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Bertha’s loooooong saga

62156 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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hotrodg726
the only real cure is ceramic coating by a competent coater.
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Dragsix
Try this stuff to deal with the rust.



Spray, use a maroon scotchbrite. This stuff works pretty good. Rinse and wipe off, wax and grease remover, paint with VHT
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ETriggs
Dragsix said:
Try this stuff to deal with the rust.
View attachment 397500


Spray, use a maroon scotchbrite. This stuff works pretty good. Rinse and wipe off, wax and grease remover, paint with VHT
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Yep, got some of that. It’s the best stuff I’ve used yet.
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ETriggs
I’ve tried several times to install the seat upholstery on the back seat and have it look good. I failed each time so a buddy of mine from the local car club recommended a place in Columbus, GA that does great work at a good price. Just dropped off the back seat to finally have Gina’s work of art installed. He will also redo the front seat for me. He is a younger guy and it’s a family run business, I should have it back a week from Friday.
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Shadetree55
ETriggs said:
I’ve tried several times to install the seat upholstery on the back seat and have it look good. I failed each time so a buddy of mine from the local car club recommended a place in Columbus, GA that does great work at a good price. Just dropped off the back seat to finally have Gina’s work of art installed. He will also redo the front seat for me. He is a younger guy and it’s a family run business, I should have it back a week from Friday.
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I need you to come visit for a week and build a fire under my butt LOL! You get things accomplished :ROFLMAO:
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panelman
Bertha 2024 😆
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ETriggs
It’s only taken 16 years for this fire to get lit…. Lol! It gets easier the closer you get to being done.
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Shadetree55
ETriggs said:
It’s only taken 16 years for this fire to get lit…. Lol! It gets easier the closer you get to being done.
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I'm to the intimidating part---headliner and back glass and windshield---I'm skeered 😕
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H
ETriggs said:
It’s only taken 16 years for this fire to get lit…. Lol! It gets easier the closer you get to being done.
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Can i assume that your fix for the coolant leak is resolved? Hope so.
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ETriggs
HILLBILLY 823 said:
Can i assume that your fix for the coolant leak is resolved? Hope so.
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So far, so good. My intake appears to have been not fully torqued down and that freeze popped the gasket loose. Runs well and I haven’t even tuned it yet.
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ETriggs
I’ve run the engine a few times now. Once I get rid of the pesky exhaust leak at the headers, set the timing, and make sure all is tuned, I think she will run like the wind. There is nothing leaking that I can tell so that is better than my 60 Bonneville at this point. I need to hook up my temp gauge and run her for a while. I do need to align the new alternator mount a bit better, it tossed the belt sideways once.

Hood sanded with 600 to get rid of all the orange peel and ready for some spot color where I had to fix the crease from the radiator cap. Then hopefully a glassy three coats of clear.

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ETriggs
Coat of color. Another coat after this flashes and then clear
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ETriggs
While the paint is curing, I’ve been working on the exhaust. I’ve replaced that driver side gasket and it still made noise. Then I let my hands wander feeling for anything odd. Valve cover was vibrating.
Found the problem. The valve cover was bass ackwards and the rocker arms were slightly rubbing the valve cover. Just enough to touch and leave a mark. I flipped it around and it purrs like a kitten. Not a single noise other than the 8 trumpet symphony. I’m still swapping out the exhaust gasket on the other side, then wipe it all down and finish the brake lines.
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ETriggs
Exhaust gaskets in and all torqued. Running well, just need to tune the carb properly and set timing.

youtube.com

Exhaust leaks fixed and only tuning and timing left!

youtube.com youtube.com
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ETriggs
Shadetree55 said:
I'm to the intimidating part---headliner and back glass and windshield---I'm skeered 😕
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Take pictures of the headliner install, that’s coming up on my list.
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Shadetree55
ETriggs said:
Take pictures of the headliner install, that’s coming up on my list.
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I guess another time another place. Helped everyone get their projects done and have my enclosed patio to rebuild and suddenly everyone has something to do now. So headliner is on hold and having to hire a guy to help me next week jack the roof and reframe the structure.
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out of whack
No good deed goes unpunished,................gene
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ETriggs
Sooooo, while working on the brake MC and booster area, I managed to break off the cheap aluminum dipstick right at the block. That means I get to drop the pan and punch the cheap one out. Oh well, I have a chrome stock style one handy.
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56ls408
You might try threading a bolt into the broken tube then tapping or wiggling it out I've had that work seems like a 3/8 but can't remember it's been a long time ago.Might & I said might save pulling the pan.
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ETriggs
Will give that a shot. Thanks!
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