The beginning of the sympathetic restoration.
First the removal of "Cannonball Run #1 and Hawaiian Tropic" that was painted on the back. Then the entire car gets wet sanded to evaluate the paint.
The paint came back great, next is the paintless dent removal.
The incorrect burgundy & black interior is removed.
The original tan leather, tan carpet and brown dash will be fully restored.
Instrument cluster restoration
When the interior was changed to burgundy they covered over the factory power mirror switch. Needless to say we will be putting it back to its correct location.
One of the most special parts of the car for me is the original steering wheel. We are installing a new one and since I was the last to drive it before the restoration, the owner gave it to me as a gift for all the hard work.
I will frame it along with a movie poster.
The custom exhaust comes down to be restored, it's nothing close to original but since it was on in the movie it will remain.
Well it looks like someone found my camera...
That's me removing the front spoiler. I not only direct the restorations, I work on them as well.
The grills are missing their uprights and are mounted wrong... we'll fix that.
The entire front & rear suspension comes down for restoration.
These gauges were installed prior to filming on the far right dash, they will remain as "movie correct" and be restored.
The correct 205/50/15 Pirelli P7 tires will give the car its proper stance.
The wheel refinishing begins
Curb rash is removed
Paint removal begins
The center rim provides the original silver / gray that will be matched and restored in original lacquer.
These are normally locked in with two brackets and the edge is sealed.
They have been out before and urethane was used to glue them in,
what a nightmare.
They have bumps and bruises that need fixing.
