2002 Resto-Mod

[bostonvert]

This is so good to follow, wish everyone fixed up their old cars like this..

[jwill214]

The hacking continues. Knowing that in the future I want to hot rod this thing with a big engine, I'm making the changes now to handle more tire both in the front and the rear. Hoping to fit a 225x15x45 all the way around.

Front Fender Before



And After. Look at all that room for funtivities!!



Rear was tricking because of the inner tub that has to be sectioned and bent up for a good seal.



This picture is all the motivation I need.





My buddy had a miata that runs the same wheel and tire combo I want, so I'm hoping to get my hands on one of his wheels to test fit for clearances.

Stay Tuned

[jwill214]

After nearly a year of rust repair and body work, it was finally time to put some primer on the car. The goal with this build is to do everything on my own and paint is no exception. I'm very fortunate to have access to a paint booth and a friend that can teach me a lot more than the internet can about building and painting cars. With his help I was able to finally make the car one color again, even if it is mustard yellow primer.

I was like a kid in a candy shop following the trailer with my car loaded on it.



Meat locker for car parts



The color is ugly for sure, but hey at least it's all one color.



I sprayed two heavy coats of Clausen Z-Chrome. Supposedly it's the bee's knees of primer/sealer. Now it's time to get it all smoothed out. Tons of sanding ahead of me.

[Kershaw]

You're doing amazing work.

[jwill214]

So I had to cut out all the seat mounts due to all the rust. The original seats were also junk so I threw those out a long time ago. I decided to make some simple seat mounts out of some square tubing.





I also decided to make my own seat brackets to save myself about $200. Some cutting, slicing and hole drilling and bam, seats mounted.





This was the first time I had ever sat in the driver's seat behind the wheel so that was pretty exciting. Looking forward to getting some more primer on the car. Getting closer and closer to color. Stay tuned

[ttrousdell]

They always have more rust then you first suspect. Ill be doin the same with a 73 tii I picked up late year.

I have the same Lincoln electric welder. Worked well for plugging holes in one of my e30s. cool project . looking forward to more updates.

[jwill214]

Just a quick little update. After countless hours of sanding the first round of primer, I was finally happy enough to spray the second round. This round was a little more conventional (and cheaper) PPG gray primer. I've already begun the wet sanding with 400 and it is turning out much better than expected. The car is mostly straight or as straight as I can get it with the patience I have. I will be spraying it again with the same primer as I didn't get some of the corners covered enough. A few more steps and hopefully I will be spraying color come New Years.









Thanks for reading and stay tuned for updates.

[phreshkid]

Stoked on this car.


I'll be following your progress.

[rturbo 930]

^Same.

I was a little worried when you said you were making your own patch panels, given the sort of things I've seen people do, but they actually turned out pretty good. Nice job.

[jwill214]

^Same.

I was a little worried when you said you were making your own patch panels, given the sort of things I've seen people do, but they actually turned out pretty good. Nice job.

I'm glad to see I have exceeded your expectations :D Hopefully the trend will continue.

[elcoy]

Love 02 resto-mods. Sub'd!

[jeenyus]

great work! this is going to be an awesome car, i can already tell.

[jwill214]

Had the car back in the booth for final primer today. My new goal is to be ready for The Vintage in May. I'm not sure that's a reasonable goal but I'm going to try my best to meet it. Sorry for the lack of pictures. The car is still grey so you can use your imagination.

[jwill214]

Progress time! Heading to the machine shop tomorrow. Hopefully I'll be able to end up with one good engine from all this junk. Going to a 90mm bore, 292 cam, larger valves and heavy duty valve springs. Not looking for big power, just moderate improvements from stock.

[Kershaw]

I hope to see this car at Vintage!