Bodywork on the qtr is pretty much complete! 1 coat glass, 2 passes with plastic, and I will do a thin coat of poly. Came out pretty nice with little effort on plastic work. Warppage was minimal thankfully. Now I'll do the bottom of the spare well, a little on the inside wheel houses, and inside where the spare is stored. I want this to be as undetectable as possible! Here are the latest pics....

 

Couldn't fit this one....

 

Nice work. What is the tape used for? Body line?

 

Yes...used as a guide and a visual. Lets me know where not to spread plastic!

 

Finally! Right qtr is primed and it looks pretty flawless if I do say so myself! This was the most difficult panel on the car with all the welding etc, the other should take half as long! All that's left to do here is some light bodywork on the inside spare tire area so as to make it look "unrepaired", and to strip the wheel well, and do some light bodywork in there. I won't be touching this car again until after the Nats as I'm getting my Vista ready for the long drive....see ya'll there!

 

More pics!

 

Very nice work! Can you do my wagon next?

Just kidding. I'm looking forward to doing the work myself.

 

It's been about 3 weeks since I last touched this car so time to get moving again. My bro cleaned up the inside of the qtr where the spare goes. Now I just need to do some bodywork to clean it up........

Also started on the left qtr! Trimmed out the patches from the used sections I got. Separated the inner and outer, and now will wire wheel pieces then blast in cabinet. Then the fun begins AGAIN! Of course, before I dig in I will remove the gas tank for safety!

 

Makes me miss my 71 VC

Looks like it's gonna be really nice

 

No new work in a month?

 

Looking good Erik !

 

Nice to see everyone again! I see there are quite a few projects going on here now since I last reported and it's good to see everyone is excited about their oldsmobiles! Some really cool builds going on here, and even some other "Vistas" in the family!
Well, I took the summer off pretty much and am now ready to start making the push towards Sturbridge!
I finally finished up the inside of the spare tire well and cut out the storage compartment tub. Found a high quality replacement through OPGI. I also started mapping out my cuts on the left qtr panel! I removed the gas tank and rigged up a gas can to move the car around! Here is where I'm at!

 

Hey Erik, done goofing off now?

I see you found a gas tank.

That spare tire well looks factory.
Mine is factory and it doesn't look that factory.

I have to find good jack storage and jack usage instructions for the inside of the quarter when I have absolutely nothing better to do.

 

Allan, it will look a little better after I goop on the seam seal in the proper areas back to factory sloppiness and paint it the @#$% brown as factory! Trying to build a deck on the back of the house before the snow flies! Leaves my no time for the toys....why isn't your Vista blue already? I thought you kind of had some finances worked out on that?!!!

 

I forgot about the seam sealer, I get that stuff on everything but the car.
Is @#$% the correct name for the interior brown?

I have all the cash for the paint, woodgrain, everything to finish it.

The painter/shop checks out, the price is really good, local business leader, does nice paint jobs, ready to go when I am.
I just have to check one more guy out.

The car goes in when I want but no rush, he only does one at a time and I think he has a deck to finish right now.

 

Finally some progress. You had me hanging there...
Can't wait to see more pics.

 

You'll have to get'er done or Jamsbo be on you like stink on S&%t, he's working on his vista, now has the engine out and is starting to clean up the engine bay. He used your repair method on his washer bottle.

 

It's looking great Erik, I'm starting to feel like a slacker as I've slowed to a snails pace on my never ending project this summer keep up the good work

 

Wow, I've been busy and didn't catch that Jamesbo did that yet, thanks for the heads up.
I really have to get a move on now, of anybody I wouldn't want to have him on my back.

It's weird that I coudn't wait to paint it and now that I can I'm ******* it out?
The thrill of the hunt is over I guess.

I'm humbled by the fact that Jamesbo used my suggested repair technique.
I am not worthy!

 

Thanks Eric!

 

Just read throught this post and you are getting it done and looks good. I am just begining my journey on my 70 vista Cruiser. Keep up the good work.

 

I can't wait to see your pics! Where in NY are you?

 

I am in western N.Y. Rochester. I am just starting to take the car apart so the early pictures are boring but will post as I go.

 

Got the heat working again....been cold here in the Northeast! First day really working on the car since the summer! Now I'm in for the duration until this thing is finished! Or at least roadworthy...I'm setting a goal again of getting this car to the Nationals in Sturbridge! I hope I don't disappoint again.......

Started working on the left qtr today! Very rotten Trimmed off bad stuff and after some fitting , trimming , more fitting and trimming, this is what I came up with today...

 

Thank the Lord for factory original replacement panels(and thank you Eric "jensenracing" Jensen for the help!

 

Of course the replacement panels are much better than the swiss cheese that came on the car, but also needed some work to be perfect! Here I cut some rot out and made a patch, then welded up all the holes that I made when drilling out the factory spotwelds. Next will be permanently welding in this inner wheel well lip!

 

You've got some good sheet metal skills Erik! Something I need to learn, one of these days. My wagon doesn't have as much rust as your brothers, but it's in some of the same places. So I'll surely use your photos to plan out the work.

 

Looking good Erik!! I finally got back on my project after a couple of weeks off.

 

Looking good Bro !!!!
Did a little patching myself last night..very time consuming

 

i was wondering how things were going. glad to see more progress. i won't get to go to the nationals this year to see it.

 

Thanks Steve...good to see you back too! Theway the weather has been down here, I wasn't sure if I was still in Rottenchester or not!

 

Thanks Matt...Bellmore here we come!

 

Wow, the history of this car is a real tear-jerker! Its Lookin real good, hope to see you at bellmore

 

I'd love to see this car at Sturbridge, but I doubt that'll happen the way things seem to be going...
Glad to see it coming along nicely though!
I've been waiting for these updates...

 

I'd love to see the car there too! I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Hopefully, being you're in Jersey, we can meet someday! Maybe organize a Tri-State area cruise or something with the people on this site!

 

WOW Erik,
I just went through this whole thread from page 1.
I can't believe the amount and top quality of work you are doing on this Vista.
The guy I'm working with is good,but I wish I had someone like you to make it perfect.
Can't wait to see it in person !

 

I truly believe that I have learned so much from this thread. Thanks for all the detailed information with photos to match. I love my 1970 vista, This one is gooing to be unbelievable!

Keep up the good work! Oh and keep us up to date!

 

I like that idea... Unfortunately easier said than done... Ever run a carshow? No one will ever be happy.
Maybe we can just have a big olds meet in a currently set up show. All just meet there to get together. Anyway, hopefully this works out.

Btw, where on LI are you? I'm about 5 minutes from the outer bridge to staten island.

 

Patchogue...right in the middle!

 

You're making me blush Matt...but thank you for the praise!