![]() Once adequately cured, the clear coat was progressively wet-sanded with 1,500-grit paper before being buffed out. A total of six coats of base and four clearcoats were expertly applied. The Firebird was then shot in the original hue of Palladium Silver using DuPont's ChromaBase basecoat and urethane clear. Roger painted the underside of the firewall with GM chassis black, and after restoring the chassis and installing the restored drivetrain, the car was transported back to Reflections Custom Refinishing. Once the bodywork was complete, the car was sent back to Roger's shop, where it was mounted on a rotisserie to do minor metal and bodywork on the floorpans, cowl, and trunk area to replicate the factory appearance. Additional metalwork ensued on the front fenders before the body was primed and blocked countless times to ensure the panels were laser straight. Next, Sheldon Medlin of Reflections Custom Refinishing in Monroe sandblasted the body and welded in reproduction quarterpanels and outer wheelhousings. Since parts were scarce for the '69 convertible, the Pontiac sat in Roger's garage almost six years before the body restoration began." "Thankfully, Roger agreed to restore the Firebird, while his father took on the task of rebuilding the engine. A subsequent inspection of the engine revealed metal in the oil pan, later confirmed to be a spun rod bearing. The Pontiac started right up, but within a few miles on the first test drive, the engine developed a knock and had to be limped home. "After an initial clean-up, the oil was changed, and a fresh battery was installed by Roger and his father, Albert. ![]() ![]() We liberated over five gallons of acorn shells from just the doors and quarterpanels. After striking a deal for $2,500, the Bird was towed to Roger's garage where the cleanup began. To our utter shock, the squirrels had decided to take up residence in the car, and both the convertible top and interior were completely ruined. "When Roger Belk, my brother-in-law, and I went over to the house, the convertible was parked under a large oak tree in the front yard.
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