February, 2004

Yes Rusty fans, I'm still alive!  It has been a long time since I have posted anything.  The Bleeker family has been busy!  Unfortunately, I have nothing new to report since the last entry.  But since it has been a year since I started my quest, I thought an anniversary special would be appropriate.   

Let's start with my goals for the project.  How closely am I adhering to them?  I wanted to stay as "original" stock as I could, and so far the work I have done has not deviated from that goal.  Also, I wanted to do most of the work myself and I have done everything except the sandblasting.  So, all-in-all, I feel that I have been sticking to the original plan.

I feel that I should also mention that I am still very happy with the shape that Rusty is in.  Over the last year, I have read many articles on restoration projects and have thought many times, "wow, I'm glad I didn't have to go through that!"

There is not much else to say.  I hope that you still get the impression that I am excited about this project and I have really enjoyed working on her.  It's been a learning experience and a great form of therapy.

And now, time for the standard "before and after" pictures.  Please hum a good tune while looking through them...

Okay, I know you were getting a little misty eyed, but suck it up and let's move on to some more real work. 

February 20, 2004

I have ordered the parts necessary to complete the interior excluding the doors and windshield wiper junk that goes under the dash.  I have also ordered the wiring harness and miscellaneous harnesses that would complete the electrical system.  I included a new gauge cluster in this order, so the only thing I will really be missing is the head/tail lamps themselves.

I also found a refurbished steering column and box to replace the original.  I screwed up the threads on the shaft that connects to the Pitman Arm, and cannot find that one individual part.  I found the column at Bowtie Bits and would like to mention that they also carry a matching lock set that includes the doors, ignition and glove box. 

February 27, 2004

I'm bummed...  I received most of the parts I ordered, but the one I wanted the most (the main wiring harness) is on back order for a couple of weeks along with the gauge cluster.  Oh well, I got the stuff necessary to do the flooring, so I will work on that this weekend - boring....

On to the next entry...

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