My Last Restoration

[azblackhemi]

Time to kick back and start taking life easy. I'm just starting on my last major restoration for a customer. After 43 years of doing this for a living my 58 year old body is saying "no mas" When this one is done I will be officially retired and will only do small jobs if I'm bored or need money for the wife's and my travel. This last one is a big one for sure. It's a 68 Hemi Super Bee. Unfortunately somebody made it into a race car in the 70's. They cut the crap out of it. They cut out the wheel tubs and put in home made aluminum ones. Of course they also cut out the wheel wells and oxy acetylene welded on a 69 quarter panel. All the bracing for the tubs and trunk hinges were also removed. The other major issue is returning the leaf springs back to the factory location. They had moved them inward with no regard for leaving the structural integrity of the frame rails. I got most of the carnage cut out so the next step is taking it to the sandblaster to get it all clean so I can start putting all the pieces back in it. Luckily we have a donor back half of a Road Runner to gat all the brackets and frame work that isn't available aftermarket. Here's the pictures.

 

[The Horvaths]

I guess you're doing a "back to stock" restoration? Does it have the original engine?
Congrats on your soon to be retirement!

 

[azblackhemi]

I guess you're doing a "back to stock" restoration? Does it have the original engine?
Congrats on your soon to be retirement!

Yes it's going back stock. the original Hemi is long gone but the owner has a date correct one to put in it.

 

[300rag]

Chris, it's good to see that you are going to take care of yourself and enjoy life, but I am sorry to see the end of your restoration threads. Best of luck finishing this and on your retirement.

 

[polara71]

So much for that 2018 appointment

 

[commando1]

I would give anything to be able the next year, or two, or whatever it takes, to document the whole event.

Btw, I knew that was coming and is a part of the reason Bittersweet is for sale.
I don't think my painter Raffi is ready yet to take it on.

 

[detmatt]

My favorite year for the B bodies. Is it known what the color combo was originally? Is there a fender tag?
That's a good place to be Chris, congrats!

 

[Stormer]

I love the 68's but really can't stand the marker lights. AKA, bass boat bolt-ons.

 

[commando1]

I love the 68's but really can't stand the marker lights. AKA, bass boat bolt-ons.

Dip them....

 

[Stormer]

Dip them....

Boom, problem solved.

 

[65sporty]

Please keep us updated on this project, looks very interesting

 

[azblackhemi]

Please keep us updated on this project, looks very interesting

I will do that.

 

[saforwardlook]

Glad to hear it Chris! Its time, and you have served your customers admirably, making many people very happy. Not its your turn. A very desirable vehicle to end with too. Bravo!

Steve

 

[1978 NYB]

What a great project to end with!

 

[LocuMob]

Going out with a bang, not a whimper! Congrats on ending on your terms. Don't be a stranger!

 

[1978 NYB]

Chris will be able to come to Carlisle every year now.....LOL!

 

[Fratzog]

Over the years I've always admired the accounts of your high quality restoration services. Your talent will be missed. Congratulations on your retirement.

 

[traintech55]

Good luck on your future retirement. It is such a hard fact when the mind still wants to, but the body doesn't.

 

[70bigblockdodge]

What is this retirement thing you mention?



Congrats, top 5 on my B body list.

 

[monaco75]

Good for you! Enjoy retirement! And enjoy this last build. As mentioned, love seeing your work on here. Did you post more on the charger you were doing a little while back? Was interested in seeing that one. Also would love to see this one finished up. ccasion14: