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TC member #786
I bought Ole Paint back in 95. A friend who had become dissabled had it sitting in his yard for a couple of years. It would run but it had a gash almost the whole length of the right rear quarter and many rust spots showing and one fender and the cowl induction hood was primered. Because of a bad career/business move I was in need of cheap transportation.
It wasn't a true SS but I didn't care. My Friend made me a deal and even let me pay him for it as I could, the rest as they say is history. As time and funds would permit I began getting things in good repair. The first major work was replacing the quarter that was opened up like a sardine can.
I never had done any paint and body work but I'm a pretty good welder/fabricator so I managed to replace the quarter myself. I began replacing the mechanicals as I could which included the fresh 350, a used but serviceable 700R4, and a complete front end rebuild including an upgrade to front disc brakes. Also had the AC repaired. I did all the work myself except for the AC repair.
Things got better with time and I could afford to buy an old S10 Blazer for a daily driver. So I decided to go ahead and paint/restore the rest of my beloved elky.
After getting quotes for paintwork and not being happy with the reponse I was getting($2500- $4500 and 4 to 6 months in the shop) I decided it was time for me to do my first paint job. It was the hardest thing I've ever tried but I did it! I replaced rusted floor panels and sheet metal, bought new chrome pieces, bumpers, etc.
I finished the paint job in the fall of 01. Then I really began to enjoy the fruits of my labor!!!! The fresh 350 and 700R4 tranny made it easy to begin going to shows, cruise in's and such. I took Ole Paint to the ACES club Chevellabration in 2002 and was surprised and honored to finish in the top three in my class! All that sanding and priming and sweating has paid off ! I have since gone on to pick up trophies and honors that have all made me proud! But more importantly I've had the pleasure of developing new friendships and continuing others.
My lastest upgrade has been my goal since I first decided to buy the elky with all the rust, dents, dings, and OLD PAINT. I built a warmed up 454, added a Bowtie Overdrives Stage three tranny and installed them in the early spring of this year!!!
I'd rather walk around with a Chevrolet hubcap in my hand than drive a Ford
Life is good!
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