Truth be told ......... I have neglected this Blog.  For anyone who may be watching, I apologize - but you can lose track of MONTHS working on an E Type : )

     Since my last post, quite a bit has happened.  I have continued my body work, including an exorbitant amount of filler and sand paper.  The E got a new water pump a while back and now runs for more than 10 minutes before over heating!  It seems the success was short lived though, not long after when I was able to drive it for longer stretches my alternator froze up.  No doubt fried bearings, but I decided to preform the AC Delco Single wire 60A conversion while I was here.

     The Series 2 takes a little more prep than the Series 1 but the transition wasn't bad.  It entailed slicing a square out of the forward corner of the original bracket and running a bead across the pipe for strength.  I purchased a universal alternator arm and modified it to fit the new alternator position. Richard and Stewart assisted my wiring bypass of the factory regulator as the Delco has one built in.  All that I have left is purchasing a slightly longer belt to accommodate the new position.  

While getting after the alternator, we began talking about body work.  It came to light that the idea of having the car in color by the wedding was not going to happen unless the job was rushed and messed up.  Not something I want.  So, I will be shooting it with a blue primer this upcoming Sunday in order to have a consistent color on it for the wedding.  That'll do. 

The Nose was finally starting to come around.  There was a lot of work on this front corner, still not right in this picture - but a lot better than it was.

     I have been counting Months, days, hours and minutes with grand dreams of having it in color by the wedding (May 19th).  Alas, I have made up my mind.  We will drive it in primer until after the wedding, at which point i will be having it blasted down to metal and primed back.  This will oliviate all of those small meticulous areas I have been having such trouble with - but will also reverse everything I have done for the past months . . . . . .  Tough pill to swallow, but I feel it is for the best.


     I picked up a nice rotary buffer from Harbor Freight for a low low price of $35 and it has proven miracles on the chrome that I thought was rough beyond repair.  For now, it is time to drive it and enjoy it.  Interior, still very rough - but my right foot could care less....

Till next time.

In my absensce . . . .

Since I began this, I have been adamant on doing as much as possible with my own two hands.  Although, Mike and Richard have bailed me out more than a few times in areas that I needed help!!!  My desires to complete body and paint myself have been with me for some time.  It was time to make preparations for this task.  The wedding is a mere 4 months away almost to the day!!  I have colors etc chosen and ready to purchase.  I have been stocking up on sanding disks, DA sanders, dura blocks, guns etc...  Not a short shopping list by any means.  The factory light blue is now visible and the dark blue layed on top comes off in the most peculiar way - it chips away almost like plaster.  My photography partner and I began this build around 3pm Sat and were finished by 7:30 or so.  I still have to install the filters and fans to provide ventilation, but its not far from done.  Immediately, this will make for a nice place to do my heavy sanding without filling the house with dust every time the door is opened.  I think my neighbors will mind less too!!  I got the pvc and plastic booth idea from www.Mckennasgarage.com where he documents a '63 build of a gorgeous opalescent dark blue FHC.  I spent a whopping $89 on materials!!  My partner and I documented every step, I may throw that in on the next post if anyone seems interested.  I will be hanging some long florescent tubes on the sides and front and back of the booth to make for more lighting on the interior.  This is a run to the finish, although the current, raggy pair of jeans look is kinda growing on me!  I will make as much progress as possible to have it looking good when my new bride and I pull away from the venue.  Hopefully I can get my headlights sorted out by then!!

   This is the current state of the body.  Chrome etc on the front end will be coming off by this weekend to make room for some heavy sanding and hammer n dolly / filler work.

 Here is the rear of the booth with the entrance door sealed.  I took advantage of every available inch while leaving me a path to get around the side.

I love this picture.  The light is hitting her hips just right.  One of my favorite angles of this car.  Up front you can see that my main bench is still exposed.  I made the front end of the booth modular so I can fold up the top half and still access my main tools while inside the booth.  Before spraying, I will be able to drop the door and seal it up.