The redo got underway with a visit to Complete Auto Upholstery in Altamonte Springs, where the interior was taken out in preparation for doing the paint and body work. It was then taken to Master Blaster in Orlando, where the old paint is in the process of being stripped. So far the front fenders and hood have been done, and we were pleasantly surprised at how little rust and Bondo was underneath. Not being the one who initially built the car, those factors are always unknowns to some extent, but since there wasn’t much rust bubble issues, and none of the bodywork was severely cracking out, we were of course hoping for the best. Next up Master Blaster will strip the rest of the body, and we can get into doing the repair and body work as needed.

When finished the car will get a new base coat / clear coat paint job by Master Blaster using quality Sikkens paint products. It will have basically the same appearance as before....but with a new quality finish using the best modern products available. We’re still unsure who will perform the sign work, but obviously it will once again run the Mike Kelly’s Cruise News logo. When it comes time for interior work a new set of bucket seats will be used (from a Pontiac Bonneville, possibly), and Howard Krusey at Complete Auto Upholstery in Altamonte Springs will do the new upholstery...including a newly designed console unit. The car never had A/C, so that will also be added along the way, and while we’re making things right, Don Marcone of Fourth Gear in Apopka will totally rebuild the 700R4 overdrive automatic. Stay tuned in the months to come for updates as the project progresses. CN