Refinishing Parts

Most of the components that were removed prior to body and paint work are now restored. Parts were washed, media-blasted, primed and painted using Dupli-Color lacquers and Engine Enamels.

Some parts such as the defroster nozzles required different techniques. When the nozzles were removed from the vehicle they were just tossed in a box with other parts. After a couple years they got deformed. Fortunately, they are made out of a cheap cardboard material and were easy to repair.

I soaked them in warm water for a few minutes to soften the material and used thin strips of wood cut to the size of the defroster outlets and placed them into the slots as the cardboard dried. Perfect!

Then, I gave them a quick sandblasting to clean them. I noticed that there were a couple rips (green arrows) in the material and I used cyanoacrylate adhesive to repair the rips. I then saturated the nozzles with the cyanoacrylate to strengthen them. It soaked right in. If you attempt this method make sure that you use hand protection such as rubber or nitrile gloves.


Cyanoacrylate adhesive is sold under these names: Krazy Glue, Super Glue, instant glue and others.

All of the parts including the nozzles were finished with lacquer prime and engine enamel.




There are dozens of parts that have been finished just the those above. Now, where is that body so that I can start putting it back together!

As always, you can see larger versions of these photos at my Flickr page. Just be sure to hit the "Back" button on your favorite browser to return to this blog.

Email me: Ron B.