

Seeing the paint in contrast with the interior...I'm in love with your car!

LOL... It's working pretty well for me too!

Thanks Mike.

Mike

[The Stig]

The Calipers were delivered today!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandoras%20Calipers_zps2tvrqhss.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandoras%20Calipers_zps2tvrqhss.jpg.html)

What a difference!

Mike

[Taz Rules]

The Calipers were delivered today!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandoras%20Calipers_zps2tvrqhss.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandoras%20Calipers_zps2tvrqhss.jpg.html)

What a difference!

Mike

LOL...they look like toy cars in that shot!

[The Stig]

LOL...they look like toy cars in that shot!

My wife said the exact same thing.

Mike

[The Stig]

I stopped by the shop today, and spent some time going over the "to-do" list with Tony: Mainly odds and ins sort of things.

It is finally sinking in that Pandora is actually about to come to completion. And I know it's true, because Tony's wife (the Boss) said that she would really like to get the GTM out of the shop. I'm smart enough to know that if his wife wants it gone, it's going to be gone: and soon. So I've got that going for me...

Tony said that the doors, hatch, mirrors, and spoiler would be in the paint booth today; and they were. He mentioned that he planned to paint them today after lunch. So we should see paint on them very soon.

The calipers will be re-installed, and car will be back on the ground, pretty soon. The door seals came in today, so when they've been painted, and they are dry, the doors will be re-fit/installed for the final time. I can't wait to see them painted and back on the car.

While these parts are drying and waiting for the first cut / buff, we have a couple of small items that will be taken care of, that will be wrapped up by the time the other parts are buffed and finished.

I also stopped by Steve Kurzman's Interior Shop (The Custom Stitching Co., Charlotte, NC.), to find out where we are with having the halo cover re-worked. It looks like Steve has been slammed with business. Good for him, bad for me as far as wait time. He is finishing up a Pontiac Trans-Am this week. My re-fit will be done when he finishes that project. So hopefully, we'll get the glass in the car, at about the same time that the rest of the car comes together for the final time.

I guess time will tell.

Mike

[The Stig]

We have paint on the doors, hatch, mirrors, and spoiler! Woo Hoo! :)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandora%20Parts_zpssxnixyrl.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandora%20Parts_zpssxnixyrl.jpg.html)

Mike

[GoDadGo]

Now You Are Really Cooking With Gas!

Looks Like 2017 Is Going To Be A Good Year @ Camp "The Stig!"

[Taz Rules]

Should've painted the doors white...go for the patrol car look :cool:

(Seriously, no. Don't. Not unless you can get wig-wags on the roof that won't spoil the aero!)

[The Stig]

Should've painted the doors white...go for the patrol car look :cool:

(Seriously, no. Don't. Not unless you can get wig-wags on the roof that won't spoil the aero!)

LOL... There's no danger in me giving Pandora the "Mayberry Squad Car" look.

Mike

[The Stig]

Pandora is sporting a newly painted rear hatch!

This is yet another example of some sweet work.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandoras%20Painted%20Hatch%2001_zpsciegtopz.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandoras%20Painted%20Hatch%2001_zpsciegtopz.jpg.ht ml)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb94/jmichaelbaskin/Pandoras%20Painted%20Hatch%2002_zpskbl9evke.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/jmichaelbaskin/media/Pandoras%20Painted%20Hatch%2002_zpskbl9evke.jpg.ht ml)

Mike

[GoDadGo]

I'm Sure You'll Be Smelling Exhaust Fumes Soon!

Almost There!
Almost There!
Almost There!

Good Luck & Looking Forward To Seeing Pandora On Youtube!

Steve

PS: I'll be back on my project soon (Tomorrow) now that we've closed out the year.

[The Stig]

I'm Sure You'll Be Smelling Exhaust Fumes Soon!

Almost There!
Almost There!
Almost There!

Good Luck & Looking Foward To Seeing Pandora On Youtube!

Steve

PS: I'll be back on my project soon (Tomorrow) now that we've closed out the year.

Hi Steve,

LOL...! Pandora really is almost "there".

It felt good to get the text from Tony last night, prior to midnight, of Pandora's Hatch.

I've been waiting for a long time to see her with the new hatch painted and fitted in place.

So yes, It's pretty cool to see it this close.

As well, I'm looking forward to seeing Your progress reports on your Cobra!

Mike

[GoDadGo]

Mike,

The last four months of the year are always tough in my line of work as have been the last 7-8 years, but I digress.
I've got to install the following; however, the good news is that I have all of the parts sitting in the spare bedroom waiting to be installed on the car:

1. Pulleys & Alternator
2. Distributor & Wires
3. Radiator & Hoses
4. Fuel Line From Mechanical Pump To Carburetor
5. Engine Oil & Radiator Fluid

It's been tough letting it sit, but the I've Got To Do's Far Out Weighed The I Want To Do's, so you get the picture.
Hope to post that First Start / Go Kart Run video soon, assuming all goes well.

Good Luck With Pandora & We Can't Wait To Meet You Guys & See It Down In Key West With Our Chevy Powered Cobra!

Steve