73 Monaco wagon

[MonacoBlue]

Photo of passenger side, before disassembly.

 

[MonacoBlue]

A note on the washers. On the passenger side when I went to remove that headlight cover there was only one washer on the stud, and it was made of plastic. Go figure.

 

[65sporty]

Stuck it on to see the “effect”. I’m pleased.

View attachment 288614

You got to get the visual to keep the motivation. Great work restoring those

Took the wheel/fender arch trim off tonight. I was afraid I was going to have use a Dremel tool to remove some screws, before I got started. Much to my relief, they all came off using just a screwdriver. Whew!

I totally understand, I installed a new to me bed on my truck and had to remove the wheel well moldings (my truck has factory flares) only 3 screws came out the rest got ground off. I was going to drill them, but do you think I could find a sharp drill bit when I needed one

 

[MonacoBlue]

You got to get the visual to keep the motivation. Great work restoring those

I totally understand, I installed a new to me bed on my truck and had to remove the wheel well moldings (my truck has factory flares) only 3 screws came out the rest got ground off. I was going to drill them, but do you think I could find a sharp drill bit when I needed one

 

[MonacoBlue]

I think the “easy out” tool might be an option for getting broken bolts/screws out. I don’t think I’ve ever used one but I have heard they work well. Broken fasteners are a pain in the neck.

Thanks for the encouraging words!

 

[MonacoBlue]

Stripping things down. Took the plastic grille out carefully before pulling the bumper since it is pure unobtainium.

 

[MonacoBlue]

Lower running board trim screws did not want to come out. One of them broke a head on me. I used an impact tool and got the others out. Good invention, that. Worked as advertised. Some light surface rust but that will get addressed before painting.

 

[MonacoBlue]

Got some shiny stuff back from Metal Brite.

 

[MonacoBlue]

Got some shiny stuff back from Metal Brite.

View attachment 289786

Thanks, Zymurgy, for recommending them. I am happy with the results. It took about three months.

 

[MonacoBlue]

And so. I am in that place which I believe Dr. Suess referred to as the Waiting Place...

Meanwhile...I’ll clean the washer bottle...

 

[MonacoBlue]

Car is. Finally. Getting body work and paint.

Now more waiting.

 

[Zymurgy]

Thanks, Zymurgy, for recommending them. I am happy with the results. It took about three months.

Missed your post from earlier, It took about 3 months on my stuff too. Great to hear your car is going to paint and your bling bling stuff will be ready to go back on.

Glad you were happy with the results, I have a few more items I might do this winter.

 

[MonacoBlue]

Missed your post from earlier, It took about 3 months on my stuff too. Great to hear your car is going to paint and your bling bling stuff will be ready to go back on.

Glad you were happy with the results, I have a few more items I might do this winter.

Yes Metal Brite did a good job. I may send them more ‘trinkets’. Tail gate handle, others. Plating is not cheap but good to know there are ethical outfits still around. Thanks again for the recommendation.

 

[Zymurgy]

Yes Metal Brite did a good job. I may send them more ‘trinkets’. Tail gate handle, others. Plating is not cheap but good to know there are ethical outfits still around. Thanks again for the recommendation.

No it is not cheap. The bumpers feel like a deal compared to the pot metal stuff. Do the tailgate handle, I did my door handles and it is one of the most satisfying pieces I have done.

You mentioned ethics, I got scammed by a guy that offered it for half. He had a fake website even on Angie's list. Fortunately I got smart before I met him in a parking lot to drop off my stuff (red flag number 12)

 

[MonacoBlue]

Man that is crazy. Literally. I think someone would have to be imbalanced to commit that kind of fraud. If people would put their deceptive energies to a positive use they could change the world. Yikes.

I will have to price out the handle. Who knows, maybe I’ll do the bumpers. They are really pretty decent now but once I get the paint I may feel a need to do that too.

No it is not cheap. The bumpers feel like a deal compared to the pot metal stuff. Do the tailgate handle, I did my door handles and it is one of the most satisfying pieces I have done.

You mentioned ethics, I got scammed by a guy that offered it for half. He had a fake website even on Angie's list. Fortunately I got smart before I met him in a parking lot to drop off my stuff (red flag number 12)

 

[MonacoBlue]

Got it blasted today. Next stop the body shop.

 

[Zymurgy]

Don't hesitate to at least get an estimate on the bumper. Shipping may not be great, I am fortunate enough to be only around 40 miles away. 6 years ago I think my rear bumper was $550. I had a dent and surface rust on mine. The dent disappeared can't see where it was at all.

 

[MonacoBlue]

Don't hesitate to at least get an estimate on the bumper. Shipping may not be great, I am fortunate enough to be only around 40 miles away. 6 years ago I think my rear bumper was $550. I had a dent and surface rust on mine. The dent disappeared can't see where it was at all.

I’ll keep that in mind. The pitting on the handle is my next concern.

 

[MonacoBlue]

More pics

 

[MonacoBlue]

Fixing old scrapes.