Project "My Happy Mess"

[knomadd]

nice job on the trim. And that's a nice Olds. Is that a '56 Eighty Eight?

[litew8]

Thanks!

Intimidating to drill holes - it only took us 15 minutes of staring at it before getting the nerve to actually do it Especially the tail light bezels. The upper tailgate and above handle trim are the only ones left to install. We got the cab divider trim on the other day too (no pics currently) - you can barely see it in the first pic above. Tail light bezels are NOS I picked up a long while back. Cab divider, windshield and rear window trim are originals. All the other trim is Mar-K U.S.A. made. @knomadd, yep a 57' Olds 88 convertible. My brother repaired some seals in the transmission and fixed some electrical issues. Her name is 'Patty' and she's gone.

[swamp rat]

That would have been nerve wracking for sure.

I hear you can use #0000 steel wool with Coke, Or #0000 and CLR, might be a Youtube vid available.

[litew8]

Thanks man I've got some S.O.S. soap pads and some CLR stainless steel cleaner. Maybe I should see about getting the CLR rust removal stuff.

[litew8]

Learned CLR isn't recommended for use on Aluminum.
In other news, test drove this car (6.1) the other week ;


And then this one today

[swamp rat]

I thought the mirrors were chrome. ..

[litew8]

Ugh, it was a long day. You're right swamp rat. "•CLR Calcium Lime & Rust Remover Blasts Calcium Deposits From Glassware, Tile, Tea And Coffee Pots. Dissolves Lime Scale From Coffee Pots, Humidifiers, Tubs, Toilets And Sinks. This calcium/lime remover also zaps Rust Stains From Stucco, Brick, Porcelain, Chrome And Metal."

[swamp rat]

Heads up, i haven't used it myself so try it sparingly at first i guess.

[litew8]

I ended up buying a spray foam, Bar Keepers Friend since 1882 (made in USA) as it said removes rust stains and lists chrome. I'll give it a try and if it and the steel wool doesn't work I'll run out and get the clr - or try the stainless steel cleaner one I have. I also have NevrDull somewhere around here I can try too. I need to find the time and enthusiasm to get this done

[jlaird]

Your "happy mess" has sure been cleaned up nicely. Lol. Looks great!

[litew8]

Thank you!

[Dieselwrencher]

Looking great sir! It's a shame no one makes a quality reproduction stock appearing mirror for these trucks.

[litew8]

Thanks man I didn't even care to look for aftermarket. If it ain't broke...

[litew8]

Huge update: Got the tailgate handle painted and installed.

[litew8]

The previous picture of what we'll be using to attach the mirrors isn't the best.
Here's a different picture for better clarity. Blind rivet nuts:

[mattfranklin]

The truck is looking gr8!

[litew8]

Thanks man! Almost 300 miles showing on the odo

[litew8]

Not many more nice days left. Washed the truck and will wax it tomorrow for winter storage.
Didn't see any 3M products so I picked this up instead.

[BigDaddyV]

Very nice bud, That Truck looks sharp!

[litew8]

Thanks Vess! The wax hides/conceals the fine swirls of buffing, and helps protect against environment. Unfortunately, I didn't get the whole truck waxed. Just the med. bronze above (hood + both sides). Ran out of time the other day. You get full appreciation of just how much area there is on these trucks when washing/waxing them.

[litew8]

300+ miles so far. Took it to the larger parks in the area when I could. Still getting plenty of head turns, thumbs up and nice truck compliments. Definitely not used to that This week might warm up enough for some more driving. Should be getting the tailgate trim and side mirrors/badges all installed before winter hits.

[BigDaddyV]

Awesome Pics bud!!! We all love Pictures!!!! More the better!

[oldman3]

X2...Jim

[Molberg]

Truck looks killer brother! The work paid off. My compliments to you and your brother. TOTM right there

[Mr Chevorlet]

Very nice, I love the color too! Thanks for the pictures also.