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Tackling more of the body work today on the Clipper. Both rear sections of the quarter panels had a lot of damage along the lower edge. Both panel were dented, and push inwards. So under the car with a hammer, dolly, and pair of channel locks and I was able to get everything pulled back into place. I also mounted the fender skirts back on the car to make sure everything was lining up correctly since both dog legs and rear wheel corners were replaced. Everything is looking pretty good. I more small areas of rust to cut out and replace. The is a spot of the lower edge of the rear quarter where a vertical brace creates a pocket and allows mud to collect. This caused the panels to rust through in that area. About a 2" x 6" area is affected, so I will need to cut that section out and weld in a replacement patch.

Also I sanded down the bumper filler panels that I skim coated to fill all the rust pits that were in them. I missed a couple of pits, so one more thin coat to get those ones.

I think for now I am going to bag up the '56 Ultra to keep it from getting any dirtier, as the body work is sending copious amounts of dust over everything in the garage.

Ross,

I'm definitely interested in "Packard Camp". I've just been laid off from work so kinda have lots of time on my hands. I'll PM you about some things.

Big Kev,
Been reading your blog with great interest since Owen introduced me to this site about a month ago. Your work is first class and not only inspirational, but instructional. You encourage me to try some things I would not have had the confidence to try without your blog. One question though, if you're making the body panel repairs with an electric welder, why do you need the gas?

Thanks for the kinds word. I appreciate it.

In regards to the question about the gas, it's shielding gas for the MIG welder. Helps to keep the impurities out of the weld. The difference is night and day welding with and without at. I usually know the second the bottle runs dry as all of a sudden the weld bead looks like crap and it starts to spatter really badly.

Finally back in the garage today. Cleaned a lot of the mess and saw dust from working on the Arcade cabinet, and then actually did a little work with the car.

I hooked the battery back up and let the car engine run for about 20mins. While it was running I decided to do some work on that mirror.

I broke out the old mirror glass to see what was going behind the scenes so to speak. Used some simple green to clean the muck of the head interior, and some PB Blaster on the inside and outside of the pivot and worked it free as it was pretty crusty.

Then used a pick hammer to work out the noticeable ding on the head. Now all the is left is a little polishing and fitting the new mirror.

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More rust found in the passenger rear quarter and lower doors. I have a plan of attack for all of it though.

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I've been looking for this part for nearly 4/5 years. Look what was sitting at my office waiting for me when I got back from Salado.

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Congratulations.

What's the saying -- Good things come to he who waits --

Be sure to take lots of detailed photos when you install it.

Didn't you see the note on the package....do not open 'till Christmas?

I must have missed that note, as there wasn't much packaging on the item! But pass along my thanks to your keepers.