Paul Masson's 71 Grabber

So I got to blasting most of the parts. I can most likely cut out the bottom piece of the blend door frame and weld a piece it's place. The pieces all function again (doors are no longer seized), and don't look as bad as I had originally expected.

Everett, these are for you!

 

Paul.... maybe you want to replace some heater parts??

 

This is most likely what I'll end up doing. I have some people checking for me already. Lots of support around here. Thanks!

 

I have the parts in a 73 Maverick but it would take me a week or so to get the parts off.

 

Yes, looking at those parts in bare metal - I know I was lucky. I didn't take any pic b4 I broke my box down, only after I had finished and had it all of it laying out on the bench.
None of my parts had any holes. I agree w/ Moe, probably best to try to find some in better condx. I can see w/ all the great work done on the project - when this part of the project is finished - it will be like what's been done so far ---- Excellent Work...

 

Thanks Everett! I agree replacement is the best option here. I have had some great people step forward and are currently looking for these parts in their stashes. It wouldn't make sense to have come this far and start throwing things together... as tempting as it is!

I appreciate all the support!

 

Thanks to local MMB member, goldnrod, I was able to obtain a blend door in MUCH better shape than my original. I finally got to media blast some more parts.

 

You are going over and above anything I have done to either car. You keep doing what youre doing and you will have a car long after mine have rotted away. I can only aspire to do that level of restoration one day. Keep up the great work my friend.

 

Thanks so much, Don! I couldn't have done all this work without the support and inspiration here on this board! Your Sprint interior looks so nice, it makes me want to push-on and get mine finished!!!

 

Glad u were able to get some decent parts Paul! It's "all good" w/ those parts. Nice to have blasting abilities; really makes quick, nice foundation for finishing parts.

 

Thanks Everett. You're right about the blaster. It has made the difference in my restoration. I'm glad I was able to find a good part locally. As a bonus, I got to see a really nice 72 Comet GT and meet some great people along the way!

 

This forum and all the Maverick clubs and Facebook pages are a great place for inspiration, support, parts, advice and even life long friendships. I am grateful to have found a place that shares my passion for these cars. I hope I get to see your car in person someday.

 

Paul, Glad to see you progressing...I'm looking to blast parts like you soon with the same cabinet. When you blasted the attached brackets did some get on the black fiberglass box and did it stain it. I want to clean up the same brackets and buying the correct rivets and tools would be too expensive. Could I use duct tape to protect the black case or would the sand blast through it ? Or would you recommend a Dremel tool on that bracket now? Any advice on what you learned blasting the brackets on the case would be help full. As you know I 've never blasted parts before.
Tips on media, pressure and water filters will help me too in setting up my cabinet. Thanks Mike.

 

Thanks Mike. I did go 'commando' when I blasted the brackets on the box. It did leave the area around the brackets a bit 'grey'. Duct tape works for masking off the area around the brackets for blasting. Double it up if you're unsure about blowing through. If you can control the gun and aim it away from the box, it'll be OK with one layer. If you think you may hit the tape directly, maybe two layers would be better. The thing about the brackets is that they aren't painted, nor are they subject to external weather condition, so they clean-up quite quickly with the blaster. Even a Dremmel may not get into all the tiny little spots.

I have been using the medium grit crushed glass from Princess Auto. It's cheap enough, and seems to clean the parts up quickly without scarring the metal. When I did my engine compartment, I just used "00" sand which was cheaper, but since I lost about a third of it outside (even with a tarp) it made more sense. I am using the large desiccant separator from Princess Auto, as well. I added 1/4-turn ball valves to the inlet and drain, with a quick coupler on the outlet so that when it's not in use, I can keep it sealed-up from any moisture in the air. Without a drier, the sand/media will eventually get moisture in it inside the gun and it will plug-up. I also added an after-filter on the outlet of the drier so that I can use it when I spray paint. The filter will keep any tiny bits of desiccant from getting into your paint, etc.

Don't forget to seal all your seams on the blaster with a good seam sealer to prevent dust and sand getting everywhere...

 

That's my next question, even with seam sealer does the cabinet make a mess / dust every where inside the garage?