PHOTO JOURNALScroll Down for PHOTOS
This page contains photos taken during various stages of my Ventura.
It begins with pictures of the car very shortly after it was purchased
(with a "Don't Laugh It's Paid For" license plate)
and continues to it's peak exterior appearance.
Sadly it will also document it's decline and 2nd rebuild.
Click on image for full size photo
The morning after we drove it home...
I bought it for $300.00 off the "back lot" of a car dealership.
There was an awful exhaust leak and holes in the floor boards.
We all got headaches on the way home.
The previous owner had brush painted the entire car, trim and all, flat black.
Originally, the color was copper with a beige top.
The interior was trashed.
The whole car was a mess but the engine ran.
That weekend I removed the entire front clip and the interior...
I removed the front clip for sandblasting and began stripping the interior.
The door was removed to repair the bushing and pin.
The wheels were removed cleaned and repainted.
I had to find 2 more so the rear would match the front.
The interior was completely shot.
I ended up finding another set of seats to recover.
I don't think there was any carpet left.
At this point, I cleaned painted the firewall and sub frame gloss black.
I also shot the drums red...I think it made the car look faster.
Re-assembly was fun...
The body work on the fenders and hood went pretty fast.
The wheels cleaned and painted up nice.
The car was finally off blocks.
More Re-assembly...
The bushing was repaired on the passenger side door.
Doors were painted.
The bumper was re-installed.
At this point the roof, quarter panels, and trunk were all that were left.
Almost finished...
If you look close you can see the trunk lid is removed (the hinges are sticking up).
The passenger side quarter panel still needed painted.
All lights were installed.
I was very close to driving the car.
Finished and driven...
At this point I had driven the car for almost two years.
The original engine had blown the head gasket (1998).
The replacement engine had blown the head gasket (1999).
I drove the hell out of this car throughout high school. It was FUN.
At this point, I was going to put a 350 in it.
Shit happens...I had to move so I sold the engine and stored the car at a friends (2000).
Working on the car AGAIN...MORE PHOTOS SOON!!
I started buying parts in 2003.
Running 1986 Camaro for engine and transmission...305/700R4 ($100.00). (June 2003)
Misc Chrome accessories. (July/August 2003)
Front clip disassembly. (September 2003)
Sub frame prep/painting. (January 2004)
Front suspension rebuild. (February/March 2004)
Engine installation. (April 2004)
Email Me with any questions, advice, or parts:
pdw33@lycos.com
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Since March 24, 2004