All Hands on Deck - Here,...
All Hands on Deck - Here, five techs are edging fender wells, vents, and edges in preparation for primer.
Then the car was meticulously taped, edged, and thoroughly cleaned in preparation for the initial primer. Care needs to be taken not to get overspray on any of the undercarriage work that is already completed. Note the paper masking clear to the floor, completely sealing off the bottom of the car.
With the body now masked off, we mixed the primer exactly to the mix instructions on the data sheets, and applied the primer in successive coats as per the recommended dry times until we reached the recommended film thickness. We always have a trained certified applicator spray all our substrates and paints. There is no guess work here, and everything is done strictly "by the book." After the recommended drying time (usually at least overnight), the body men blocked the vehicle working through the sandpapers to the desired grit. In case of any sand-throughs, we just reprime and resand that area again, working to a very-fine grit until it is suitable for paint.
Now for the color. we know that color "makes" the car, so we decided to investigate red-painted vehicles rather than a lot of paint chips. To view a lot of red cars in one place, we attended the Ferrari Show and Shine at Tempe Diablo Stadium, which happened to be the kick-off of the '07 Arizona Copperstate 1000. The stadium was full of red Ferraris, which were all over the field and readily available to get up close and personal. The proper color for this car was first noticed on a mid-'60s Ferrari that was brighter than most of the reds around it. We discussed this car color in depth and noted that the color had some similarities to the Corvette Torch Red cars.
Tape Me Well - After a thorough...
Tape Me Well - After a thorough cleaning, the car is blown off and wiped down; Troy is doing the final tape off.
When the time came to finalize the paint code for the Timber Wolf C2, we met with Rod at Scottsdale Paint. Rod pulled up the Torch Red paint formula and a sample of the color, and we realized this specific formula has a lot of dark toners that dilute the color. We wanted a cleaner color for this car, so we checked several alternate paint formulas that were very close to the Torch Red. We finally decided on a cleaner red formula with almost no dark toners. We compared the color chosen in the shade and in the sun, and it looked excellent in both light environments. On the car, this red looks very pure and deep in the shade, and really lights up with a clean, clear look in direct sunlight. To have a little fun, we decided to name the color "Arrest Me Red."
With the vehicle now properly prepped, cleaned to perfection, wiped down, blown off, and masked, we were ready to seal and spray the car. We then applied two coats of sealer, four basecoats, and four clearcoats. Our primary paint supplier-Scottsdale Paint & Supply-is a PPG Platinum distributor, and they graciously supplied all the basecoat and clearcoat for this project. Troy and Elio then prepped and sprayed the doorjambs. The jambs were sealed and sprayed as per the paint company recommendations, and then the car was pulled out of the spray booth to cure.
Prime Me - The initial priming...
Prime Me - The initial priming is now complete with three full wet coats of primer.
After a several-day cure, the vehicle was then wet-sanded with extremely fine sandpapers. We methodically work through the various sandpapers and ended up with a 2000-grit sandpaper finish. This removes all surface imperfections and any "orange peel" present. We then buffed the car with compound and worked through the polishing process until a high luster was achieved. Then we cleaned up, unmasked the car, and moved it over to our installation area.
Hidden under the top surround between the headlight buckets are the headlight motor mechanisms. Corvette Restoration AZ supplied the rebuilt headlight motors and M&H Electric Fabricators graciously provided new wiring harnesses for the entire car.
Keeping things cool is our new Be Cool radiator fan assembly. In front of the radiator you will notice the new Vintage Air A/C condenser. The Vintage Air heat/cool combo takes the place of the original heater box and snuggles into the righthand dash area, right behind the glovebox. This kit is purpose-built just for this application and fits into the Corvette beautifully, so much so the finished install looks like art! All the lines are right where they should be and are prebent around all components. Also, our expansive heat barrier kit-provided by Penn-Ohio Corvette Specialties-covers the entire floor of the C2 and was installed quickly and easily. The barrier kit will render huge paybacks when the car is driven on those hot summer nights. At this point of the build, all of our M & H wiring harnesses were now plugged in and ready for some power.
With the bodywork now done and the car painted, next month we will cover the engine build and the Tremec five-speed install. We will also get into a little more detail on the engine accessories including our new pulley system and the radiator and fan combo. Until next time, we hope to see you out there in the "Taillight Zone."
YOU COULD WIN THIS CAR, or one of five other classics at the Timber Wolf Speed Shop. Go to www.TWSPEEDSHOP.com for details.
No Purchase Necessary to enter or win in the Timber Wolf Speed Shop Promotion. For Official Rules and info on how to obtain a free code, visit www.TWSPEEDSHOP.com. Starts 12:01 a.m. CT 5/15/07 and ends 11:59 p.m. CT 11/1/07, or while supplies last. Open to legal residents of the contiguous 48 U.S. & D.C. (excluding VA & MA), 21-or-older, tobacco users, and for those with a valid U.S. driver's license. Void in VA, MA, and where prohibited.
Sponsor: Pinkerton Tobacco Co. LP.
 Sand Me - After guidecoating...  Sand Me - After guidecoating the car, the body men block-sand every inch of the car. |  Arrest Me Red - The car is...  Arrest Me Red - The car is now sealed and then painted in our special "Arrest Me Red" basecoat, followed by four coats of clear. |  We be Jammin' - The jams are...  We be Jammin' - The jams are prepped, taped off, and ready for paint. |