1965 RHD 911 restoration started

[DEEMAN]

That bonnet was no easy job. After 2 hours grinding away the bondo (don't you bless the Yanks - they must all have shares in it!) the disaster of a surface was exposed. Lesser folks may have given up but with aid of a clever dent-puller and panel-working skills it was finally recovered. No easy job.











So, with final adjustments to various smaller area, light buckets, lightbox housings and horn grill areas, the insertion of the battery carrier Blue Belle is now in initial primer ready for blocking and underseal/paint process.





Caught her chatting with a really hot friend today. I can see I will have to watch her!!

She is the beauty I wanted to see for so long. Now for the final touches.

[210bhp]

Wonderful sight Ian.
You must be having a wee dram in celebration tonight.
It's all downhill from here.
You have caught a guy with real skill there. What's he doing next?

Regards
Mike

[MrWattsey]

Just read from start to finish! Amazing work.

Very inspiring as I undertake my first ever 911 restoration........

Thank you!

[DEEMAN]

Bit behind but here is a catch-up.
Much work has been done including reworking the petrol tank. Although fundamentally sound it was somewhat dented. John had a device I found interesting to remove them.




And as we moved into the undersealing stage it was treated accordingly.



Back onto the rotisserie for this.







I still would like to know what the small brackets on the centre of the inner wheel arch were for. Anyone know?

The satin black where applicable.













Good to reflect.... some difference eh?



And so onto colour. The first sample pot we had didn't seem right although it was meant to be Golfblau 6603.



So the second from an alternative source was ordered and that seemed spot on with the small area that had been saved on the top of the dash panel. I had masked this area before any work started so it still remains 'as factory' complete with it's crayon number 136.



The colour on the rear quarter bumper I have decided to go with. It compares much better with the dash and with the original photographs that I have. John thinks it is very much more the 60s colour too. I have looked at many pictures of colour 6603 and think we have got it right as apposed to the lighter shade seen in some examples. Difficult one to call as so many of the pictures are of cars in the US where the sunshine helps to enhance colours.

COLOUR TOMORROW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!![*]

[1968911s]

Looks awesome looking into forward to more pictures!

[MarkIII]

great progress, always great see before and after pictures, really interested to see what finish you go for inside the cabin, I am currently trying to pull as much information together for my 1967 car, so looking forward to see how yours turns out. Compliments to you and your body man, for taking on such a project, great to see the car in its current state

Mark

[sladey]

Great to see some colour on there - getting exciting now!

I saw those mini dent pullers on wheeler dealers - cool tool

[DEEMAN]

Thanks for the comments guys. So, the big day arrived.

Patient awaits the the final operation, draped and ready.



The wizard mixes his magic brew (Max Meyer 2-pack paint)



And the flash coat goes on.





Then on with two double-half coats and the final finish coat



Gets the thumbs up from me



.






And ladies and gentlemen, I give you Mr John Hulme of John Hulme Autobody Repairs, man extraordinaire, mender of things impossible,
preserver of many vehicles including the wonderful Miss Blue Belle. Don't 'e look chuffed?



Well, Blue Belle should be back with me at the end of next week.

All I have to do then is finish everything else.

PS I walked out of there with a blue beard!! Had to clean myself up with thinners before going home

[misteralz]

If you're needing a buddy for the road trip...

Looking brilliant. :D

[210bhp]

Going to be stunning in that colour Ian. You've waited for this moment for so long.
Congratulations to you and John for a fabulous job. It's going to be so nice bolting bits onto that lovely shell.
Great thread.

Regards
Mike

[cobb911]

It looks fantastic. A lot of skilled work has gone in to getting it this far. I think it was a great idea to preserve the original crayon under the dash.

Best of luck with the re-assembly.

Regards

[murph2309]

Wow - congrats, what a cool colour you have there. And seriously, what a great job you're doing on bringing this one back to life - and an important car too. Great project, you must be so pleased with the results so far.

Hope I get to see this one someday.

All the best,

Richard

[Darren65]

Magic moment and looks great. Congrats

[hot66]

Car looks great

Maybe time to change your username to 'blue beard'

[DEEMAN]

Pictures say it all. Wow, and to think what that bonnet was like!















Thanks for all the kind comments but it's all down to the skill of John.

So, Blue Belle is on schedule to come home next Friday after three years away.