Bodywork

After 13 years and 106,000 miles of service, it was time to give the exterior a little attention.  In January, 2004, I handed the keys over to body shop master and high school friend Steve Kelley to do some magic.  In many respects, the car was planned to still retain many similarities to the twin.  However, there are some subtle differences.  Below is a timeline of progress of this project:

	1/3/04 Warming up the car to go to the "doctor".
	Arrival at the body shop.  Going through inspection for dents, scratches, etc...
	1/18/04 Here are the first real pics of progress!  In this pic, you see the new Racing Beat bumper.
	Here is the Racing Beat Type II nose and Simpson Design cowl hood (with open louvers).
	Another shot from the front.  Wow, there are a lot of dings and scratches being filled!
	A shot from the side.
	Straight on from the front.  I'm loving the look of this hood.  I think it will add a nice touch.  The OEM turn signal indicators are going back in, and colorless side marker lights up front.
	Another day... Racing Beat side fairings are added!
	Another shot of the side fairings.
	2/7/04 Everything is mostly done.  Car is ready to come home from body shop.  Just waiting for the rain and snow to stop and for the roads to dry up.
	The paint is the same factory Mariner Blue with a little blue pearl added to give it a little more depth.  You can't really see it in the pictures.  Will take more out in the sunlight later.
	Another angle.
	Steve did a great job on the body work!  I'm really impressed!
	A shot from the rear showing the new bumper and wing.
	From within the driver's seat, you can see the cowl of the hood near the windshield.  It doesn't obstruct view too much (actually, the mirror does a bit).
	Waiting in the garage for the paint to completely cure. It is recommended that I wait 60 days before doing the first polishing.
	It's hard to wait 60 days without driving it some.  Had to sneak it out; besides I just put on a new fuel rail and did a little exhaust work - have to make sure all is good.
	The unthinkable happens... 4 weeks after the paint is sprayed, someone accidentally backed into the nose/turn signal!  The paint hadn't even completely cured yet!  Back to the body shop.
	1 week later, all is better.  The repair turned out great.  Excellent work.