Wednesday, August 25, 2010

George is getting a face-lift

Some makeover projects are bigger than you expect. Take George for example.

Long, long ago I introduced you all to George, my 1973 Chevy truck. I also sang the praises of Armor All in that post because WOW was this poor thing neglected and in need of care.

The interior was dusty and dirty, cracked and ripped and best of all...full of that 70's faux woodgrain.

But I removed that and used a gray door panel from the parts truck and painted it black with vinyl paint (that vinyl paint is magic!!)

That little strip of faux wood is growing on me I have to admit. Not sure I want to completely obliterate the 70's from this truck.

The carpet was ripped and filthy and made the truck smell. I didn't waste any time in ripping it out. I found some really interesting stuff under the seat too. Credit card receipts from the 70's and about $1.38 in change! :)

Some rust spots were under the carpet where it looked like moisture had got in and never taken care of. I scraped and vacuumed out what I scraped. Rust can continue to spread if you don't take care of it properly.

When I'd vacuumed it out I applied some Rust-Oleum as a spot treatment.


Then I applied this next:

With sponge brushes. This stuff is INSANELY smelly so be sure to wear a mask. Also, be sure to really mix it well because it's pretty thick and if you don't mix it properly you won't get the "grippy" stuff in your paint.


This should work until I can afford a carpet kit!

Next was the poor cracked and faded dash in this "lovely" butterscotch.


A few screws undone and it pops right out.


I took this opportunity to really clean under the dashpad and as far as I could reach in the vents.

I took the black dashpad out of the parts truck because it only has the crack you see the in the background of the next photo and really, you can't see it when sitting in the truck and these things are $$$.

I cleaned it up with Armor All.


And also replaced my woodgrain gauge cover with the parts truck's black one. Better? :)


With all the interior (and some exterior) cleaning you know what my two favorite tools were?

An old toothbrush.


And these.Now that my interior is back together


I guess I need to start work on the exterior!






Linking to:

The Shabby Chic Cottage

Thrifty Decor Chick's Before and After Party

9 comments:

Natalie said...

omg...what an amazing transformation! How in the world do you have time to do this?! lol I barely have time to take old McDonalds bags out of my car let alone detail the interior.

Way to go Molly!!

Megan said...

It looks great, Molly! You continually inspire me to see what I can make new and beautiful again.

Pine Tree Home said...

What a great post. I am loving the orange too...how fun for fall.

Dianne said...

George's interior is looking pretty good! Can't wait to see the outside when it's done!

Erin @ The Little Apartment said...

Pretty much awesome! I'm your newest follower. I found you via Transformation Thursday.

Renee said...

You are quite the woman, it looks amazing!

Uncovered Ruby said...

You go girl!!!
GREAT job, it looks like a new truck on the inside! Lisa ;-)

Aimee @ Explore, Learn, Have Fun! said...

It does look like a new truck inside - you worked quite a miracle!! Great job!!

Aimee @ Justkiddingaroundatlanta

Laurie said...

Molly, I am new to your blog but so, so happy to have found you! That truck bed coating that you used for your interior floor is GENIUS! My husband is redoing his 1965 Ford and my son has a 1969 Ford so I am passing these tips on to them. I hope we get to see more of "George" in future posts.