A year into it and a long way to go!!

[ab7fh]

In June of 2007 I drove from Phoenix to New Jersey to pick up a '70 Dart "with a little rust in the usual places". Turned out to be a rust bucket which looked good in pictures only:( I worked on that car from July until December, when I found a '73 Valiant. The Valiant was in a guys garage, completely media blasted, and ready to go.  All, but one floor pan was mint. The bad one was nothing compared to my first Dart. One little hole in the left rear of the quarter panel and that was it for rust. Since starting the project I have completed the "min-tub" modifications, bought most of my engine components, picked up a set of slicks and wheels, a fiberglass hood, master cylinder, front disc brakes, D60 rear axle and lots of assorted odd and ends. Lots left to go!! My two year goal seems like a long shot at this point.

Time for more pics... Progress has been slow, but steady. With the outdoor temps hovering around 110 every day it's hard to get much done lately.

















Garage cooling scheme:


Swamp cooler to lower the temp...


Exhaust fan to get rid of the humidity generated by the swamp cooler. Also gets rid of fumes and dust. Provides quite a suction in the garage. When used with...


The seal on the top of the garage door which keeps hot air from re-entering the garage. That's nothing, but three heavy duty garbage bags still attached to each other. The bottom is sun screen which allows air to pass through, and blocks the view of the plywood from the front of the house.

Many more pics if you click the link in my signature.

[signet]

i guess it depends on your location when asked were the rust is.
i think on the East coast the rust is much worse than Arizona.

you must have done body work before or you have some real good friend.

but it looks like in my opinion that your time line is still on track.

110 degrees yikes.

take care

[ab7fh]

This is the first time I've done bodywork on an entire car. Previous to this I've only done spot repairs, and painted aftermarket panels. I can now understand why the pros charge so much. Speaking of pros, my only help comes from long distance calls to an old high school friend in the Chicago area. He's been restoring top notch cars for years and has guided me through the process.

Here's a link to his site: http://www.rmrestoration.com/

[dangerdawg]

112 degrees here, glendale az.

[That One Guy]

it's 95 here, it's midnight too, highs right around only 110 this week
I like your set up you've got going there, car looks like a good starting point,

[71dusterjon]

are you smoothing out the firewall or what are you doing with it?

Jon

[ab7fh]

are you smoothing out the firewall or what are you doing with it?

Yes, I welded up the blower motor hole, wiper motor, water hose holes etc.

Wiring will be custom. That's why I filled the spot where the junction block goes.

[71dusterjon]

ill be excited to see how it turns out with color or even primer on it. good work

[68_Val_Sedan]

Looking good ... I also do not like the heat so I did a little install in my own shop ....




Yup   3 tons of instant cool dry air ... it takes my shop from 85 and humid to 70 and dry in about 45 mins .... makes working on the car a true joy this time of year .... and the radiant heat in the floor dosn't hurt either ...