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Discussion Boards => Aero Cars => Topic started by: CornDogsCharger on June 03, 2009, 08:18:18 PM

Title: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird" (FINISHED) ...Updates Pg. 7 on 12-2-11
Post by: CornDogsCharger on June 03, 2009, 08:18:18 PM
Well, I am finishing up the 440/6 4spd Vit C Bird and I thought I was gonna go back to regular collision work.  Actually, this wouldn't be so bad but it doesn't really matter to me either way.  So anyways, the owner of the shop... who also owns the first Superbird came to me and asked where I was with it.  After I told him that it will be finished this month he asked if I was interested in doing the other Bird that he just purchase.  Not that it really bothered me, but I tried to talk him out of it.  Mostly because I have already seen more rust in this car than in the first car.  Plus, the car was wrecked pretty bad in 1978/9 and I can see where a used section was installed.  Knowing how the owner is... I know it may start off as a simple repaint... and end up being a full resto.  He told me that he didn't want to make this car as detailed as the first car mostly because he planned on driving this car where ever and when ever he wanted to.  

At first, he said he wanted a simple repaint.  Then... he figured now would be a good time to rebuild the original numbers matching 440 since it is tired and worn out.  But then he said... if the engine comes out, then he will definately have to strip the undercoating from the engine bay and repaint it.  Well... the driver side inner apron is damaged from the wreck and rusted from the battery leaking.  So it will need to be replaced.  In order to pull the sheetmetal back into place, the fenders and nose will need to be removed.  Well, the nose was molded to the fenders a long time ago.  So that will need to be taken apart.  the trunk floor is rusty so it will need replacing.... as well as the rear body panel..... hmmmm starting to look like a snowball effect here.  

When my boss bought the car, he knew that it had been wrecked but the seller said the fender and door were replaced.  He didn't say anything about sectioning in the floor pan, inner rocker, outer rocker, inner kick panel, complete hinge pillar, and part of the firewall.  Granted, everything lined up well.... the lines looked good and the door open and shut fine... cosmetically, it looks pretty crappy.  Plus, the floor panel doesn't line up well at all.  

But before I get too far ahead of myself... let me show you what we are starting with.  I meantioned this car in an earlier post.  http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,55425.0.html  It's amazing how nice and solid this car looks upon first inspection.  Trust me... it gets much better

Justin
"CornDog"


(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird032.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird027.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird011.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird001.jpg)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"
Post by: maxwellwedge on June 03, 2009, 08:26:55 PM
They all turn into "Snowballs" dont they? Where to start and where to stop....The age-old question.

A far from good and good from afar car.  ;D
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"
Post by: CornDogsCharger on June 03, 2009, 08:34:32 PM
The initial tear down of the vehicle revealed much of what I was antisipating.  First out was the interior as well as the dash panel.  You can see on the floor where the used piece was sectioned in.  All of the white seam sealer is where it was cut.  It almost looks like the floor was sectioned and patched due to rust at the same time.  

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DWBird2003.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DWBird2002.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DWBird2004.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DWBird2010.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DWBird2012.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DWBird2008.jpg)

After the dash was removed from the car, you can see most of where the car was cut apart and the used piece was sectioned in.  As you can see in the pictures, the donor car was green.  I thought all of the green car survived over the years.  Haha.  They were not as concerned about the appearance from the inside.  Also, if you look carefully, you can see were the firewall was buckled between the accelerator pedal and the steering column opening.  The firewall is still bend and you can see where they heated it up with a torch to straighten the metal.

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DWBird2013.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DWBird2020.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DWBird2019.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DWBird2001.jpg)

Still think it looks like a nice car??
Justin
"CornDog"

Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"
Post by: 69bronzeT5 on June 03, 2009, 08:37:15 PM
Hello Project SurpriseBird!!! :wave: :icon_smile_big:

I noticed it has 72 and later style center caps on the Rallyes. I wonder what kind of donor car they used back then :scratchchin: Good luck with everything Justin, but aren't you getting tired of orange Birds yet? :lol:
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"
Post by: CornDogsCharger on June 03, 2009, 08:43:44 PM
Quote from: 69bronzeT5 on June 03, 2009, 08:37:15 PM
Hello Project SurpriseBird!!! :wave: :icon_smile_big:

I noticed it has 72 and later style center caps on the Rallyes. I wonder what kind of donor car they used back then :scratchchin: Good luck with everything Justin, but aren't you getting tired of orange Birds yet? :lol:

Not really.  You'd think I would though.  Wrapping up orange Bird #1 after just over a year.... and starting on orange Bird #2... I think there is something wrong with me.  Maybe I'm asking for punishment.

Justin
"CornDog"
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"
Post by: 69bronzeT5 on June 03, 2009, 08:45:38 PM
Then again, I'd be in heaven working on 2 Superbirds in around a one year timeframe :yesnod:
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"
Post by: CornDogsCharger on June 03, 2009, 08:53:44 PM
Quote from: 69bronzeT5 on June 03, 2009, 08:45:38 PM
Then again, I'd be in heaven working on 2 Superbirds in around a one year timeframe :yesnod:

I just wish one of them were mine.  I don't even have time to work on my own junk.  When I started on the first one it was pretty cool and all... mostly because I never had the chance to work on one..... many mopars over the years, but no wing cars.  When I started on the second one this week, I guess the new had already worn off.  Maybe it will all hit me a few years from now. 

Justin
"CornDog"
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"
Post by: 69bronzeT5 on June 03, 2009, 09:08:30 PM
Just an off-topic question, did you ever get a chance to go offer the owner some $ regarding that Demon?
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"
Post by: CornDogsCharger on June 03, 2009, 09:10:02 PM
I checked the following week and he was still in the hospital.
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"
Post by: CornDogsCharger on June 03, 2009, 09:28:14 PM
So I decided I would see what was holding the nose to the fender.  Everything was smoothed over and a simulated seam was carved in.  So I started with 40 grit and that wasn't cutting it fast enough.  I took a grinder to it and FINALLY hit metal.  On the leading edge of the nose there was ove 3/4inch of filler to build up the line.  The nose was brazed to the fneders in about 3 or 4 spots.  The rest was filled with kitty hair resin.  Once I checked out the condition of the nose even more.... it's absolute JUNK.  Everything is rusted out!  Nose shell, both headlight buckets, both z-frames, even the crossmember that connect the two z-frames... all rusted through and should be replaced.  The nose shell has been patched in so many spots, I don't know if it could even be properly repaired.  It would be easier to build one from scratch. 

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DWBird2021.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DWBird2022.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DWBird2023.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DWBird2024.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DWBird2034.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DWBird2036.jpg)

Now for the worst side.....

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DWBird2025.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DWBird2026.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DWBird2027.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DWBird2028.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DWBird2030.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DWBird2027.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DWBird2033.jpg)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"
Post by: BigBlockSam on June 03, 2009, 09:28:22 PM
 :scared: holy smokes Batman!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

i remember that car from ebay . it was on there a couple of times .  wow, you just don't know what these old cars have been through .

cool  :cheers: we get to see you build another bird  
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"
Post by: CornDogsCharger on June 03, 2009, 09:46:40 PM
Here you can see some of the rust inside the nose.

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DWBird2044.jpg)

I cut all of the brazing welds and removed the fender to see what other hidden damage was found.

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DWBird2039.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DWBird2038.jpg)

Here you can see the rust damage behind the battery.  You can also see some of the crappy work on the hinge pillar.  In the third picture you can see the kink in the apron right above the shock tower.

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DWBird2046.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DWBird2047.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DWBird2045.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DWBird2042.jpg)

Justin
"CornDog"
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"
Post by: hotrod98 on June 04, 2009, 01:07:50 AM
What a piece of junk.
He should sell it.
Cheap.
I know a guy.
I'll give him my...I mean...his number. :icon_smile_big:
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"
Post by: tan top on June 04, 2009, 02:38:55 AM
well it looked god from the first pictures  :yesnod:  yep typical stuff one thing leads to another !  next minute it a full nut & bolt resto :yesnod:
when you see old repair work like this makes me wonder , who done this &  what was the story behind the wreck !!
bit like  archeology !!
keep the pictures coming Justin  :yesnod:  love looking at stuff like this  :2thumbs: :popcrn:
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"
Post by: Hemidog on June 04, 2009, 03:05:24 AM
What a suprise, pictures can be SO decieving!  :eek2:
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"
Post by: pettybird on June 04, 2009, 10:22:20 AM
i woulda left it alone.  one to drive and one to show.    :yesnod:
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"
Post by: hotrod98 on June 04, 2009, 11:13:07 AM
Quote from: pettybird on June 04, 2009, 10:22:20 AM
i woulda left it alone.  one to drive and one to show.    :yesnod:

I was thinking the same thing.
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"
Post by: BigBlockSam on June 04, 2009, 11:57:45 AM
I was thinking the same thing. see great minds think alike   :coolgleamA:
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"
Post by: hemi68charger on June 04, 2009, 12:06:54 PM
Looks like you have your work cut out for you on this 4bbl 'Bird........... But, it's a 'Bird after all............. Working on these things, is that your full-time gig?

Keep up the good work..
Troy
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"
Post by: BB1 on June 04, 2009, 12:42:56 PM
I would restore the whole thing, cool to have twins SB.  :coolgleamA:
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"
Post by: tan top on June 04, 2009, 03:54:13 PM
Quote from: hotrod98 on June 04, 2009, 11:13:07 AM
Quote from: pettybird on June 04, 2009, 10:22:20 AM
i woulda left it alone.  one to drive and one to show.    :yesnod:

I was thinking the same thing.

sounds a good plan  :yesnod:
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"
Post by: billssuperbird on June 04, 2009, 06:22:04 PM
 :popcrn: :cheers: :drool5: :2thumbs:
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"
Post by: CornDogsCharger on June 04, 2009, 06:43:16 PM
Quote from: hemi68charger on June 04, 2009, 12:06:54 PM
Looks like you have your work cut out for you on this 4bbl 'Bird........... But, it's a 'Bird after all............. Working on these things, is that your full-time gig?

Keep up the good work..
Troy

Since August '08 it pretty much has been my full time job.  There have only been a handful of other wrecks that I have fixed since then due to them being request jobs, one being my own personal truck when I hit a deer in Nov.  

As for everyone saying the car should have been left alone as a driver.... the owner REALLY considered it.  He probably would have if the paint didn't show so many signs of age and rust.  Rust bubbles are popping up everywhere.  

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DWBird2009.jpg)

The owner wants both cars to be nice but make this car more of a "driver"  the underside of this car will not be detailed like the other car.  It will probably stay undercoated.  The black interior is nice enough to be left alone.  I don't even know that I will pull out the headliner.  It shows age, but it's in pretty good shape.  I'm sure the carpet and the package tray will be replaced.  He plans on reusing the dealer installed A/C unit and will probably have a nice radio in it.  The dash has already been cut.  The wheels and tires will stay the same but I'm sure a set of correct '70 center caps will be mounted on it.  All in all, this car will be nice... but still be a driver.  If you knew the owner of these cars then you would understand why they need to be nice.  Owning four body shops in Jackson, MS... everyone in and around Jackson who are in the automotive business/hobby knows him.  If he is seen in a "so-so" quality car at a cruise in or car show, they will automaticlly look at the car and think this is the kind of work that is done at his shops.  Hope that makes sense.

Justin
"CornDog"
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"
Post by: teamroth on June 04, 2009, 08:02:38 PM
Best of luck bro. Would you say its worse than the first one? I must admit I always look forward to your updates.
You should tell your boss, you want a raise....lol 

:cheers:
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"
Post by: BPTRacing on June 05, 2009, 01:04:48 AM
Justin - too bad your so far from me, I just removed two rust free inner fender wells I could make available.
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"
Post by: pettybird on June 05, 2009, 08:51:27 AM
Quote from: CornDogsCharger on June 04, 2009, 06:43:16 PM
 If he is seen in a "so-so" quality car at a cruise in or car show, they will automaticlly look at the car and think this is the kind of work that is done at his shops.  Hope that makes sense.

Justin
"CornDog"


makes a ton of sense--it's why we don't take 'iffy' cars in for sale at our shop...

I'd definitely pull the headliner if for no other reason than the smell. 
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"
Post by: nascarxx29 on June 05, 2009, 10:09:02 AM
 :2thumbs:Keep up the good work
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"
Post by: CornDogsCharger on June 05, 2009, 08:54:29 PM
Has anyone used one of these nose cones yet?  Belive it or not, Jack at wingcarfab.com reccomended him.  Supposedly they fit better than the originals.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BRAND-NEW-SUPERBIRD-NOSE-CONE-MOPAR-PLYMOUTH-Nosecone_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ65Q3a12Q7c66Q3a2Q7c39Q3a1Q7c72Q3a1205Q7c240Q3a1318Q7c301Q3a1Q7c293Q3a1Q7c294Q3a50QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZitem1e57153d51QQitemZ130310028625QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

Justin
"CornDog"
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"
Post by: moparstuart on June 05, 2009, 10:24:17 PM
Quote from: CornDogsCharger on June 05, 2009, 08:54:29 PM
Has anyone used one of these nose cones yet?  Belive it or not, Jack at wingcarfab.com reccomended him.  Supposedly they fit better than the originals.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BRAND-NEW-SUPERBIRD-NOSE-CONE-MOPAR-PLYMOUTH-Nosecone_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ65Q3a12Q7c66Q3a2Q7c39Q3a1Q7c72Q3a1205Q7c240Q3a1318Q7c301Q3a1Q7c293Q3a1Q7c294Q3a50QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZitem1e57153d51QQitemZ130310028625QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

Justin
"CornDog"
some of geans stuff has been hit and miss in the past , Wayne perkins silver daytona hit a deer in the late 80's and he has a gregory nose that fits so so . I have no idea about his bird noses ?
But i would think jack would have to be considered the expert here .  So if he likes them  i would say thats the way to go ?  I did look over geans stuff really close at monster mopar last year and it does look really good to the eye.
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"
Post by: GL#10 on June 08, 2009, 03:18:13 AM
Corndog

That Bird is going to keep you busy  , im sure it will be well worth it in the end ,  wonder what his next mopar resto for you will be after the Birds ??? You cant go back to the honda's and chebys etc etc  after this .


As always great work !!!!.

K.c


Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"
Post by: GL#10 on July 04, 2009, 04:07:32 AM
Corndog

Any new updates on this one ??


K.c
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"
Post by: superbirdtom on July 04, 2009, 11:56:01 AM
Quote from: CornDogsCharger on June 05, 2009, 08:54:29 PM
Has anyone used one of these nose cones yet?  Belive it or not, Jack at wingcarfab.com reccomended him.  Supposedly they fit better than the originals.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BRAND-NEW-SUPERBIRD-NOSE-CONE-MOPAR-PLYMOUTH-Nosecone_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ65Q3a12Q7c66Q3a2Q7c39Q3a1Q7c72Q3a1205Q7c240Q3a1318Q7c301Q3a1Q7c293Q3a1Q7c294Q3a50QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZitem1e57153d51QQitemZ130310028625QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

Justin
"CornDog"

  i WOULD DEFINETLY NOT BE AFRAID OF THE GEAN GREGORY NOSECONES THEY LOOK GREAT. THE WINGCAR FAB NOSECONES ARE SEAMED ON THE R AND L CURVED PANELS SO THEY CAN BE ADJUSTED FOR A SUPERB FIT BUT I DON'T LOKE THE SEAM YOU HAVE TO WELD. NOSECONES ARE MADE OF 5 PARTS AND GEAN WILL NOT SELL YOU ANY OF THE PARTS IF YOU ONLY NEED A HEADLIGHT PANEL WHERE JACK WILL. I NEED THE DRIVERS SIDE CURVED PANEL AND A NEW TOP PANEL THE REST OF MY NOSE IS OK. BUT FOR ONLY 4100 IT IS WELL WORTH JUST GETTING THE NEW STEEL NOSE . I BELIEVE THAT THE ONLY DIFFERENCE IS THAT THEY DO NOT HAVE THE TABS INSIDE THAT HOLD THE WIRING AND VACUUM HOSES. I COULD BE WRONG THOUGH.I HAVE WORKED ON 3 NOSECONES THAT WERE HAMMERED AND BELIEVE ME ITS LOTS CHEAPER JUST GETTING THE NEW STEEL NOSE. IT COMES DISASSEMBLED SO YOU CAN MAKE SLIGHT ADJUSTMENTS BEFORE TACKING IT TOGETHER AND LEADING IN THE SEAM. BEST THING IS NO BONDO IN THE NOSE.
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"
Post by: CornDogsCharger on July 04, 2009, 12:22:59 PM
I got started on the #2 Bird this past week.  It isn't looking much better for the rest of the car.  Everywhere..... RUST!  And where there's rust.... you find crappy patchwork.   I don't know how anyone could have been proud of this kind of work.  What started out as only a paint job has turned into another full-fledge restoration.  Oh well.  Here we go again.

I removed the front cap to get it ready for the frame rack.  I also removed the non-original vinyl top.  Looks pretty cool without a vinyl top!  The frame was actually where it needed to be but the firewall was still buckled and the front unibody was not square.  With maybe 30 minutes worth of pulling, everything was back where it needed to be.  

Justin
"CornDog"

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird102.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird109.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird111.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird113.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird116.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird114.jpg)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"
Post by: CornDogsCharger on July 04, 2009, 12:32:47 PM
This is one of my favorite pictures prior to removing the front cap.

Justin
"CornDog"

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird090.jpg)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"
Post by: CornDogsCharger on July 04, 2009, 12:47:55 PM
After eveything was pulled back into shape, the rusted and wrecked driver side inner fender was cut away.  I will not weld in the new AMD panel until the engine is removed.  Plus, I still need to clean up all of the spot welds and prepare it for the new panel.  I just rough cut it to get it out of the way.

Justin
"CornDog"

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird121.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird122.jpg)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"
Post by: mikepmcs on July 04, 2009, 05:43:10 PM
Definitely had alignment issues going on there.  Tire wear never lies.
Thanks for sharing this one as well.

This one will be dubbed "Corndog Surprisebird"

:cheers:
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"
Post by: CornDogsCharger on July 05, 2009, 02:01:57 PM
Quote from: mikepmcs on July 04, 2009, 05:43:10 PM
Definitely had alignment issues going on there.  Tire wear never lies.

Yeah, both front tires were worn on the inside.  My guess is they lowered it by the torsion bars and never re-aligned it.

Justin
"CornDog"
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"
Post by: ozziemoparnut on July 05, 2009, 09:14:15 PM
That is a hell of a mission you have ahead of you, many shops where I am would either tell you to take it somewhere else or give you a massive quote take it on and give you back something sub standard  :brickwall:  

I wish there was more people in panel shops willing to work on the classic cars with the ability to get a job done once and do it right with your skills & professionalism :2thumbs:

Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated 7-10-09
Post by: CornDogsCharger on July 10, 2009, 09:13:48 PM
I knew the rear of the car had serious rust issues.  The car came from Tampa Bay... and has been in Florida all of it's life... so you can only imagine what 40 years on the coast will do to the car.  Over the years, due to rust, the car had been patched numerous times.  Here you can see the car torn down.

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird127.jpg)

As you can see, the floor shows signs of being patched and covered with body filler.

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird128.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird129.jpg)

The rear body panel and quarter extension area was rusted very bad along the top of the quarter panels.

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird130.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird131.jpg)

Justin
"CornDog"

Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated 7-10-09
Post by: CornDogsCharger on July 10, 2009, 09:20:40 PM
Here is another good look at someone's handywork.  Looks like sculpted body filler to me,..... what do you think?  

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird135.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird136.jpg)

I think I'm having Deja Vu from the last car!!  Check out all of the gold-colored brazing from where little pieces were patched in to try and make it whole again.

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird161.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird162.jpg)

Justin
"CornDog"
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated 7-10-09
Post by: 69charger2002 on July 10, 2009, 09:25:39 PM
goodness! there goes 6 more months of your life! he could have at least gotten a sublime one or something to break up the monotony! you're gonna dream orange in your sleep! if anyone can bring her back though, you can
trav
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated 7-10-09
Post by: CornDogsCharger on July 10, 2009, 09:39:00 PM
The rear window plug is something very interesting.  This just goes to show how bad a car on the coast will rust away.  If you look very carefully you will see a brazed line one both sides of the glass opening.  Sometime back... not really sure how long ago, the lower portion of the window plug had rusted so bad that it needed replacing.  Either an NOS piece was found or an original piece was cut out of a parts car and was brazed into place as a patch.  You can also see patches that were brazed at the base of the plug.

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird158.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird156.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird163.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird164.jpg)


Here you can see the underside of the window plug where the lower section was replaced.
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird167.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird168.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird170.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird169.jpg)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated 7-10-09
Post by: CornDogsCharger on July 10, 2009, 09:40:37 PM
Quote from: 69charger2002 on July 10, 2009, 09:25:39 PM
he could have at least gotten a sublime one or somethign to break up the monotony! you're gonna dream orange in your sleep!
trav

Funny you should say that....... He actually wants to paint it Sublime

Justin
"CornDog"
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated 7-10-09
Post by: CornDogsCharger on July 10, 2009, 09:45:03 PM
This is what was hidden under the patchwork in the trunk.

Justin
"CornDog"

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird171.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird172.jpg)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated 7-10-09
Post by: CornDogsCharger on July 10, 2009, 09:59:15 PM
From the outside the quarter panels appear to be pretty nice.

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird175.jpg)

If you look at the inside of both quarters you will see more sloppy patchwork and signs of body filler everywhere.  The left quarter was patched in the front and rear lower sections.  The right quarter was patched in the lower rear section but as you can see, the front was in need of a patch too.  Both quarters were seriously rusted in the extension sections and upper portions next to the dutchman panel.

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird176.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird179.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird178.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird180.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird181.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird183.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird182.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird184.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird185.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird187.jpg)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated 7-10-09
Post by: ChgrSteve67 on July 10, 2009, 10:19:30 PM
You killed the car  :eek:

:popcrn:
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated 7-10-09
Post by: BigBlockSam on July 11, 2009, 12:10:33 AM
 .that's a sad picture  :pity:
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated 7-10-09
Post by: GL#10 on July 11, 2009, 02:30:57 AM
Corndog

Holysmokes , R-U-S-T  ,  who made the comment "i would have left it alone " ???   yearh right ,    another bird  saved and reborne , cant wait to see this project in person .

Good job .

K.c
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated 7-10-09
Post by: CornDogsCharger on July 11, 2009, 06:14:59 AM
Quote from: ChgrSteve67 on July 10, 2009, 10:19:30 PM
You killed the car  :eek:

:popcrn:

No, the Gulf Coast killed the car.  I'm just making it whole once again.  By the way... I absolutely LOVE your red '67.  That thing is fine!  Wish I still had my '66.

Justin
"CornDog"
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated 7-10-09
Post by: CornDogsCharger on July 11, 2009, 06:29:45 AM
Looks like a hatchback model.

Justin "CornDog"

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird188.jpg)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 2 on 7-10-09
Post by: BB1 on July 11, 2009, 09:14:54 AM
Quote from: GL#10 on July 11, 2009, 02:30:57 AM
Corndog

Holysmokes , R-U-S-T  ,  who made the comment "i would have left it alone " ???   yearh right ,    another bird  saved and reborne , cant wait to see this project in person .

Good job .

K.c

Yeah nice driver.  ::) :o :o :scope: :whistling:
What a POS, glad Mr. corndog is on it, can't wait.
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 2 on 7-10-09
Post by: Aero426 on July 11, 2009, 09:38:20 AM
Here is exactly what you need.   This is an NOS piece ready to go on a car.   

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll56/Aero426/Mopar%20Parts/P5166917.jpg)

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll56/Aero426/Mopar%20Parts/P5166919.jpg)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 2 on 7-10-09
Post by: hotrod98 on July 11, 2009, 10:30:20 AM
I would love to see Mike Ross at BE&A or AMD get that part and have it reproduced. What a golden opportunity to make exact copies.
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 2 on 7-10-09
Post by: superbirdtom on July 11, 2009, 08:07:05 PM
I agree, this bird looks like a 70 runner i did 20 years ago i replaced the entire rear of car,  Does anyone make full 70 runner quarters now??
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 2 on 7-10-09
Post by: CornDogsCharger on July 11, 2009, 09:01:38 PM
Quote from: superbirdtom on July 11, 2009, 08:07:05 PM
I agree, this bird looks like a 70 runner i did 20 years ago i replaced the entire rear of car,  Does anyone make full 70 runner quarters now??

The 70 quarters are FINALLY in.  We bought a set from AMD.  On the first car they said "They'll be in any day now"... and that was this time last year.  We ordered a bunch of metal and everything came in besides the quarters.  A year and a half later (last week) they arrived.  They are nice but waaaaavy.  Could have just been from being the first batch and they were rush shipped.  Who knows.  I'll post more pictures tomorrow of everything test fit in place.

Justin
"CornDog"
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 2 on 7-10-09
Post by: CornDogsCharger on July 11, 2009, 11:51:16 PM
Quote from: Aero426 on July 11, 2009, 09:38:20 AM
Here is exactly what you need.   This is an NOS piece ready to go on a car.   

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll56/Aero426/Mopar%20Parts/P5166917.jpg)

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll56/Aero426/Mopar%20Parts/P5166919.jpg)

I'm not sure but I think my boss called you about it but it was too late, he put in an order with Jack at wingcarfab.com

Justin
"CornDog"
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 2 on 7-10-09
Post by: superbirdtom on July 12, 2009, 12:43:46 AM
Quote from: CornDogsCharger on July 11, 2009, 09:01:38 PM
Quote from: superbirdtom on July 11, 2009, 08:07:05 PM
I agree, this bird looks like a 70 runner i did 20 years ago i replaced the entire rear of car,  Does anyone make full 70 runner quarters now??

The 70 quarters are FINALLY in.  We bought a set from AMD.  On the first car they said "They'll be in any day now"... and that was this time last year.  We ordered a bunch of metal and everything came in besides the quarters.  A week and a half later (last week) they arrived.  They are nice but waaaaavy.  Could have just been from being the first batch and they were rush shipped.  Who knows.  I'll post more pictures tomorrow of everything test fit in place.

Justin
"CornDog"
were you able to save the drip rail vin?? 

Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 2 on 7-10-09
Post by: CornDogsCharger on July 12, 2009, 08:17:27 AM
The area around the VIN was still solid... that was a shocker.  I will cut it out and weld it to the new panel.

Justin
"CornDog"
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 2 on 7-10-09
Post by: Aero426 on July 12, 2009, 09:46:04 AM
Quote from: CornDogsCharger on July 11, 2009, 11:51:16 PM


I'm not sure but I think my boss called you about it but it was too late, he put in an order with Jack at wingcarfab.com

Justin
"CornDog"

He did call of Thursday.   Is Jack making you complete plug or a partial to splice back in?   
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 2 on 7-10-09
Post by: CornDogsCharger on July 12, 2009, 10:49:54 AM
Quote from: Aero426 on July 12, 2009, 09:46:04 AM
Quote from: CornDogsCharger on July 11, 2009, 11:51:16 PM


I'm not sure but I think my boss called you about it but it was too late, he put in an order with Jack at wingcarfab.com

Justin
"CornDog"

He did call of Thursday.   Is Jack making you complete plug or a partial to splice back in?   

Jack is making us a complete plug for the car.  He said that he has a 70 RR there at the shop that he will test fit the plug to, making sure everything fits like it should.  I'm anxious to see the quality of his plug.  My boss said if he was able to get in touch with you earlier, he probably would have bought your NOS piece.  By the time he talked with you I think he had already sent out a check. 

Justin
"CornDog"
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 2 on 7-10-09
Post by: hotrod98 on July 12, 2009, 11:10:33 AM
I installed a new AMD full quarter on a 69 Runner. It was pretty decent but the side marker opening wasn't correct and the trunk opening lip wasn't deep enough. It was off a little at the back glass opening and didn't have the drip reliefs at the bottom of the quarter at the pinch weld lips.
It had a few waves, but that's to be expected since they're stacked and shipped in bulk from overseas.
It was a far cry better than trying to use one of those cheap partial quarters.
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 4 on 7-12-09
Post by: CornDogsCharger on July 12, 2009, 09:12:21 PM
After I removed the trunk floor and the rear body, I noticed that the rear crossmember was rust too.... there's a shocker!  Ha  The bumper brackets that were welded to the crossmember were actually in nice shape, so they will be reused.  Here you can see the rust on the crossmember.

Justin
"CornDog"

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird197.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird198.jpg)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 4 on 7-12-09
Post by: CornDogsCharger on July 12, 2009, 09:20:15 PM
Believe it or not, the frame rails were in very good shape.  The only rust damage was on the right rail where the crossmember and rail were welded together.  I cut out the bad and welded in a new piece.  Good as new again.  The insides of both rails were coated with POR-15

Justin
"CornDog"

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird207.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird208.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird209.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird210.jpg)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 4 on 7-12-09
Post by: CornDogsCharger on July 12, 2009, 09:31:21 PM
This is pretty much what the car looked like before I started dry-fitting the sheetmetal.  I dropped the exhaust and removed the vintage air shocks.

Justin
"CornDog"

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird200.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird203.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird199.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird204.jpg)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 4 on 7-12-09
Post by: CornDogsCharger on July 12, 2009, 09:44:10 PM
Hard at work.

Justin
"CornDog"

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird212.jpg)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 4 on 7-12-09
Post by: CornDogsCharger on July 12, 2009, 09:53:35 PM
Ahh, looks much better now!  Everything to fit very well.  Sure the was a snip here and a little snip there..... and the quarters were a little wavy.... but it was so much better than patching so many little spots here and there.  Plus, it beats grinding out so many layers of body filler.  In the end this car will be so much better.  In the following pictures all of the sheetmetal was dry-fit together and held in place with sheetmetal screws.  I marked everything before I disassembled it so that when I re-assembled it, everything will go right back into place.

Justin
"CornDog"

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird213.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird216.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird217.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird218.jpg)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 4 on 7-12-09
Post by: CornDogsCharger on July 12, 2009, 09:56:54 PM
Here are a few more shots.

Justin
"CornDog"

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird220.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird215.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird214.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird224.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird225.jpg)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 4 on 7-12-09
Post by: Magnumcharger on July 12, 2009, 10:05:45 PM
YOU'RE A MIRACLE WORKER!!!
ALL HAIL MIGHTY CORNDOG!!!
:notworthy:
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 4 on 7-12-09
Post by: ChgrSteve67 on July 12, 2009, 10:59:05 PM
Looking Amazing.

Glad my Charger did not have that much rust.
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 4 on 7-12-09
Post by: superbirdtom on July 13, 2009, 01:13:37 AM
Quote from: CornDogsCharger on July 12, 2009, 09:53:35 PM
Ahh, looks much better now!  Everything to fit very well.  Sure the was a snip here and a little snip there..... and the quarters were a little wavy.... but it was so much better than patching so many little spots here and there.  Plus, it beats grinding out so many layers of body filler.  In the end this car will be so much better.  In the following pictures all of the sheetmetal was dry-fit together and held in place with sheetmetal screws.  I marked everything before I disassembled it so that when I re-assembled it, everything will go right back into place.

Justin
"CornDog"

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird213.jpg%5B/img%3Cbr%20/%3E%3Cbr%20/%3E%3Cbr%20/%3E%3Cbr%20/%3EDo%20you%20use%20a%20spotwelder%20to%20replicate%20the%20spotwelds%20around%20the%20wheel%20well%20openings%20and%20to%20spotweld%20the%20wingwshers%20back%20in.%20also%20was%20the%20vin%20on%20drip%20rail%20salvagable? %20i%20think%20i%20asked%20that%20before. %20loks%20like%20a%20real%20nice%20start %20damn%20i%20wish%20there%20were%20the%20one%20piece%20floors%2020%20years%20ago%3Cbr%20/%3E%3Cbr%20/%3E%5BIMG%5Dhttp://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird216.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird217.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird218.jpg)

Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 4 on 7-12-09
Post by: Hemidog on July 13, 2009, 02:52:24 AM
Quote from: Magnumcharger on July 12, 2009, 10:05:45 PM
YOU'RE A MIRACLE WORKER!!!
ALL HAIL MIGHTY CORNDOG!!!
:notworthy:
:iagree: that is amazing!
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 4 on 7-12-09
Post by: BigBlockSam on July 13, 2009, 12:48:00 PM
you make it look easy .i know it's not . Bravo Justin  :cheers:
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 4 on 7-12-09
Post by: Magnumcharger on July 13, 2009, 04:09:17 PM
Actually....I've been there....
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 4 on 7-12-09
Post by: ChgrSteve67 on July 13, 2009, 05:19:58 PM
At this rate Justin will be done with the superbird by the end of the month.

I got a trailer that is about half done.
I'm figuring a case of beer and a few hours and you would have it knocked out.   :2thumbs:
Beer is for when the trailer is done.   :cheers:



:D
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 4 on 7-12-09
Post by: tan top on July 13, 2009, 06:03:34 PM
making some good progress  :yesnod:   looking great  nice work going on again  dude  :coolgleamA:   :popcrn:
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 4 on 7-12-09
Post by: The70RT on July 13, 2009, 06:07:21 PM
You the man  :2thumbs:
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 4 on 7-12-09
Post by: 69bronzeT5 on July 13, 2009, 06:13:10 PM
Wanna do my Charger next? :icon_smile_big: Seriously dude, you have skills! :2thumbs:
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 4 on 7-12-09
Post by: billssuperbird on July 13, 2009, 06:50:23 PM
 :popcrn: :pushup: :2thumbs:
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 4 on 7-12-09
Post by: 70Sbird on July 15, 2009, 04:09:17 PM
Justin,
You are amazing!
It took me over a year to get up enough guts to rip out my rusted trunk floor and weld one in.
I would likely never have the stones to attack a car like you are.
I'm glad there are people that have your capabilities, so many of us aren't body/metalwork savvy enough to do what you do
:cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:
Keep up the good work and keep the pictures coming I love these threads!
:2thumbs:
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 4 on 7-12-09
Post by: GL#10 on July 17, 2009, 10:15:47 AM
Corndog

Great work  ,   it will be ready to roll next week right ???   having the new metal  to use instead of original rusty bondo junk sure does save some time .
As always great job  , look forward to seeing this one done ,  tell your Boss he needs to convert one of his shops into handling older  classic cars  ,  im sure you would get people all over coming to get your quality workmanship done on there vehicle .

K.c
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 4 on 7-12-09
Post by: hemi68charger on July 24, 2009, 07:23:44 AM
Holy putting-her-back-together Batman !!!!!    :2thumbs:

Looks like everything's lining up.......... How was the fit from up-close and personal?

Troy
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 4 on 7-12-09
Post by: 69*F5*SE on July 24, 2009, 04:52:01 PM
Justin, you say the new AMD quarterpanels were "wavy". That doesn't sound good. I guess even the new panels will need some skim work.
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 4 on 7-12-09
Post by: CornDogsCharger on July 25, 2009, 07:27:33 AM
Everything actually fits pretty well for an aftermarket piece.  This is the first time I have worked with any exterior sheet metal from AMD.  Sure it needed a trim here or there to make it fit better, but all in all it did pretty well.  As for being wavy, I called a friend of mine who has used AMD quarters before (for a 69RR) and he said his parts didn't come in really wavy.  The only thing I can guess is maybe since these were from the first batch of '70 panels... maybe they were rushed in shipping and roughed up a little.  All in all, I'm happy with them.  A VERY thin skim coat of putty and a coat of primer will take care of everything on them. 

Justin
"CornDog"
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 4 on 7-12-09
Post by: CornDogsCharger on May 25, 2010, 06:35:41 AM
I guess I need to update this topic..... been a while, huh?  The car was off to a great start then it slowed down a good bit because I had to scrape all of the undercoating off the bottom of the car by hand.  That took FOREVER!  I wish he would have opted for soda-blasting like we did on the other Bird.  Oh well, it started off as a "detrim, sand, paint" project then snowballed.... so we all know how that is.  Anyways, I'll try to pick up where I left off and start updating the page again

Justin
"CornDog"
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 4 on 7-12-09
Post by: 69*F5*SE on May 25, 2010, 07:06:33 AM
Ahh yes, scraping undercoating. That was an "on my back" job.  Glad it's over.  I need a rotisserie.   :brickwall:  Anyhoo, thanks for the update.   :icon_smile_big:
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 4 on 7-12-09
Post by: BigBlockSam on May 25, 2010, 04:14:14 PM
 :popcrn:
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 4 on 7-12-09
Post by: hotrod98 on May 26, 2010, 12:15:47 AM
On the AMD quarters, how did the side scoops fit? On the old repro skins they didn't fit the contours too well. I hope they've corrected that on the new full quarters. I'll be installing a couple of those in the near future.
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 4 on 7-12-09
Post by: CornDogsCharger on May 26, 2010, 07:00:34 AM
The scoops fit very well considering the skins were not OEM.  There was just a very little amount of work that I had to do around the edge.  At least on one side (possibly both) I had to slot the hole a little bit.  The stamped holes in the skin had the piece sitting about a 1/8in too far forward.  After I slotted the hole and reworked the curve a little bit, everything looked great.

Justin
"CornDog"
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 4 on 7-12-09
Post by: 79JON on August 11, 2010, 09:11:49 AM
I think this thread needs an update Justin (corndog) ha..     :popcrn:
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 4 on 7-12-09
Post by: redrider on August 11, 2010, 07:45:01 PM
any chance that the ac unit that was in it when you got it is forsale or if anyone knows were i can get one
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 4 on 7-12-09
Post by: CornDogsCharger on August 14, 2010, 02:34:19 PM
I don't think he will sell it... he's never gonna use it, but doesn't intend to sell much of anything.  I'll ask him if he's interested in selling but don't get your hopes up.  Heck, after the first Superbird was finished I asked if he wanted to sell the 15in Cragars that were on it and he said he thought he would hang on to them.  Go figure.

Justin
"CornDog"
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 4 on 7-12-09
Post by: CornDogsCharger on August 14, 2010, 02:42:37 PM
Ok..... This is WAAAAY Past due for an update...

Here you can see the body is pretty much stripped down to a shell and the new panels are being welded in place.

Justin
"CornDog"

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird268.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird270.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird271.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird272.jpg)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 4 on 8-14-10
Post by: CornDogsCharger on August 14, 2010, 02:56:53 PM
Since the car was wrecked back around '78 and repaired then, the repair wasn't really the best quality.  As you can see, the floor was roughly patched and seam sealed together.  I cut the floorpan out and got it ready for the new AMD panel to go back in.  Before I could do that I had to re-repair the inner and outer rocker panel on the driver side.

Justin
"CornDog"
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird261.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird262.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird264.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird266.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird280.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird281.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird287.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird276.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird277.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird278.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird288.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird289.jpg)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 4 on 8-14-10
Post by: CornDogsCharger on August 14, 2010, 03:10:42 PM
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird506.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird505.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird503.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird502.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird504.jpg)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 4 on 8-14-10
Post by: CornDogsCharger on August 14, 2010, 03:27:16 PM
After the inner and outer rocker were repaired the floorpan went in place.  As I mentioned earlier, this project really snowballed as we went along.  It started off being a "detrim and paint" project.  If we knew at the beginning that this was gonna be another full resto then we would have soda blasted the whole thing... but we didn't... and I had to physically strip every panel.  While doing that, more surprises were found.  Oh what fun!

Justin
"CornDog"

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird510.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird311.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird313.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird314.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird325.jpg)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 4 on 8-14-10
Post by: CornDogsCharger on August 14, 2010, 03:36:51 PM
At least one good thing about physically stripping a car is when you find all of the interesting markings.  Here are a few that I found.

Justin
"CornDog"

White "S" on right front rail
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird305.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird308.jpg)

Yellow line on upper cowl panel, right side.  You can also see where the "dip primer" stopped on the firewall
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird307.jpg)

Black "X" on inner frame of right fender
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird608.jpg)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 4 on 8-14-10
Post by: redrider on August 14, 2010, 03:56:10 PM
thanks
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 4 on 8-14-10
Post by: CornDogsCharger on August 14, 2010, 03:56:16 PM
Back to the quarters.... You can see here how the quarters fit.  They seemed a little wide in the sail panel area.  I had to split the panel and cut a pie out.  Also you can see where I was able to save the original VIN in the trunk gutter rail and work it into the new piece.

Justin
"CornDog"

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird368.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird372.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird367.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird366.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird379.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird378.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird382.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird381.jpg)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 4 on 8-14-10
Post by: CornDogsCharger on August 14, 2010, 04:10:52 PM
Since the curved trunk gutter pieces aren't being reproduced yet I had to re-use the originals.  The left piece cleaned up fine but the right piece needed some patching. 

Justin
"CornDog"

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird474.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird526.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird473.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird527.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird531.jpg)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 4 on 8-14-10
Post by: The70RT on August 14, 2010, 04:21:52 PM
Looks great, your quite the metal magician  :2thumbs:
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 4 on 8-14-10
Post by: CornDogsCharger on August 14, 2010, 08:22:42 PM
Thanks man, I appreciate the compliment. 

I've got a lot more "updates" to post.  These pictures were from months back.  As of today the car is painted and halfway assembled!

Justin
"CornDog"
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 4 on 8-14-10
Post by: wingcarenvy on September 19, 2010, 04:18:34 PM
Hey Justin,

I have watched you restore 2 birds now, i am impressed with your work. I actually looked at the six pack bird at Bo's place in Costa Mesa Ca right before your boss bought it. Anyways its time for an update!
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 4 on 8-14-10
Post by: tan top on September 19, 2010, 05:13:38 PM
Quote from: CornDogsCharger on August 14, 2010, 08:22:42 PM
Thanks man, I appreciate the compliment. 

I've got a lot more "updates" to post.  These pictures were from months back.  As of today the car is painted and halfway assembled!

Justin
"CornDog"

clever stuff Justin !  nice job , looking forward to seeing  more pictures , love looking at this kind of stuff :coolgleamA: :2thumbs: :popcrn:
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 4 on 8-14-10
Post by: moparstuart on September 19, 2010, 07:18:08 PM
Quote from: wingcarenvy on September 19, 2010, 04:18:34 PM
Hey Justin,

I have watched you restore 2 birds now, i am impressed with your work. I actually looked at the six pack bird at Bo's place in Costa Mesa Ca right before your boss bought it. Anyways its time for an update!
we need an update on you clone
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 4 on 8-14-10
Post by: Finn on September 19, 2010, 10:31:59 PM
 :popcrn:
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 4 on 8-14-10
Post by: CornDogsCharger on September 25, 2010, 05:21:46 PM
Ok, it's gone long enough without an update.  Here you can see what was the final "surprise" in the "Surprise-Bird".  I kept seeing this ripple in the front edge of the roof panel so I decided to hit it with a grinder to see what was under it.  Yup, you guessed it.... another hidden treasure.  Apparently the front edge of the roof panel rusted and the previous body man decided that it would be a good idea to hammer it down and braze a metal patch over the existing rusted metal.  As you can guess, this repair didn't last and was eventually going to come back worse than it started.  I cleaned it up, removed the patched, cut out the bad metal, formed a new piece, and welded it in place.

Justin
"CornDog"

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird386.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird388.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird393.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird398.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird402.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird408.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird411.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird416.jpg)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 4 on 9-25-10
Post by: randr on September 25, 2010, 05:35:34 PM
nice!
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 4 on 9-25-10
Post by: CornDogsCharger on September 25, 2010, 05:36:27 PM
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird532.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird536.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird542.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird546.jpg)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 4 on 9-25-10
Post by: CornDogsCharger on September 25, 2010, 05:56:41 PM
The rear window plug came from Jack (wingcarfab.com). 
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird552.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird574.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird575.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird576.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird577.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird579.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird580.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird584.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird585.jpg)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 4 on 9-25-10
Post by: CornDogsCharger on September 25, 2010, 06:07:09 PM
The topside of the tuned out to be really good.  There were a few small holes in the back edge of the skin which needed patching but other than that, that was about it.  The bottom side on the other hand was another story.  A lot of the framing was rusted out and fiberglassed over.  I have looked and apparently I didn't take pictures of that repair.  If I come across them then I will post them.  I had to totally reconstruct one of the front corner frame pieces and half of the other.  I also rebuild along the rear edge underneath and a few random spots throughout the center.  But these pictures will have to do for now until I find the others.

Justin
"CornDog"
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird316.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird320.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird326.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird330.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird331.jpg)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 4 on 9-25-10
Post by: ChgrSteve67 on September 25, 2010, 09:50:59 PM
Great work CornDog!

Awesome to see this level of work being done.
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 4 on 9-25-10
Post by: moparstuart on September 26, 2010, 09:14:09 AM
Quote from: ChgrSteve67 on September 25, 2010, 09:50:59 PM
Great work CornDog!

Awesome to see this level of work being done.
:2thumbs: :2thumbs: :2thumbs: :2thumbs: :2thumbs: :2thumbs: :2thumbs: :2thumbs: :2thumbs:
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 4 on 9-25-10
Post by: tan top on September 26, 2010, 05:49:32 PM
 :yesnod:  some real nice work going on there !!  keep the pictures coming  , love looking at this kind of stuff   :popcrn: :cheers: :2thumbs:
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 4 on 9-25-10
Post by: montana bird on September 26, 2010, 06:53:17 PM
Hi were you really happy how the plug fit? I just ordered one so I am currious on your oppinions.  :shruggy:
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 4 on 9-25-10
Post by: CornDogsCharger on September 26, 2010, 07:46:56 PM
Thanks for the comments guys.  The plug fit very well.  It took a little bit longer for him to get us our plug because for some reason, he said it wasn't fitting his templet too well.  It did seem like it was a little bit too wide on the edge that rolls over into the trunk opening.  When you would push it down in one spot, it would flop up on the other side.  I had to shirk the metal just a little bit to get the knots out along that edge.  Other than that it seemed like a very nice piece. 

Justin
"CornDog"
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 4 on 9-25-10
Post by: CornDogsCharger on March 04, 2011, 08:59:23 PM
I'm bad about keeping these restoration build topics updated!  I guess I should finish what I started........  Uploading pictures now

Justin
"CornDog"
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 4 on 9-25-10
Post by: nascarxx29 on March 04, 2011, 09:10:08 PM
Welcome back .Always impressed by your level of work :2thumbs: :2thumbs: :2thumbs:
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 4 on 3-4-11
Post by: CornDogsCharger on March 04, 2011, 09:56:13 PM
Fender repair...

Justin
"CornDog"


(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird418.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird419.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird420.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird421.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird422.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird423.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird424.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird425.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird429.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird433.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird435.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird437.jpg)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 5 on 3-4-11
Post by: CornDogsCharger on March 04, 2011, 10:01:38 PM
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird485.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird488.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird492.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird609.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird610.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird619.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird620.jpg)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 5 on 3-4-11
Post by: CornDogsCharger on March 04, 2011, 10:07:32 PM
Frame repair.  All four frame rails had significant damage to them from either jumping curbs, going off-road, or who know what else.  The were solid.. just BEAT!  I cut out the bad sections, hammered them back into shaped, welded up the rips in the holes, and then welded the piece back into place.

Justin
"CornDog"

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird623.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird625.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird627.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird629.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird630.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird631.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird632.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird633.jpg)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 5 on 3-4-11
Post by: CornDogsCharger on March 04, 2011, 10:12:27 PM
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird641.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird642.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird643.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird644.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird645.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird646.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird647.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird648.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird650.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird653.jpg)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 5 on 3-4-11
Post by: CornDogsCharger on March 04, 2011, 10:17:03 PM
Here you can see the frame rails after they were all repaired.  The repair work done to the undercarriage of the car became very repetitive and drawn out.  I didn't take pictures of everything done to it and I wish I did.  I spent a lot of time welding, grinding, and chipping away at removing the undercoating with a pick.  Oh what fun!

Justin
"CornDog"

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird638.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird639.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird640.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird635.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird634.jpg)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 5 on 3-4-11
Post by: CornDogsCharger on March 04, 2011, 10:26:15 PM
After the metal work was done, the fenders were stripped to bare metal, worked, and primed.  When the car was wrecked in the late 70's, a Coronet driver side fender and door were installed.  The panels once had body side moldings, so the holes had to be welded up.

Justin
"CornDog"


(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird450.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird451.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird603.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird604.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird637.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird636.jpg)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 5 on 3-4-11
Post by: The70RT on March 05, 2011, 12:27:50 AM
Wow..... glad your back on it  :2thumbs:
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 5 on 3-4-11
Post by: greenpigs on March 05, 2011, 03:09:13 AM
I gotta ask. Any idea of how many hours you have in it so far?
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 5 on 3-4-11
Post by: CornDogsCharger on March 05, 2011, 07:48:32 AM
Actually I am already done with the car.  I finished it back in late Oct.... yeah, i know...... I'M WAAAAAY behind on my 'updates".  haha.  I would hate to figure how many hours I have in the car.  Its a lot.  I had 10 months in the Vitamin C Bird and I have more than that in this car.  This car was either rusted or wrecked everywhere you looked. 

Justin
"CornDog"
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 5 on 3-4-11
Post by: CornDogsCharger on March 05, 2011, 07:56:52 AM
The underside of the hood had a few areas that needed patch work.  The bad spots were "repaired" with fiberglass.  I took pictures of the whole process but during that time I lost my memory card for my camera and lost about 100 photos.  Here's what I have.  I cut out the bad metal and made new pieces and welded them in place.

Justin
"CornDog"

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture123.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture124.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture126.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture127.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture129.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture130.jpg)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 5 on 3-4-11
Post by: CornDogsCharger on March 05, 2011, 08:00:04 AM
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture190.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture191.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture192.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture193.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture195.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture196.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture200.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture201.jpg)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 5 on 3-4-11
Post by: moparstuart on March 05, 2011, 09:04:59 AM
dude you are a master of metal , a surgeon with steel  :2thumbs: :drool5: :drool5: :drool5: :drool5:
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 5 on 3-4-11
Post by: CornDogsCharger on March 05, 2011, 10:59:27 AM
I get a tetanus shot every week! haha  thanks for the comments!

Justin
"CornDog"
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 5 on 3-6-11
Post by: CornDogsCharger on March 06, 2011, 09:19:32 PM
Here is where I transfers the auto console brackets over to the new floor panel.

Justin
"CornDog"


(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture001.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture004.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture003.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture013.jpg)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 5 on 3-4-11
Post by: CornDogsCharger on March 06, 2011, 09:27:35 PM
The parking light brackets were very rusty and in bad shape, so I decided I could build a pair of them cheaper then the reproduction ones were selling for.  I broke down what was left of the bracket and made a templet from it.  The originals are on the left and mine are on the right (first picture).  They are not 110% exact as the originals but they are pretty darn close.  I cut them out and bent them into place all by hand.... no metal brake or shear..... I'd really like to get one of those!  ha

Justin
"CornDog"

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture396.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture397.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture399.jpg)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 5 on 3-4-11
Post by: CornDogsCharger on March 06, 2011, 09:44:11 PM
The original left door was replaced after the wreck in the late 70s.  Luckily, it was a nice solid door.  The right door suffered a little bit of rust but nothing too bad.  I found the bad spots first, stripped the whole door, primed it, cut out the bad, and welded in new metal.

Justin
"CornDog"

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture019.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture022.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture041.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture043.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture044.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture046.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture047.jpg)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 5 on 3-4-11
Post by: CornDogsCharger on March 06, 2011, 09:54:39 PM
More of the same door.


(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture020.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture021.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture040.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture045.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture042.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture049.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture051.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture052.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture054.jpg)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 5 on 3-4-11
Post by: CornDogsCharger on March 06, 2011, 10:07:54 PM
Since the original nose was in such bad shape, which can be seen in the first couple pages, a replacement nose was ordered from Erik Nelson.  The nose came in and looked very nice.  It was built just like the originals.  I did a lot of measuring and everything measured out nice.

Justin
"CornDog"

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture340.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture339.jpg)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 5 on 3-4-11
Post by: CornDogsCharger on March 06, 2011, 10:13:25 PM
These pictures were taken just before paint started flying.  I drilled the holes and mounted the wing.  I did more work on the under side of the car and in these pictures the car was just about ready.

Justin
"CornDog"

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture010.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture012.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture903.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture908.jpg)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 5 on 3-4-11
Post by: CornDogsCharger on March 06, 2011, 10:30:43 PM
Final fit before the paint goes on.  In the last minute the driver side door gap wasn't right.  At the top, between the door and the quarter panel, you could stick your thumb in.  I had to split the quarter and lay it forward.  After I did this, the gap was perfect.

Justin
"CornDog"

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture583.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture584.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture585.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture586.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture587.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture589.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture590.jpg)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 5 on 3-4-11
Post by: CornDogsCharger on March 06, 2011, 10:54:32 PM
I know some people might cringe at this, but the owner decided that he didn't want the car it's original color (EV2, Tor-Red).  He really wanted a Lime Green car.  Since almost every panel on this car had been changed at one point or another, he didn't feel so bad about doing it.  At least the engine and transmission were still the numbers matching pieces.  Actually, the trans was replaced but the original was included in the sell.  Being sold new in Florida, the car was sold new with dealer-installed A/C.  Many of the original parts were missing so I installed a kit from Classic Auto Air.  Now I'm starting to get ahead of myself....

Justin
"CornDog"

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture728.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture729.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture740.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture741.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture742.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture743.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture744.jpg)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 5 on 3-4-11
Post by: tan top on March 07, 2011, 04:50:58 AM
 :drool5: nice job Justin   
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 5 on 3-4-11
Post by: moparstuart on March 07, 2011, 07:32:30 AM
 :drool5: :drool5: :drool5: :drool5: love the green   :icon_smile_big:
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 5 on 3-4-11
Post by: mpdlawdog on March 07, 2011, 09:09:33 AM
WOW AMAZING WORK!!!!!!!!!   :2thumbs:
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 5 on 3-4-11
Post by: BigBlockSam on March 07, 2011, 07:05:14 PM
WOW!  :cheers:
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 5 on 3-4-11
Post by: 70Sbird on March 07, 2011, 10:08:45 PM
Justin, Keep the updates coming (even though they're outdated already)
It's been said before, but you do amazing work!
Scott
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 5 on 3-4-11
Post by: jonw29 on March 08, 2011, 10:42:06 AM
I knew that the paint color would get a rise out od MoparStuart :icon_smile_big: Amazing job Justin. :2thumbs:
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 5 on 3-4-11
Post by: CornDogsCharger on March 08, 2011, 11:05:22 PM
Hey guys, thanks for the comments!  Here are a few more pictures after the car was painted and started going back together. 

Justin
"CornDog"

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture893.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture894.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture895.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture896.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture897.jpg)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 5 on 3-4-11
Post by: CornDogsCharger on March 08, 2011, 11:14:06 PM
Here are the pedal assemblies before and after, and the wiper assembly.  I took everything apart, cleaned, and refinished it just like the factory did.

Justin
"CornDog"

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture602.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture610.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture621.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture622.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture623.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture624.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture630.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture631.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture632.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture634.jpg)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 5 on 3-4-11
Post by: CornDogsCharger on March 08, 2011, 11:24:22 PM
I was able to clean up the rear end and find most all of the original paint markings.  I took MANY pictures of what I found and even made tracings.  I wanted to put all of the markings back on the housing exactly as it was when it left the factory.

Justin
"CornDog"

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture090.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture092.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture071.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/Picture067.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/100_7880.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/100_7879.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/100_7877.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/100_7875.jpg)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 5 on 3-4-11
Post by: wingcarenvy on October 28, 2011, 05:55:33 PM
You truly put a frown on my face when I saw the pics of it going green. Nothing against green but he just ruined the value of that car even though it has gotten a mega dollar resto and he probably will never recoup his investment. I happen to be partial to EV2 that why I frown mostly. Haha, but you have done a fine job on this one for sure. Time for an update!!
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 5 on 3-4-11
Post by: E5 Charger on October 28, 2011, 09:20:52 PM
I love the green! Hey I have to ask, how did you strip the underside of the hood to the metal? It must have taken a ton of time. Awesome job on the car! I wish I had a fraction of your talent.
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 5 on 3-4-11
Post by: moparstuart on October 29, 2011, 02:33:03 PM
Quote from: wingcarenvy on October 28, 2011, 05:55:33 PM
You truly put a frown on my face when I saw the pics of it going green. Nothing against green but he just ruined the value of that car even though it has gotten a mega dollar resto and he probably will never recoup his investment. I happen to be partial to EV2 that why I frown mostly. Haha, but you have done a fine job on this one for sure. Time for an update!!
OMG chris did you just diss green and say you love RED !!!!   i will have to save this     :nana: :nana: :nana:
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 5 on 3-4-11
Post by: FJ5WING on October 29, 2011, 03:49:10 PM
Quote from: moparstuart on March 07, 2011, 07:32:30 AM
:drool5: :drool5: :drool5: :drool5: love the green   :icon_smile_big:

no Stuart...I hate the Green....IM going to paint mine ANYTHING else.  :brickwall:
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 5 on 3-4-11
Post by: moparstuart on October 30, 2011, 08:13:08 AM
Quote from: FJ5WING on October 29, 2011, 03:49:10 PM
Quote from: moparstuart on March 07, 2011, 07:32:30 AM
:drool5: :drool5: :drool5: :drool5: love the green   :icon_smile_big:

no Stuart...I hate the Green....IM going to paint mine ANYTHING else.  :brickwall:
no your not your just going to give it to me   :icon_smile_big: :icon_smile_big:
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 5 on 3-4-11
Post by: wingcarenvy on October 30, 2011, 07:52:53 PM
Quote from: moparstuart on October 29, 2011, 02:33:03 PM
Quote from: wingcarenvy on October 28, 2011, 05:55:33 PM
You truly put a frown on my face when I saw the pics of it going green. Nothing against green but he just ruined the value of that car even though it has gotten a mega dollar resto and he probably will never recoup his investment. I happen to be partial to EV2 that why I frown mostly. Haha, but you have done a fine job on this one for sure. Time for an update!!
OMG chris did you just diss green and say you love RED !!!!   i will have to save this     :nana: :nana: :nana:
Yeah live it up Stuart!! You might as well change the wording around to have more fun! Actually I think FJ5 Birds are sick but I dont get the color change on a mega dollar resto.
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 5 on 3-4-11
Post by: moparstuart on October 31, 2011, 02:39:17 PM
 lol  he already has an orange bird and its his money he can paint it the way he wants , plus he owns the body shop so if he wants to change the color again its easier then u or I .

   plus its job security for justin    :icon_smile_big: :icon_smile_big: :icon_smile_big:

Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 5 on 3-4-11
Post by: CornDogsCharger on December 01, 2011, 10:31:29 PM
Wow, it's been a while since I've updated this topic. I got so busy with everything else that I guess I just kind of forgot to finish. The car has been finished for a little over a year now. Since this one I have done an Eleanor Mustang, a '66 Coronet Conv with a 472 Hemi, a original owner '67 GTX, and now I'm up to my eye balls with a '69 GTX. I'll get more pictures posted soon. Thanks again for the compliments!!

Justin
"CornDog"
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 7 on 12-2-11
Post by: CornDogsCharger on December 02, 2011, 07:58:45 PM
The dash starts to go back in.  I added a Classic Auto Air kit and you can see the box in place of the original heater box.  I like this kit because it is clean in appearance and uses your original heater control switch panel.  

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/100_7914.jpg)

The rear end is back under the car and the vinyl top has been installed.  In some of the under hood pictures you will see a lot of yellow masking tap holding everything together.  With the addition on A/C, cooling fan w/ automatic switch, and Electronic Ignition, I had to run a lot of extra wires.  When it comes to something like this, I like to hide everything so the engine bay will look as factory as possible.  

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/100_7947.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/100_7948.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/100_7949.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/100_7950.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/100_7951.jpg)


Justin
"CornDog"
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 5 on 3-4-11
Post by: CornDogsCharger on December 02, 2011, 08:12:52 PM
Here is where I like to hide the ECU box on the cars I do.  You have to cut and lengthen the harness but it sure looks a lot better here than mounted on the firewall.  It is in an unnoticeable spot that stays cool and is still easy to access if you need to swap it out.  I made a bracket that steps up so it will clear the insulation.  I mount it on two of the booster studs.

Justin
"CornDog"

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/100_7899.jpg)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 5 on 3-4-11
Post by: CornDogsCharger on December 02, 2011, 08:24:50 PM
Pulled the car out in the sun light for the first time to see how it looked in the sun.

Justin
"CornDog"

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/100_7960.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/100_7959.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/100_7957.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/100_7954.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/100_7954.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/100_7953.jpg)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 5 on 3-4-11
Post by: hemi68charger on December 02, 2011, 08:37:13 PM
 :2thumbs:
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 5 on 3-4-11
Post by: CornDogsCharger on December 02, 2011, 08:47:53 PM
Doors, deck lid, and wing goes on.

Justin
"CornDog"

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN0073.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN0074.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN0076.jpg)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 5 on 3-4-11
Post by: CornDogsCharger on December 02, 2011, 08:52:08 PM
I don't know why, but for some reason I didn't take any pictures of the engine on the stand before it went on the K-frame.  Here's when the body was dropped on the assembly.

Justin
"CornDog"

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2051.jpg)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 7 on 12-2-11
Post by: CornDogsCharger on December 02, 2011, 09:14:47 PM
After the engine/trans and K-frame were installed, I mounted a new set of Magnum 500 wheels and new BFG Radial TA's.  We opted for the earlier style wheels just because he liked the look of the chrome wheel w/o the trim ring.  15x8s on the rear w/ 275/60s and 15x7s up front with 255/60s I believe.

Justin
"CornDog"

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2054.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2058.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2056.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2057.jpg)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 7 on 12-2-11
Post by: CornDogsCharger on December 03, 2011, 02:16:36 PM
When I first put the doors on the car, the paint wasn't quite as slick as the quarters... so we re-cleared them.  Also, I talked the owner into leaving the old National Hemi Owners Association decal on the windshield.

Justin
"CornDog"

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2065.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2070.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2075.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2076.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2068.jpg)


The dash has come together and is pretty much finished here. 

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2073.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2077.jpg)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 7 on 12-2-11
Post by: FJ5WING on December 03, 2011, 03:45:23 PM
Nice work....LOVE the wheel choice! :2thumbs:
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 7 on 12-2-11
Post by: CornDogsCharger on December 03, 2011, 06:32:39 PM
The doors go back on again.  And more engine shots.  I painted the A/C compressor satin black to give it more of a factory look and keep it from jumping out at you.

Justin
"CornDog"

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2179.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2180.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2083.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2084.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2085.jpg)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 7 on 12-2-11
Post by: CornDogsCharger on December 03, 2011, 07:13:35 PM
Fenders going on....

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2190.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2192.jpg)

Now the Hood...

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2341.jpg)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 7 on 12-2-11
Post by: CornDogsCharger on December 03, 2011, 07:16:59 PM
Took the car back over to the mechanical side for something... so I took some pictures of the rear end.  I have no idea what the markings meant, but they were on there when I cleaned it up... so I put them back just as they were.

Justin
"CornDog"

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2295.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2296.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2298.jpg)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 7 on 12-2-11
Post by: CornDogsCharger on December 03, 2011, 07:25:35 PM
Here's the original air cleaner.  You can see where the original decal was.

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2344.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2343.jpg)


Here's is the "after" picture of the lid.

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2342.jpg)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 7 on 12-2-11
Post by: CornDogsCharger on December 03, 2011, 07:44:53 PM
Nose is installed.  I do not look forward to bolting on another nose.  These things are a paint to build and the bolt on the car and try not the scratch anything.  You may notice the wheels have changed again.  We robbed the brand new wheels and tires to put on the owner's '70 Coronet RT for a show.  He liked them so much that he ordered another set.  I know.... must be nice. :)

Justin
"CornDog"

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2347.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2348.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2349.jpg)


Now the R & L fender extensions are in place.  This thing is starting to look like a car again!!!  

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2420.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2421.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2422.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2423.jpg)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 7 on 12-2-11
Post by: BigBlockSam on December 03, 2011, 07:48:51 PM
car looks great  :cheers:
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 7 on 12-2-11
Post by: CornDogsCharger on December 03, 2011, 07:54:22 PM
Quote from: BigBlockSam on December 03, 2011, 07:48:51 PM
car looks great  :cheers:

Thanks!  This car was a bit of a challenge at times but it turned out nice in the end.  I still think i like the orange car better :)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 7 on 12-2-11
Post by: tan top on December 03, 2011, 07:55:07 PM
 :drool5:  nice work going on !! looks awesome  :yesnod: :popcrn:
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 7 on 12-2-11
Post by: CornDogsCharger on December 03, 2011, 08:10:47 PM
Here's some pictures from the final assembly, application of the decals, and the addition of some other detail that were found along the way.

Justin
"CornDog"

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2489.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2490.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2491.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2492.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2493.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2494.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2495.jpg)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 7 on 12-2-11
Post by: CornDogsCharger on December 03, 2011, 08:16:11 PM
Leon is finishing up with the decals. 

Justin
"CornDog"

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2496.jpg)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 7 on 12-2-11
Post by: CornDogsCharger on December 03, 2011, 08:18:20 PM
I took this picture when I was making sure everything was working like it should, lights, A/C, heat, radio, etc.  I remember, I was so relieved when this day was over. 

Justin
"CornDog"

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2514.jpg)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 7 on 12-2-11
Post by: CornDogsCharger on December 03, 2011, 08:40:18 PM
Time to clean the car up... inside and out, top to bottom.  Here the car is on the wash rack getting a full detail. 

Justin
"CornDog"

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2526.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2527.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2518.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2521.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2528.jpg)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 7 on 12-2-11
Post by: CornDogsCharger on December 03, 2011, 08:44:23 PM
After the inside and outside was cleaned, the underside needed to be detailed. 

Justin
"CornDog"

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2529-1.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2530.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2536.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2537.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2538.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2539.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2541.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2542.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2543.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2533.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2532.jpg)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 7 on 12-2-11
Post by: CornDogsCharger on December 03, 2011, 08:53:24 PM
Back when I first started on this car, I found an "S" on the passenger side frame rail... so I put it back.  It isn't exact but I was going on memory and I highly doubt every "S" was exact.  Anybody else seen this before??

Justin
"CornDog"

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird305-1.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2544.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2545.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2546.jpg)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 7 on 12-2-11
Post by: CornDogsCharger on December 03, 2011, 08:57:01 PM
I figured everyone would like this.  I never found a build sheet for the car but the original dealer invoice was a cool piece to have!!  Doug probably knows more about the history than I do from his old records.  The original owner traded in his '68 Chrysler towards the Superbird.  He was a traveling salesman and this 'Bird was his form or transportation.  Can you image that!  From what I understand, the salesman at the dealership caught the buyer eyeing the 'Bird as they walked past it and so he tells the buyer something to the effect of "Too bad you aren't as young as you once were.  That car would have been perfect for you".  I guess the salesman found his soft spot and talked him into buying the car.

Justin
"CornDog"

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2516.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2517.jpg)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 7 on 12-2-11
Post by: moparstuart on December 04, 2011, 08:25:02 AM
 :drool5: :drool5: :drool5:  love it
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird" (FINISHED) ...Updates Pg. 7 on 12-2-11
Post by: CornDogsCharger on December 04, 2011, 09:05:55 AM
The owner really wanted the car to be ready for a local show Scarecrow Cruise.  This show has gotten bigger and bigger each year (about 400 cars now).  The show was on a Saturday and I finished the car on Friday evening before the show.  Here are a few pictures from the show.  The Tor Red bird belongs to JW Hames.  The Green and Vitamin C Orange birds belong to my boss and are the ones I built.  We tried to get a couple other local Bird owners to come to the show and line them all up.  Jeff Sables owns a white 6 pack car, Richard Hyatt owns a yellow 4bbl car, Paul Verdin and Calvin Cannon both own B5 Blue 4bbl cars.  It would have been cool if we could have had all of the local Birds there.  Oh well.  If you're wondering about the skulls on the cars... this show is usually 2 weeks before Halloween... so everyone that gets creative with their car's display usually go with a Halloween theme.  This isn't so much my bosses doing but more so his wife.  She likes to be creative and I think he would rather do without... haha

Justin
"CornDog"

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2746.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2736.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2717.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2737.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2719.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2721.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2724.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2723.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2722.jpg)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird" (FINISHED) ...Updates Pg. 7 on 12-2-11
Post by: oldcarnut on December 04, 2011, 11:28:37 AM
Wow, such talented work  :yesnod: .  I like to know more about the a/c he had.  I looked back a few pages and hope I didn't miss it but hows it work out for him and who's kit was it?  Would it fit under the 6 bbl breather?
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird" (FINISHED) ...Updates Pg. 7 on 12-2-11
Post by: CornDogsCharger on December 04, 2011, 01:26:51 PM
Quote from: oldcarnut on December 04, 2011, 11:28:37 AM
Wow, such talented work  :yesnod: .  I like to know more about the a/c he had.  I looked back a few pages and hope I didn't miss it but hows it work out for him and who's kit was it?  Would it fit under the 6 bbl breather?

Thanks for the compliments!  The A/C kit was from Classic Auto Air.  The tech guys seem pretty good so maybe they will be able to tell you if it will fit under a 6 pack air cleaner.  I wrapped up the restoration on this '66 Coronet Conv and we dropped in a 472 Hemi.  I installed the same A/C kit on this car and it seemed to fit well under the VERY LARGE air cleaner.  The compressor sits far enough forward, I think it should clear it.  The only clearance issue I had was against the cylinder head.  I had to take about 1/4in. off the corner and then relocate the coil.  

Justin
"CornDog"

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DSCN0287.jpg)(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DSCN0635.jpg)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird" (FINISHED) ...Updates Pg. 7 on 12-2-11
Post by: FJ5WING on December 04, 2011, 01:53:29 PM
 :drool5: :drool5:

AWSOME.......

I have a question about the Black "X" along with the pint inspection stamp. I only have the X on the right side fender. I assumed it was an X because the stamp was out of order or reach, whatever. Ive never seen another car with it so it was cool to see your work with it. Im pretty sure the inspection markings were only on the right side though? :shruggy:
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird" (FINISHED) ...Updates Pg. 7 on 12-2-11
Post by: CornDogsCharger on December 04, 2011, 02:24:41 PM
Quote from: FJ5WING on December 04, 2011, 01:53:29 PM
:drool5: :drool5:

AWSOME.......

I have a question about the Black "X" along with the pint inspection stamp. I only have the X on the right side fender. I assumed it was an X because the stamp was out of order or reach, whatever. Ive never seen another car with it so it was cool to see your work with it. Im pretty sure the inspection markings were only on the right side though? :shruggy:

Thanks man!  On the "X", I found it on the passenger fender... which was original to the car.  The driver fender was replaced when the car was t-boned.  At the time of doing this car, I just figured if it was on one fender then it would have been on both.  But now, looking back at some pictures I took of an original unpainted B5 blue car, his is only on the right side too.  If it is only supposed to be one side then I can easily go back and remove it from the driver side fender.  

The markings found on this car
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird608-1.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/DSCN2494.jpg)

Here it is on an original engine bay.  The "Paint OK" stamp is different than the original but if I can get a stamp just like the original then it will be an easy thing the fix.

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/Verden%20Bird/VerdenBird104.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/Verden%20Bird/VerdenBird136.jpg)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird" (FINISHED) ...Updates Pg. 7 on 12-2-11
Post by: CornDogsCharger on December 04, 2011, 02:38:14 PM
Another marking that I found on the car early on was this yellow line on the passenger side cowl panel.I don't know what it means.  The owner didn't really want that line back on the car.  At least I have a picture for reference.  

Justin
"CornDog"

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/CornDog05/DWBird2/2DWBird307-1.jpg)
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird"... Updated Pg. 7 on 12-2-11
Post by: tan top on December 04, 2011, 03:05:41 PM
Quote from: CornDogsCharger on December 03, 2011, 08:44:23 PM
After the inside and outside was cleaned, the underside needed to be detailed. 

Justin
"CornDog"


   :o  :drool5:   :faint: :drool5:   awesome job  :2thumbs: :yesnod:
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird" (FINISHED) ...Updates Pg. 7 on 12-2-11
Post by: ChgrSteve67 on December 04, 2011, 11:12:47 PM
Thats increadable work Justin

Did you get to drive it ?
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird" (FINISHED) ...Updates Pg. 7 on 12-2-11
Post by: CornDogsCharger on December 04, 2011, 11:21:28 PM
Quote from: ChgrSteve67 on December 04, 2011, 11:12:47 PM
Thats increadable work Justin

Did you get to drive it ?

Heck yeah I drove it :) haha!  I strategically make the the cars un-drivable until I finish my part :)  I figure since I do the majority of the work, I should be the first to drive it.  I break them in good too.

Justin
"CornDog"
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird" (FINISHED) ...Updates Pg. 7 on 12-2-11
Post by: greenpigs on December 04, 2011, 11:40:35 PM
Hows it handle at 100? :D
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird" (FINISHED) ...Updates Pg. 7 on 12-2-11
Post by: CornDogsCharger on December 04, 2011, 11:55:25 PM
The green car handles nice at 100 with the radials but the orange car floats a little from side to side with the polyglass tires at 110. The red hemi Coronet, that car has plenty of pull left in it at 110!  And for some reason, it tends to leave a trail behind it when drive off. I'm still trying to figure out how to solve this problem.   :angel:

Justin
"CornDog"
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird" (FINISHED) ...Updates Pg. 7 on 12-2-11
Post by: hemi68charger on December 05, 2011, 08:08:25 AM
Looks great Justin !!!!!  :2thumbs:
Title: Re: Say Hello to Project "SurpriseBird" (FINISHED) ...Updates Pg. 7 on 12-2-11
Post by: Charger_Dart on December 05, 2011, 08:56:53 AM
Really nice work, looks great  :2thumbs: