I’ve nearly completed the major metal work on the front of the car, so I tested the paint remover I obtained. It had a terrible smell but worked effectively; just brush it on and wait 10 minutes. The paint eventually becomes soft enough to wipe off with a cloth. It seems to remove all the paint except for the factory corrosion coating. If you media blast the car to remove the paint, you should really paint it within a few days. Bare metal will rust quickly, overnight even int the right conditions. While stripping paint with chemicals can be a smelly job, it allows the car to sit unpainted for a longer time.
There is still some metal work needed on the front, but it’s mostly for looks. I started making fill panels to smooth out the engine bay. I still need to create some patches for the inner fender well. I’ve noticed a big improvement in my welding and metalworking skills. It really is true that the more you practice the better you get .
I also began restoring the engine block. First, I removed the pistons and other parts, keeping them in order for reassembly. The bolt on the end of the crankshaft was really hard to loosen. I broke a socket and a long handle trying to get it off, so I had to buy a replacement. It was frustrating, but taking a break helped me rethink my approach. After using heat and penetrating oil, and a lot of effort, I finally got it off. The rest was pretty easy. After cleaning the inside and washing it, I masked it off to paint the block.
Robot Rabbit 