L89 project begins and blackout paint ?

[Mike R.]

I started the deconstruction of the red/red 69 Convertible L89 automatic car. What a mess! I have used most of a bottle of mouse milk on rusty fasteners and removed several pounds of dirt. One trip to the dump with carpet and seat covers. Several thousand dollars of parts have been ordered. I owned a 69 big block in the 80s so work is going fast.

The trailing arms have been rebuilt and completely painted with black paint. When I say completely, I mean everything...brake backing plate, rotors ect. I assume that this is wrong but I wanted to ask what the blackout painting proceedure was at the factory. Did they black out with everything assembled?

Also, new A-arm bushings were installed without painting the A-arms. How hard is it going to be to remove the bushings without destroying them? I've never heard of anyone trying to remove *new* bushings!

Lastly, does anyone know of a similiar car in the Spokane, N Idaho area? It would be benificial to see an assembled car for finishes, plating ect.


Thanks

Mike

[Don W.]

Re: L89 project begins and blackout paint ?

You can also purchase the 69 corvette book which has a lot of info.
1969 Stingray Guidebook by Rick Bizzoco

http://www-rohan.sdsu.edu/faculty/bizzoco/vette.html

Don

[Alan S.]

Re: L89 project begins and blackout paint ?

Hi Don,
It sounds like you have an interesting project in front of you.
I noticed you said the "seat covers and carpets went to the dump". I'd encourage you to keep EVERYTHING if there's the slightest chance its the original part for reference later in the restoration. Perhaps nice dates are hidden on those seat covers.
I'm now looking at the original carpets from my 71 that came out of the car 10 years ago for installation clues.
I believe John H. has posted that the blackout in the engine compartment, wiper well, and wheel wells, was done after the body was painted, (hood in place) but before it met the chassis and running gear.
Regards,
Alan

Three mid December dates on the covers and this one early January date on a mid-January built 71. Interesting.

[Mike R.]

Re: L89 project begins and blackout paint ?

I have the book which is quite comprehensive but many of the photos are not clear enough to see what I need to see.

Mike

You can also purchase the 69 corvette book which has a lot of info.
1969 Stingray Guidebook by Rick Bizzoco

http://www-rohan.sdsu.edu/faculty/bizzoco/vette.html

Don