[Smartin]

Tell Joe the Buick Doctor to find me some trunk trim too!! Although I think I have asked him a couple times already

Oh yeah, pics!!!!!

[BqUICK]

Today I brought my wife to see the car for the first time since paint was applied in spots. She seems to be getting excited about the Faithful Pursuit .

There are some alignment issues to be resolved as the body is positioned for best front clip/bumper/frame alignment. Tim looked over a super pristine 20K original 1970 Electra 225 on the premisis I had trucked in to help with these fine details.

Electra's have varied fits of panels which have to be present if the car is to look correct. Some factory flaws were left in, ie quarter panels are slightly sucked in where the wheel wells are mounted. I wanted a "factory" looking job on this Electra GSX.

Wait till you see the wild ram air hood! The final wet sanding of the primer is going on and it sure look sweet! The bad news is my "Star Wars" air cleaner will not fit! I ordered some solid motor mounts from PAE that may help drop the STAGE I "Intimidator" some but who knows?

We have lots to do before the April 24th unvieling but its looking good so far!

Thanks for all of your interest and spiritual support out there!

God Speed,

[BqUICK]

All,

T-6 Days!

Still painting! Looking Good!

2:25am!

[BqUICK]

Wow,

T-5 Days till we must be ready to show. Actually the show is next Sat but we have a safety margin.

* Paint is 95% done
* GSX Ram Air hood looks FACTORY!
* "Cruiseline Ventiports" are now functional!!!
* 99% of Stainless Steel trim has been polished or replaced as of today
* Stock Interior panels will be dyed today. (Custom set will come in a few months)
* Diamond Auto Glass is scheduled for Tuesday
* Top and headliner to be installed by Flyboys Hot Rods Wednesday
* Carpet was delayed till Thursday (Roll Cage cannot go in until headliner and carpet are done)

The custom GSX spoiler cannot be completed in time for the unvieling but we will work to put in the stripe, approximating its final position.

The Faithful Pursuit still has about 6 months of qualification runs, instumentation installation and calibration, yada, yada, yada before her hard target of Septemebr 2005 competition in Nevada.

Consider April 24th to be like a "Christening Ceremony" or Launching of a ship!
There is always more to do after she slides down the weighs!!!


Here are my past and present Electras! As you can see, I love them!

1969 Electra 225 Custom Coupe, Crystal Blue, Code D (now GSX)
1969 Electra 225 Custom Coupe, Lime Green, Code H
1969 Electra 225 Custom Coupe, Antique Gold, Code Z
1969 Electra 225 Custom Coupe, Burnished Brown, Code B (Discs)
1969 Electra 225 Custom Convertible, burnished Brown, Code B (Low 15s stock)
1969 Electra Limited, Coupe, Regal Black, Code A (Posi)
1970 Electra 225 Custom Coupe, Antique Gold, Code Z
1970 Electra 225 Custom Coupe, Bamboo Cream, Code (19K original)
1968 Electra 225 Custom Sedan, Burnished Brown Code B (Posi)

Favorite saying:

"A 455 STAGE 1 powered Electra is like...well...picture chrome plated brass knuckles!"

[imported_55PackardGuy]

Can't wait to see the "interim" results with all the paint and brightwork. Don't let Jay Leno hear about this car or he's going to want it! His restored "bone-stock looking" '56 (I think) Buick with a Chevy BB "crate motor" and Corvette underpinnings is a hoot. I'm sure he'd love to add a Grand Touring Electra to his huge collection. On second thought, maybe a pic to him would get a response... and possibly some support??

Eye spy: On Lake Street in South Minneapolis last week-- a yellow '69 Electra convertible with black top. Looks rough around the edges, but I'm going to give it a "once-over" soon when I'm in the neighborhood.

I had no idea you had/have so many '69s. Still my favorite year for Electra, although I spent a lot more time drivng my '65 4-door "with-a-post" back in the '70s.

Good luck! (although I think you make your own luck with hard work and good faith).

[BigFella]

Hey!

I firmed up my travel for work and I'll be in Rochester, New York May 13th to the 23rd. I added a day on the end so I was hoping that Sat. May 22nd would be a good date for me to travel from Rochester down your way to see the car and take *alot* of pictures of the near final product. Is this date ok for you? Let me know. I'm excited to see this car!

[BqUICK]

Guy & John,

Thanks for your messages and votes of confidence and encouragement. Smartin will post some photos shortly of the latest. I'll be pretty busy over the next several days so you may not actually see the photos of the show until the next week or so.

There are so many parts that have to come together! Yeah, I'd be happy to show the car off to anyone who is interested. John, May 22nd is fine. I appreciate the many people who have come by, including Roberta Vasilow & Tom Wagner long time Buick racers.

Best regards,

[Smartin]

Incoming!!!!!!!!!

[BUICK RACER]

GORGEOUS! Wish I could be there next weekend, but my car is not ready for the Buick Race at Norwalk the following weekend, will have to make an appointment to stop by in JULY when I am out that way, probably around the 11 or 12th! Great work!RV

[BqUICK]

Roberta,

It would be great for you to come by. Just let me know when and I will look forward to it. Also, the car will have much work still to be done over the next year so there will be a lot of other fine details to see in 2005.

Good luck with your car, I wish I could be there!

Michael