Paint Shop Day 1

Day One.......

Well it has been a long time coming, but it is exciting to know in the next 3 weeks my hodge podge of Firebird and Trans Am parts will become KITT from Knight Rider...well at least on the outside.

Before the car went to the shop, everything was stripped out of the inside. The plastic panels, seats, carpet, headliners, seat belts....everything. The only thing that remained in the car when it was taken to the shop was the driver seat (I had to have something to sit on for driving it to the shop.

I forgot to leave the keys to the t-tops when I dropped the car off, so I was able to stop by the shop on day one of the project and snap some photos. I love working with a smaller body shop that is used to doing custom work. While going with a shop like this increases the prices a bit, they aren't nearly as concerned about getting the car out of their shop as they are putting out a phenomenal product. They know their name will be associated with this car, so they are very inclined to do a good job. It also helps that I know the guy who is painting my car.

Since this car was originally maroon, and had been repainted from a factory maroon to a metal flake maroon at some point, it was important to paint everything.

All of the fenders were edged before installation, along with the hood. The hood hinges were repainted black and the door jambs, and the inside of the hatch will be repainted as well. If you buy your car black, you don't have to do this, but if you want to show this car, I highly suggest painting everything. People pick out the smallest details.

On day one they were able to realign all of the front end, and started stripping the car, removing the mirrors, rear spoiler, and at least one of the door handles.

Another thing to consider while at this point is replacing the outside window felt. Over time it tends to get cracked and just look nasty. The windows need removed to do this step, so I am allowing the body shop to do this. It will cost a little more this way...but I won't have to mess with it, which is a good thing. Not to mention it is one less small detail to detract from the cars appearance.

Right now I am feeling like an expectant father. I get to go visit again on day three...so I will have more pictures then. I can't wait to see how much they have done then.