70 - 2800CS - 2270111 restoration - ode to the past

[tdgray]

So the dude with the body is pissing me off big time. Just stripping and priming… he’s had it since mid December… we are having a come to Jesus meeting this week.

I’ve got a ton of work to do on it. Need to get moving.

 

[rsporsche]

i know its frustrating but proper prep is the key to having a paint job last. you don't want a body guy to cut corners. now, that being said, if he isn't doing anything ... that is something altogether different

 

[tdgray]

There’s the problem… he’s not doing anything and hasn’t for two months plus.

 

[rsporsche]

that of course is a horse of a different color. really sorry to hear that. i think a come-to-jesus meeting is in order.

 

[tdgray]

So I dug into the steering column yesterday.

Was very pleased that I was able to get the little grub screw out with ease on the ignition switch. As I had stated previously, when I was doing the wiring harness removal I just touched the wires to the ignition switch and the black plastic popped out. Was obviously broken and looked as though someone had been in there before.

Switch slid right out after removing the screw.

Scuffed the flaking paint off. Severe oxidation as all of have seen. Only way to deal with it properly is to strip it all off and clean and clean. I used Carbon Off as I have for many projects. Great stuff.

I'll get some VHT wrinkle paint later today when I am out.

 

[tdgray]

Also painted the hockey sticks... Which will never look like the original chrome finish.

If anybody you have tried the chrome paints out there you know they all suck. Just tried to make them as uniform as possible without all the peeling plastic chrome.

 

[tdgray]

Oops... meant to post a question about the steering column.

When I had it on the bench I noticed that the intermediate shaft is certainly not straight.... is there supposed to be a "curve" to the shaft? I kind of doubt it but thought I would ask.

 

[eriknetherlands]

Should be straight. As an arrow.

Depends on the model of the steering column, but mine looks like its turned on a lathe, so must be quite straight to make that happen.

 

[tdgray]

Mine is not totally solid… has a small bird or squirrel cage on the top portion. Should have taken a pic. I believe that is where it is bent. I think I can straighten it out…. Maybe.

 

[tdgray]

Just got home from some travels...Here is a picture of the aforementioned bent shaft.

 

[tdgray]

Whilst out in the shop I did a touch more work on the steering column cover.

I had stripped it. The used VHT wrinkle paint on it. Left it for a couple as that stuff takes forever to dry. Follow instructions.

After it's dry the finish is not really that great and you don't have much control over how much it wrinkles. I chose to knock it down with a red scuff pad... Very very lightly.

After that I sprayed a couple of coats of satin black as again... The VHT finish is not all that great. Other than a couple of areas on the vin tag which need cleaned up... Paint bleed... Looks fairly good.

 

[eriknetherlands]

Your steering column looks like it came from a car that had a massive crash. The 'squirrel cage' as you call it was an early attempt at a crumple zone. It was designed to deform upon impact from a torso on the steering wheel.

To steer you in the right direction....I'd advice you to get a replacement part.
Post a want to buy in themparts section I'd say.

 

[tdgray]

You know Erik that was my thought exactly…. But there is no evidence on the body that there had been any accident damage.

Now… the front suspension cradle bushings we so bad that it actually bent the cradle lip itself… or the was some accident under the car.

Either way it’s probably too much of a pain to try to straighten… if it could even be done. Agree.., a WTB is most likely needed here.

 

[tdgray]

So I went out today to pick up my vinyl paint and on a whim picked up the steering shaft to take to a buddy of mine who has a machine shop.

Picked up the paint and stopped by. He took it out to the shop and put it in one of his presses.

Measuring he said it was damn near spot on.

 

[tdgray]

So I painted the interior bits over the weekend... Ventured out to the shop to reglue a couple places and do some assembly.

Turned out pretty good. Still old material so there are some flaws but I kind of like it that way. Color match was awesome. This is Chromabase with an interior / vinyl binder. Doubt many people have chromabase tints anymore... My guy is almost out.

I am missing one piece of trim and one of the rears is in very rough shape. Anyone have some they want to part with?