Along came a spider......finally some progress.

[SoFlaFiat]

Had to google!!
Denise, that looks like a load of fun and a great cause! I'll have to put that on my bucket list of things to do with my car when it's done!!

[NCArachnid]

Busy day today picking up the car from the paint shop.

Overall very happy with the result. Check out this RED '72!







Hood....


Deck lid....


Doors...


Little bits....


Found only two small "waves", but that is on me. The paint shop will have to de-nib in about a month and give it a final polish.

Now on to cleaning more parts and...... reassembly.

I need to have a door hanging party at my place to get those things on right without scratching the fenders...

More later...

[RRoller123]

Nice!!

[Holshot]

Looks great! Can't wait to see her all together... If I lived closer I would have gladly given you a hand hanging the doors

[Daniel]

2 thumbs up I hope you have it together soon!

[mdrburchette]

Looks great! Hanging those doors are going to be a pure joy.

[narfire]

Red, what a great colour choice
Regarding the doors, yes two minimum really helps but if the paint will take it without issues, use that green painters tape on the leading edge of the door and along the edge of the fender if you can. After seeing that tip, I reduced any possibility of scratches or chipping when I last had to hang a door.
Looking good
Chris

[NCArachnid]

Thanks for the advice (and condolences) on the door hanging. I'm going to give it a few more weeks for the paint to cure and then tape it up good with the low adhesive painters tape. I'll try to get 2 or 3 buddies over too. I think I read a post on here about hanging doors. I'll have to hunt that down.

I have a question about side marker lights. Seems like every piece that attaches to the body has a rubber (or plastic) gasket except for the side marker lights. I was thinking of using a little clear silicone caulk to seal (and cushion) the plastic chrome bezel to the body. Any advice?

[mdrburchette]

There is no gasket for the side markers. Frankly, I haven't seen a need for anything on my 72. Just make sure you don't tighten the bracket down too tightly or it will distort the fender metal.

[cos]

Very nice finish on the paint-work!

[70spider]

Awesome color and real nice looking engine bay.
Just off hand how much does a paint job like that cost?

[81SPIDERMATT]

I have a question about side marker lights. Seems like every piece that attaches to the body has a rubber (or plastic) gasket except for the side marker lights. I was thinking of using a little clear silicone caulk to seal (and cushion) the plastic chrome bezel to the body. Any advice?

I made some out of an old bike tire tube... just for cushion ... cant see it .. but it did make me "feel" better

[NCArachnid]

Yes, I'm probably making too much of the side-markers not having a gasket. I like the idea of making one from tire tubes. I'll experiment. Theoretically, moisture could get into the trunk through the rear side lights.

The color I settled on is a VW color, Tornado Red. I rented a Jetta for a week on vacation and the color really grew on me.

I debated doing my own paint work; see my post "Paint Shop Ripoff???" After learning that materials alone would run $1200 to $1500, I decided to leave it to the pros. After dis-assembly, rough body work and then finish body work (up to final sand and seal), I loaded the car up on a trailer and took it around to 3 or 4 shops that I had researched out. I asked them to quote me a price for final sand, seal coat, and base coat/ clear coat in red. I got 2 quotes for $3500 and one for $3000 but he wanted to do a per hours worked arrangement (I left quickly). They all three use Sikkens paint.

I decided to go with the guy that I was most comfortable with (I didn't feel like he was trying to take me for a ride). Incidentally, he was also able to get the car right in and done in two weeks.

I tried to talk them into assembling the car (doors, hood and trunk) prior to painting but they gave an excuse that they were saving me tape lines in the jamb to leave it apart. They just didn't want to mess with hanging the doors.

Just as well. Even though it will be a real pain, I will know it is done right.

[mdrburchette]

It's a lot cleaner job when they do it piece by piece. Ron painted mine in pieces then reassembled it. Even the windshield was taken off. Now, talking about a bitch to get lined up properly! That was truly a pain in the rear. The trunk lid is going to be a bit of a challenge too.

[NCArachnid]

Got some time this holiday weekend to work on the Spider.

Thought I would start with reassembling a panel that I could manage by myself....ha ha.



Then completed the dirty job of scuffing up the wheel wells and re-coating them with rubberized undercoating...




Then with the undercoating done, the front lights go in...




Very happy with the improved brightness of the new Cibie headlights!

Next step, grille and surround. Then on to the trunk.

More to come....