Reassembly

Body trim holes
Time to add the many pieces of stainless on top of the cured paint. There are almost 50 pieces of stainless on the Wagon, plus the chrome! All those holes down the side hold clips for the trim. But first, we untaped the window glass that had been taped off for spraying paint.
Tailgate
We started at the back on the tailgate. First we had to install the tailgate, then the tail gate handle, emblem, and Vee, while ensuring that the latch worked properly before installing the interior tailgate linoleum and handle. We also installed the hatch window glass and interior trim. Finally, the taillights were installed. Our newest family member, Roo the beagle-mix, helped us that day.
Trim clips
Then the clips for the trim were installed down both sides. For future reference, these are all on upside down. We had to take them off and flip them over after doing the passenger side wrong.
Trim in place
The completed driver side window trim.
Trim in place
And the completed passenger side window trim. We still have to do the lower trim.
Trim in place
Then the tailgate trim.
Trim in place
The lower trim has screws that hold it in place, most of which are accessible. There are two on each front fender that are not. The passenger side is only accessible via a small open area in the engine bay beside the battery. Only a long, skinny arm will reach. The driver side is in that same location, but there is no battery in the way.
Trim in place
The completed lower passenger side trim.
Trim in place
And the completed driver side trim. I also installed the fender bird here as the passenger fender had the cover and the tools.
Wagon trimmed out
Time to swap garage bays with the Chevelle as we prep it to go home. The Wagon will move to the back garage for a few days. Betsy watches from her perch up high as her sister comes rapidly back to life.
Wagon moving
She's running and moving again, under her own power!
Windshield install
Time to rope pull the windshield and upper windshield stainless into place. We've done this a few times now.
First cruise
We had a chance to get to a local cruise-in in early April '22, so we quickly installed the rest of the front-end chrome, the rear bumper, the rest of the windshield stainless and the passenger fender bird. First stop though was gas. The Olds went with us. And of course while we were there, it started sprinkling in that whopping 18% chance the forecasters called for. No wipers and not yet tested for leaks - we went home. But she will do 85 MPH easily and she will leave twin black marks on takeoff.

 

Home
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Engine and Chassis
Early Mods
Dismantling
Tear Down
Dogleg Rust Repair
Frame
Body Work
Body Work
Painting
Painting
Reassembly
Reassembly
Before and After
Before and After