Thank you to Cooper Tires
By tbuja | November 18, 2008
We have a new corporate sponsor on board. Give a fine warm welcome to 
who will be supplying us with 5 brand new Cooper CS4 Touring Radials in size 195/70-R14.
We can’t thank you enough for your generous contribution!
Topics: Parts Sponsors | No Comments »
Boot and Bonnet, Doors and Schutz
By tbuja | November 17, 2008
November 16 update from Joe Pawlak:
We had a good day Sunday and saw a significant change in the look of the car. Within a 5 hour period it actually looks like a Stag again. We put the tub back on the rotisserie and finished the last of the seam seal on the under carriage. We then applied the “Body Schutz” undercoating and saw a nice even color instead of the hodge podge of colors from multiple primers and assorted oversprays during the last month.
We let the coating cure a bit and then put the car back on the cart. The nervous task of attaching the doors, boot and bonnet commenced. We only managed to chip the paint in one small spot, but can be easily repaired. No biggie as we haven’t started the final block down and buffing yet. With all the doors and stuff on, this will go quickly without worrying about knocking them off the saw horses. I still need to put the last coats of paint on the underside of the boot and bonnet. This can be done with no problem as we just need to mask around the tub. Did notice a couple of spots that will need some paint touch up but will do that when I hit the remaining panel sections. Some people may comment that the underside of sills do not have paint. These get a spray of stone guard and then a final coat. For the most part the actual painting is done.
Next on the list: Suspension!
Topics: General News | No Comments »
Final Blocking and Finish Paint
By tbuja | November 12, 2008
Comments by Joe Pawlak:
The final blocking and finish paint were applied on the weekend of November 8 and 9. Saturday brought out many ISOA folks to help do the blockout of the initial paint coats. Seven of the nine members had never done anything like that before so it was a true training session. For many their first time resulted in a pretty good job. Only a few minor areas needed some touchup but overall the results were superb. This showing of support for the project saved 2 weekends of work in getting the paint finish prepped for the final flow coats. The blocking revealed no significant panel defects and minor imperfections were simply blocked away.
Sunday we did the “money” coat or the final couple of flow coats. Outside temperature was hovering about 35F, and for me, this was the coldest I have ever painted with the outside ambient that low. With secondary electric heaters putting out their full compliment of resistive wattage and an electric meter spinning fast enough to cut lunch meat, we managed to bring the shop temp up to 70 degrees and maintain it during the final paint application. I am pleased with the results. The body tub flowed and looks absolutely perfect. Overall the car looks awesome.
So what is next?
I hope this coming Sunday we can put the tub back on the rotisserie and apply the last seam sealer tasks and apply the 3M Body Schutz undercoating. After we get the undercoat applied, we will remove the tub from the rotisserie and place back on the cart. With the hands available, we will carefully attach and align the doors and lids. It will almost look like a car again and we have successfully completed the most difficult phase of the restoration. We still have parts to get but we should be coming down to the last bits.
One phase almost done, four to go.
Phase 1: Body (almost done)
Phase 2: Suspension (currently scheduled for December 13/14)
Phase 3: Engine and driveline installation
Phase 4: Interior & Soft Top
Phase 5: Detail Schmetails
Topics: General News | No Comments »
Illinois Sports Owners Association
By tbuja | November 2, 2008
The Illinois Sports Owners Association, the Triumph car club for Chicago and Northern Illinois, has assumed the role of restoration manager for the TTA Stag. For more information on ISOA, visit the ISOA website at http://www.snic-braaapp.org/
Topics: Clubs Building the Cars | No Comments »
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