This page is dedicated to the paint and body work, as well as the tires and wheels.
Exterior Paint I wanted to go with a good paint job, you can't skimp on the paint. Originally I wanted a metal flake, but I decided that it would oxidize too quickly. I found a local custom paint shop, Coachworks, that will do a "3 step" paint job. First, the car is going to the sand blaster, R.W. Little. They will blast down to the metal inside and out and then epoxy primer EVERYTHING. Then it goes to the body/paint shop. I chose the 1996 GM passenger car medium cloisonné poly blue.
Detail Paint This color is directly related to the exterior color as to compliment it. I chose the 1996 GM passenger car dark cloisonné poly blue. The engine and all detail work will be done in this color.
Door Handles and Locks I plan to go with the 'shaved' look. I am removing the handles and exterior locks, and going with a key-less remote entry system from Auto Tech Security Systems. This includes power locks and doors. Essentially, each door system consists of a trunk release system. There is a solenoid in each door that literally pushes the door open.
Windows The vehicle is now registered in New Mexico, where all windows, except the windshield, can be tinted up to 22%. However, this is probably too dark, as I want people to be able to see in as well as out, so I will go with ~18%. I originally wanted to use Lexan for the door and side windows, but decided that was a waste of money for a daily driver. They are likely to get scratched too easily. It wasn't cheap, but I had the stainless steel trim polished at Pacific Plating.
Tires I chose BF Goodrich because of the sizes I am limited to. The rear is 295/50 R15 and the front is 255/60 R15. I am using the Radial T/A. Nothing special, but a good all-around tire.
Rims I went with the American Racing Torq-Thrust II wheels. The front are 15 x 7 and the rear are 15 x 10. I think these will give it a quality sleeper look. I wanted to go with 16", but the backspacing I needed did not allow for this.
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 Left rear view |
 Right front view |
 Rear view |
 Going to the sandblasting shop |
 Freshly sand blasted and epoxy primered at body shop |
 New right front view |
 This is after the weather-stripping and the door glass were installed |
 Car show at Viejas Casino |
 Car show at Viejas Casino |
31 Aug 2006
