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Bertha’s loooooong saga

62173 Views 1102 Replies 55 Participants Last post by  ETriggs, 
ETriggs
Ok, I am putting this thread together so I have a record for everyone to see, suggest, comment, and critique. I have been to the first six Nationals, all without Bertha. Seventh was the lucky charm! I can't let this happen again, it feels too weird.

Here is the list of what I have remaining to do in the next 334 days. By June 24, 2022

1. Get car back home to Auburn. (Yes, it is in Defuniak Spring FL. right now.)

Sheetmetal Work
1. Buy new one piece floor and trunk floor and install
2. Install new rockers
3. Install and repair quarter panels
4. Repair rust / dents in roof
5. New hood
6. New Cowl
7. Repair dash (knee dent on pass side)
8. New trunk-to-bumper panel install and smooth into quarters
9. Align trunk lid
10. Prep and prime and paint

Glass
1. Rechrome side glass frames
2. Buy and install glass. (Vent windows done)

Wiring - install AAW kit I bought
  1. Engine
  2. Dash
  3. Interior
  4. Rear body


Drivetrain
1. Get motor running (already rebuilt)
2. Prep transmission (fluid and install filler tube)
3. Turn front brake rotors (they are new, but rusted a bit in the Florida humidity)
4. Buy and install gas tank (lines are already run)
5. Install steering column and wheel
6. Finish routing and hanging exhaust

Interior:
1. I already have a complete kit from Gina Ciadella (modified 670 trim). It is ready to install.
2. Install wipers, radio, etc. Just enough to make it fully functional

Trim
1. Buy new bumpers (front and rear) and install.
2. Finish polishing all of side trim. I have all of it, it just needs polishing.
3. Get new taillights and install


I think after this, it will be ready to drive to Nats. Not perfect, not complete, but drivable. That is what I want more than anything is for it to be drivable.

I am tossing around set on colors now, but will use a dark silver / gray metallic for the car with a dark blue metallic for trim Strato blue / white. I still have to decide on specific colors though. Paint is now a mix of the VW Strato Blue and Porsche Aetna Blue. I am sending a sample to Orion Automotive and it will be called "Bertha Blue"

Am I forgetting anything major? I have had this car for 10 15 years, I need to get it on the road!!! Finished!
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Greg's 56 Nomad
Font Emblem Symbol Automotive tire T-shirt
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FUZZY
Eldon. Sorry to hear of the mishap with the interior.

One thing I've done to alleviate the amount of pressure needed to pull the covers on is to use some of my plastic sheeting from painting. I'll put a single layer of the very thin sheeting over the foam rubber, taped on, and then slip the covers over them. Works pretty slick and it doesn't create any noise when you sit on them later either.
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F.I. 57 Belair
Fuzzy, that sounds like a great tip. I will need to remember it when I start to fit my covers.
Eldon, I am sure that Gina will take good care of you on the ripped seat. Just wondering if you are adding any extra foam or padding.
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ETriggs
F.I. 57 Belair said:
Fuzzy, that sounds like a great tip. I will need to remember it when I start to fit my covers.
Eldon, I am sure that Gina will take good care of you on the ripped seat. Just wondering if you are adding any extra foam or padding.
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I use 1.5” foam on top of burlap on the top, just quilt batting on the front to help prevent wrinkles.
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lostn50s
Looking good Eldon, I'm betting you were just sick hearing that tear! Not so much a big deal but always enough to ruin a good day.
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ETriggs
lostn50s said:
Looking good Eldon, I'm betting you were just sick hearing that tear! Not so much a big deal but always enough to ruin a good day.
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Made me a bit sick to my stomach. But I’ve made decent progress this week. As always though, it’s two steps forward, one step back. Eventually it will be drivable and able to be enjoyed.
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ETriggs
Dragsix said:
I think you may need a steamer to get it soft and pliable.

maybe something like this?

www.amazon.com

Amazon.com: Dyvio Garment Steamer for Clothes, Standing Steamer with 4 Steam Level Fast Heat-up and 1.6 L Water Tank, Steamer for Wrinkles 60+min of Continuous Steam, 1500W Professional Fabric Clothing Steamer : Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry

Buy Dyvio Garment Steamer for Clothes, Standing Steamer with 4 Steam Level Fast Heat-up and 1.6 L Water Tank, Steamer for Wrinkles 60+min of Continuous Steam, 1500W Professional Fabric Clothing Steamer: Garment Bags - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
www.amazon.com
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I think that may be ideal for the seats AND headliner when I go to install.
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ETriggs
So, Gina just got my seat cover and looked it over. Apparently I grabbed the wrong one when I shoved it in the box and shipped it to her. I sent her the back top cover, not back bottom cover. Yay. $60 in shipping for nothing. Gotta get the correct one sent now.
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Dragsix
This would be a drag six tool throwing event for me, lol. You are soooo patient with yourself.
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ETriggs
Dragsix said:
This would be a drag six tool throwing event for me, lol. You are soooo patient with yourself.
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As nice as she was to me on the phone, I couldn't be angry. She calmed the Hulk.
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ETriggs
Shipped. Ugh. Oh well. I will be in Kansas Friday-Monday anyway. The Greater Metro Argonia region……
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ETriggs
So, one of my car nut co-workers put this question into ChatGPT and here was the answer. It is absolutely hilarious and not wrong!


I’m am DYING of laughing. I started playing around with ChatGPT and asked, “Will Eldon’s car ever run?” It answered:

As an AI language model, I don't have access to any specific information about Eldon's car, so I can't say for sure whether it will run or not. However, whether or not Eldon's car will run will depend on a variety of factors, such as the current condition of the car, the specific problem that is preventing it from running, the availability of replacement parts or repairs, and the skills and resources available to Eldon or whoever is working on the car.
In general, if the car is experiencing a mechanical issue, it may be possible to diagnose and repair the problem with the help of a qualified mechanic or through DIY repairs. However, if the car has been damaged beyond repair, it may not be possible to get it running again.
Ultimately, the answer to whether Eldon's car will run depends on a variety of factors that can only be determined through a proper inspection and diagnosis of the vehicle.
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Dragsix
Wow. Are you sure this is not Dave the 2001 computer you are talking to?
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55wagoncrazy
Sure said a lot......but told you nothing you didn't already know!
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ETriggs
Gina fixed my seat cover and it should be delivered today! Woohoo!
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BamaNomad
55wagoncrazy said:
Sure said a lot......but told you nothing you didn't already know!
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Like reading a response from the government!
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H
Any word on that dreaded coolant leak? Fingers crossed!
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ETriggs
HILLBILLY 823 said:
Any word on that dreaded coolant leak? Fingers crossed!
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Not yet, I will know this weekend. I finally have a weekend off to get Chevy stuff done.
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ETriggs
Finally getting some work done. Rear door is stripped and in primer. Not much bodywork needed, just a few thin dabs of filler and a good block sanding. Will start on the engine tomorrow.

Furniture Table Outdoor furniture Chair Outdoor table
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Shadetree55
ETriggs said:
Finally getting some work done. Rear door is stripped and in primer. Not much bodywork needed, just a few thin dabs of filler and a good block sanding. Will start on the engine tomorrow.

View attachment 395013
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have you ever used this? Great to work with and excellent for even light filler and glazing. workable in 30 minutes.

Automotive tire Motor vehicle Yellow Asphalt Font
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