88 5.0

Topic: 88 5.0 (Read 7660 times) previous topic - next topic

Reply #15 – May 23, 2007, 06:38:24 PM

I plan on all the molding going back on, sides and all. Its WAY too easy to get dents without the stuff. Not too bad for my first paint job though (well technically second, since the urethane didn't work out too well). It'll all be taken down to near-metal again before being resprayed in enamel. I did like the urethane's strength though. My door jambs are still urethane only. I can try scratching it with keys and nothing happens. Good stuff, but I think it needs to be baked on for proper finish.

edit: It also costs much more. Supplies were $750 for DuPont Urethane paints and primers. Black/clear enamel was less than half the price of the urethane. Of course, another $500 was spent on a compressor/tank and some more on the hvlp gun.

88 5.0

Reply #16 – May 23, 2007, 06:51:52 PM

i think that looks pretty good! im hoping to get some fiberglass bumper covers, and smooth them out. i really like the way the car looks without the mouldings.

88 5.0

Reply #17 – May 23, 2007, 06:56:51 PM

The bumper covers are probably the biggest pain to prep for paint...filling them in would help quite a bit. I'll probably spend most of the time on the front bumper cover next prep, to make sure the paint will stick as close to factory as possible. I have a nasty rock chip up there that could have been minimized with more sanding...I think its the same rock that cracked my front license plate holder in the corner.

88 5.0

Reply #18 – May 25, 2007, 01:02:42 AM

After a long pause over the cold winter, I'm resuming the HID retrofit on the car. Clear lenses should be finished in a little over a week...the most difficult part. After trying everything short of buying my own vacuum-molding parts, I found someone to do a polycarbonate pair for a simple $100. Simple, quick, and I don't have to worry about the lenses any longer. Now I just need to figure out where I put my second ballast/igniter.

88 5.0

Reply #19 – June 08, 2007, 02:39:36 PM

Clear lenses are complete, now I just need to find another set of reflectors for cheap for cutting up. The one side I have I chopped up more than I think I needed to, so searching for another pair. Even a melted headlight (where the bulb fits) would work perfect. Then its just jbwelding around some aluminum foil where the projectors stick out the back to mount it and make it waterproof, covering the inside with some sort of painted bezel, grinding the header panel holes out larger, and mounting the things...and retrofit complete. Of course, clear marker lights may have to follow in order for the headlights to look right...but maybe not since half the corner lights are already clear.

As for the lenses, the guy is keeping my molds in case any other t-bird owners want a set of clear lenses vacuum formed at $100/pair (lenses only). After I get pictures taken, he'll add them to his site for order.

88 5.0

Reply #20 – June 08, 2007, 04:24:48 PM

Here's where the headlights were left off. I need to make some type of shroud that can cover the top portion/lens clip of the projector, without getting in the way of the headlight lens going on. Perhaps something elastic to apply some fiberglass over, then paint? Pictures can be enlarged.

88 5.0

Reply #21 – June 11, 2007, 04:58:52 PM

It needs to be trimmed and polished up, but here's the lenses as I received then. Top picture, the lens being slightly crooked was the only way to get it to get it to stay in place for the shot.

88 5.0

Reply #22 – June 29, 2007, 09:50:40 PM

Making progress in them, now that I have a set of reflectors. Kinda feel bad about chopping up one of the two since its reflector is in near perfect condition, but whatever.

Same side as above, but with precise cuts for the projector. Header panel's hole is ground a bit larger also. I think that after I pick up some abs plastic and give that a try to create a shroud inside, it'll be perfect. Then its just bolting it together, sealing it up, wiring it together, and it'll be done

88 5.0

Reply #23 – June 29, 2007, 10:03:56 PM

that's gonna look so sick. :)

88 5.0

Reply #24 – June 29, 2007, 11:05:17 PM

That's pretty cool. Can't wait to see the finished product.

88 5.0

Reply #25 – June 30, 2007, 03:17:26 PM

Hopefully it'll be soon. I have plenty of abs plastic here now, along with stainless steel 10-32 bolts (perfect fit for factory TL projector holes). Sadly, I still don't have my second ballast/igniter back yet, so I can't finish it 100% wiring-wise.

88 5.0

Reply #26 – July 01, 2007, 02:58:36 AM

Switched over to fiberglass mode. Using non-hardening modeling clay as the template, I'm thinking something like this. Its basically the layout, just needs some final touches before fiberglass. Any other ideas for shroud design?

88 5.0

Reply #27 – July 01, 2007, 04:55:26 AM

dude, nice and black. Love it. Amazing how new paint makes an almost 20 year old car look brand new.

And the projectors only adds to the "Off the Factory Floor" look. Can't wait to see an end result.

88 5.0

Reply #28 – July 02, 2007, 12:18:23 PM

Few steps closer. Dremel helps a LOT on these things, makes hand sanding needed much less often. Need to get some primer and paint today

88 5.0

Reply #29 – July 02, 2007, 07:12:47 PM

aww man, that looks like eye boogers! LOL!

seriously, awesome progress!