On a cold and dreary Saturday in early 1983, I said goodbye to my '55 Ford F100, and took on a new challenge: A neglected 1973 El Camino, which was in dire need of a cosmetic overhaul.

First, all of the laminated wood-grain finish was removed from the fenders and doors, along with all of the exterior side panel mouldings. The front plastic radiator-grille insert and the vinyl covered dashboard were found to be damaged beyond repair, and had to be replaced. Luckily, a Chevelle Malibu at a local junkyard still had these pieces intact. A set of chrome reversed "Moon" wheels came in handy, and paid a nice compliment to the three coats of "Corvette White" lacquer that were later applied...