Project Thunderstorm

Topic: Project Thunderstorm (Read 9280 times) previous topic - next topic

Project Thunderstorm

January 01, 2012, 10:47:13 AM

Well, She's been sitting too long, To the point that I'm even Embarrassed to say how long.
This HAS to be the year I get down and dirty, And put my baby on the Road.

As you may or May not know, She ain't all that pretty right now, Prior owner abused her (Inside and outside big time, I did not make those stupid primer squares) & She has V6 (Half apart)... But she was free, Is rust free, My first car and I love her and that's all that matters.

First priority is to get her Running Good, Registered and Tabbed.
Then: Body Work, LOTS of upgrades + Blood, Sweat and Tears (LoL) will follow.

Project Thunderstorm Strikes... Soon~More towards Summer likely, I don't have the luxury of indoor garages or good weather *sigh*.
Just wanted to get the build thread up. :hick:

Project Thunderstorm

Reply #1 – January 01, 2012, 12:03:36 PM

Have fun and don't shed too many tears and not too much blood!! lol

Project Thunderstorm

Reply #2 – January 01, 2012, 12:25:05 PM

the 80's called, they want their rear window louvers back lol what are your plans motor wise? sticking with the V6? looks like a solid start from what little i can see

Project Thunderstorm

Reply #3 – January 01, 2012, 02:12:33 PM

Good luck with the resto. Post some more pics when you get it out. Be nice to have the before pics of the body and interior.

Project Thunderstorm

Reply #4 – January 01, 2012, 11:10:15 PM

i want louvers so bad for my 87!

Project Thunderstorm

Reply #5 – January 02, 2012, 07:37:30 AM

Quote from: bjl;376783

i want louvers so bad for my 87!

x2!!!

Project Thunderstorm

Reply #6 – January 03, 2012, 10:45:24 PM

In 1978 I had a model of an AMC Pacer X that had louvers. Too cool.

Edit: Ha! I can't believe I found a picture of it.

Project Thunderstorm

Reply #7 – January 03, 2012, 11:01:44 PM

Quote from: xjeffs;376958

In 1978 I had a model of an AMC Pacer X that had louvers. Too cool.

Edit: Ha! I can't believe I found a picture of it.

meeeeemories

Project Thunderstorm

Reply #8 – January 05, 2012, 11:30:59 AM

Quote from: 1BadBird;376659

Have fun and don't shed too many tears and not too much blood!! lol

I sure hope not!

Quote from: bryan163;376686

Good luck with the resto. Post some more pics when you get it out. Be nice to have the before pics of the body and interior.

Will do,
Be warned~I started tear down already awhile back, So the interior is not much to look at right now, Then again... It wasnt much to look at to begin with~As I said, Was not well cared for.
Though I have since acquired an all "New" Interior from local junkyards and such that will be going in~All the way down to the carpeting.

Quote from: Shadow;376667

the 80's called, they want their rear window louvers back lol what are your plans motor wise? sticking with the V6? looks like a solid start from what little i can see

V6 will be put back together and run for awhile while I'm getting her in presentable shape, The I'll be looking to do a 351w swap in the future.
I acquired this running non-roller 351 for a s trade:

It will likely get built and go in someday unless something else comes up.

Project Thunderstorm

Reply #9 – January 05, 2012, 05:13:09 PM

Right now I'm looking into some shop tools I would like to have (And make things easier) that are within my budget, As well as some important parts I'll be needing before I get started.

I've got a few random small dents, Nothing major except the drivers door skin is sort of curved inward toward the bottom.
However there is some pretty bad damage right above the pass rear wheel well (Worst on the car, Besides the busted up header when i got it).
I'll try and get a pic up of it, It's very odd... And has the shiznittiest repair job ever.

Anyway,
After researching some low cost, But still quality repair ideas~I've been thinking about using a Stud Welder Gun.
I found this one by far to be the best price:
http://www.harborfreight.com/stud-welder-dent-repair-kit-98357.html

Anyone used this before? Thoughts?

*Pic update:

Ugh, Looks Worse than I was thinking...
Rust is surface, But I'm going to have do tons of reshaping.
Wondering what kind of hit made it crease like that... I remember measuring awhile back to check if the frame was bent and it was fine.

Project Thunderstorm

Reply #10 – January 05, 2012, 07:43:09 PM

Quote from: Romeo2k;377060

Anyway,
After researching some low cost, But still quality repair ideas~I've been thinking about using a Stud Welder Gun.
I found this one by far to be the best price:
http://www.harborfreight.com/stud-welder-dent-repair-kit-98357.html

Anyone used this before? Thoughts?

yes, and i LOVE it.. so far, it's outlasted my dad's matco stud gun 2 times over

Project Thunderstorm

Reply #11 – January 05, 2012, 07:58:29 PM

If you get that stud gun, buy another slide hammer. The one that comes with it, will only grab about 5 studs, then strip....

Project Thunderstorm

Reply #12 – January 05, 2012, 08:10:14 PM

mine's still going strong.. maybe you had a faulty 1? or maybe i have 1 of the few good 1's.. lol

Project Thunderstorm

Reply #13 – January 06, 2012, 01:44:46 AM

I loooove your project name lol

Keeping my eye on this one. Haven't been following an 83/84 project I don't think since Watchdevil left

Project Thunderstorm

Reply #14 – January 07, 2012, 07:48:49 PM

Thanks guys.
I'll go ahead and add that Stud Welder to my buy list, Looks like its a hard to get item though since it's back ordered online and such.

Has anyone got any DIY experience with valve guide installs?
I've got a chipped guide in the head that's off the car.
I have found what looks to be a good method of removing online (Tap, insert bolt, insert dowel from backside and hammer tap out), But want to be safe installing since this is an aluminum head. I do not have a press.