Well, after working on the body of my 67 for over a year,(And everything else for the past 5 years) on and off, I finally shipped it off to the painter. I'm no bodyman so I know it isn't going to be perfect, but he says he's seen worse. I hope to have it back before the end of the week but in the meantime, I have a half-empty garage. I opened the door and felt a wave of loss come over me when I didn't see the car there. Even my wife said the garage looks lonely.

I think most of you have that Valvoline poster that says, 'Some people have shrinks, some people have their garage'. I have absolutely nothing to do in my garage right now and I miss that. I actually spent some time just cleaning the garage, (not that it didn't need it) but I miss her and I want her back home. I just don't like being without that entity to work on whenever I feel like it. I must be suffering from seperation anxiety. Ya think I need a real shrink?

Don't rush the painter, don't stop in and pester him every day. Some of my customers drop by way to often, taking time away from my work. Inspect the car very carefully indoors and out if possible when it is done. Most bodymen/painter will rush a job just to get it done if the owner customer is pressuring them, JMO

It always takes more time to paint a car then what was quoted it seems like. Now you've got to get ready for the new painted body. Assemble your bumpers and set aside. Clean the shop, clean your emblems, buff the stainless trim, organize.

Yeah, that's kinda what I've been doing. Got the bumpers cleaned and ready to go, all the trim set to go, garage is cleaned. It's not that I think it's gonna take too long, and I sure wouldn't bother the painter. He's a good friend that I've known for many years and I know how he works. I know the car's in good hands, it's just that it belongs in my garage, not in the shop.

that is why you need more than one. if you have two cars one can be in for work and you still have one to play with.

I know what you mean- and if the body shop says a week, plan on 3. If they say 6 months, plan on a year and a half.....

I build custom guitars, basses and amplifiers as a small, local side business, and to build one instrument from start to finish is about a 6-8 month process. During that time, you become really attached to them- you know every figure in the wood, every edge and radius that you created, and when one finally goes out the door, it really is an empty feeling when you walk into the shop and see an empty bench....

....but it all disappears as soon as the next project starts, so I guess the only solution for you is to get another Chevelle. graemlins/beers.gif