Several weeks ago I finally got off my ass and started working on Betty again.
Almost all of this is cosmetic stuff, other than installing a few marker lights etc. Sanded down the roof, patched up all the cracks with fiberglass, and sanded it smooth. Pulled the front windshields and rear corner windows due to the gaskets being so old they were starting to disintegrate. Decided to paint it while the windows were out. Couple good coats of primer, 3 coats of white paint, and hand-painted the blue accents and stripes.
Then I had to install the aluminum trim strips that run along the gap between the roof and the sides, install the marker lights etc, and repainted the emblems and grab handles and a lot of those little things before re-installing them.
Re-installing the windshields was a massive task. It took hours to do each one. Manufacturing specs back in 1969 weren't exactly laser-accurate when it comes to making a curved windshield match a curved fiberglass opening perfectly. Massaging these irreplaceable windshields back into place took just about every ounce of my superpowers. Finally though everything was back in place.
The cushions in the back looked pretty good after we washed the covers, which caused them to shrink a bit and get rid of the loose fabric look. Still, we got some fitted covers for them that pop off easily and we can just throw them in the machine rather than having to take the stuffing out of the actual cushion.
Last night, after owning this thing for I don't even know how many years now, I spent my first night inside. It was raining and in the 40s out, but it was nice and toasty warm and dry inside. I slept like a baby and woke up to a great sunrise coming in the back window. She still needs a few things such as the headlights installed, fixing the wiring to one of the tail lights, etc but she'll be ready to actually take out on the road here shortly.
