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Chevy Monte Carlo Flame Paint - Up In Flames

Project True Sstreet Gets Some Color-Then Goes Up In Flames

By Dan Ryder
Chevy Monte Carlo Flame Paint

Don't be alarmed; Project True SStreet has not actually caught fire (at least not yet). Last month we introduced the once-ignored G-body to the diverse crowd of valued SUPER CHEVY readers. While some think the mid-'80s Monte Carlo is good for nothing more than a battle at the local demolition derby or being cut up for use on the roundy-round track, we are out to prove otherwise. These '80s G-bodies deserve love and respect, plus they're stylish, rear-wheel-drive, and fairly affordable. What's not to like?

Chevy Monte Carlo Flame Paint
Once the Monte had three generous coats of primer/sealer applied, Anthony gave it an extensive visual inspection to check for any imperfections that would require last-minute attention. Once all is considered to be 100 percent, the wet-sanding procedure can begin. At first, the entire car was wet-sanded with 400-grit, followed by 600-grit for finishing.
Chevy Monte Carlo Flame Paint
Once the Monte had three generous coats of primer/sealer applied, Anthony gave it an exten

We've recently received a few e-mails from the SUPER CHEVY faithful claiming that it's difficult to find parts for these beasts. Sure, parts are not as readily available as those for the F-bodies or box Novas of yore, but seek and ye shall find. Sometimes you have no other option than to hit the local boneyard or swap meet to aid in the resurrection of a project. Many enthusiasts get more satisfaction out of refurbishing an older, soon-to-be-thrown-out component rather than placing a phone call and having one delivered to the front door within days. Not to preach about what's right or wrong, but everybody has his own preference.

In the last issue, we stripped down our G-body, ridding it of the stock hood, side mirrors, bumpers, as well as other miscellaneous items, clearing the way for bodywork to begin. While Project True SStreet was not in the best condition (spending the majority of its life outside in the ever-changing climates of the Northeast), it was in decent condition, with only minor blemishes of surface rust, as well as slightly more advanced rot around the rear wheel opening. Anthony's Auto Body in Shrewsbury, New Jersey, stepped in and brought the G-body back to form.

After placing a few phone calls, we obtained a new front bumper cover, air deflector, and fender extensions from Original Parts Group in Huntington Beach, California, as well as a new steel cowl induction hood from Year One in Braselton, Georgia. As previously mentioned, there is not much available through the aftermarket for these cars, but we did find these components relatively easily. We're optimistic that the more popular the G-body becomes, the more products will become available.

Chevy Monte Carlo Flame Paint
Pictured is the sandpaper along with the stiff foam pad used to block out the car. The foam pad and water aid against distortion while sanding.
Chevy Monte Carlo Flame Paint
Pictured is the sandpaper along with the stiff foam pad used to block out the car. The foa

As our buildsheet lengthens, we'll introduce our readers to a plethora of manufacturers that will aid in the beautification, performance, and handling of Project True SStreet. As of right now, we are sticking to our guns by building a small-block 406 with a blow-through Procharger. Key players that have recently committed to the project include Chris Alston's Chassisworks, Strange Engineering, Lunati, Dart, and AFR, to name a few. Keep fixated on our latest Bow Tie project, as we will provide key information on how to build your own killer street/strip Chevy.

Part 2 of Project True SStreet brought us back to Anthony's Auto Body to put the finishing touches on the Monte's carcass. Certified body technician Anthony Guerriero went through a series of wet-sanding procedures before rolling True SStreet back into the spray booth to add a splash of color.

  • Chevy Monte Carlo Flame Paint
    Back in the spray booth, the Monte was completely wiped down with Lesonal surface cleaner/degreaser before any painting could begin.
    Chevy Monte Carlo Flame Paint
    Back in the spray booth, the Monte was completely wiped down with Lesonal surface cleaner/
  • Chevy Monte Carlo Flame Paint
    It's very important to achieve the smoothest, cleanest foundation before painting any vehicle. One slight bit of foreign matter can wreak havoc while performing any paint job.
    Chevy Monte Carlo Flame Paint
    It's very important to achieve the smoothest, cleanest foundation before painting any vehi
  • Chevy Monte Carlo Flame Paint
    Next, we followed Anthony into the paint room. Anthony's is fully equipped with an arsenal of different paint colors, as well as needed additives.
    Chevy Monte Carlo Flame Paint
    Next, we followed Anthony into the paint room. Anthony's is fully equipped with an arsenal
  • Chevy Monte Carlo Flame Paint
    Mixing is made easy with a digital scale that contains presets for several paint codes. A label printer is also present to tag any leftovers to be used at a later date.
    Chevy Monte Carlo Flame Paint
    Mixing is made easy with a digital scale that contains presets for several paint codes. A
  • Chevy Monte Carlo Flame Paint
    Before applying the color, Anthony gave the Monte another coat of urethane surfacer/sealer.
    Chevy Monte Carlo Flame Paint
    Before applying the color, Anthony gave the Monte another coat of urethane surfacer/sealer
  • Chevy Monte Carlo Flame Paint
    The chemist mixed two parts urethane, one part hardener, and 10 percent reducer. A nice even coat was applied.
    Chevy Monte Carlo Flame Paint
    The chemist mixed two parts urethane, one part hardener, and 10 percent reducer. A nice ev
  • Chevy Monte Carlo Flame Paint
    While the urethane dried, it was back to the paint room to mix two parts black toner #23 and one part reducer.
    Chevy Monte Carlo Flame Paint
    While the urethane dried, it was back to the paint room to mix two parts black toner #23 a
  • Chevy Monte Carlo Flame Paint
    Anthony then applied five even coats of the black base to Project True SStreet.
  • Chevy Monte Carlo Flame Paint
    Once the basecoat was dry enough, Anthony began setting up for the ghost flames to be applied to the Year One cowl hood, fenders, and doors. Anthony overlays this stencil, which contains small perforations outlining the flames.
    Chevy Monte Carlo Flame Paint
    Once the basecoat was dry enough, Anthony began setting up for the ghost flames to be appl
  • Chevy Monte Carlo Flame Paint
    After it's been squared away, chalk powder is soaked into a rag and patted along the perforation, leaving behind a rather vague outline of the flames. The pattern's centerline stays the same, but it's flipped over for the alternate side of the hood.
    Chevy Monte Carlo Flame Paint
    After it's been squared away, chalk powder is soaked into a rag and patted along the perfo
  • Chevy Monte Carlo Flame Paint
    Now that the outline has been determined, Scotch 1/4-inch plastic tape is used to finalize the outline. The plastic tape is very flexible and easy to use for this particular purpose.
    Chevy Monte Carlo Flame Paint
    Now that the outline has been determined, Scotch 1/4-inch plastic tape is used to finalize
  • Chevy Monte Carlo Flame Paint
    It's imperative to follow the outline as best as possible to achieve uniformity, though I wasn't too concerned-what flames have uniformity?
    Chevy Monte Carlo Flame Paint
    It's imperative to follow the outline as best as possible to achieve uniformity, though I
  • Chevy Monte Carlo Flame Paint
    Now for the fun part: backfilling the flames with masking tape. Anthony and I took the better part of an hour (at least) to perform this meticulous, pain-in-the-keister step.
    Chevy Monte Carlo Flame Paint
    Now for the fun part: backfilling the flames with masking tape. Anthony and I took the bet
  • Chevy Monte Carlo Flame Paint
    While it was frustrating, it is definitely worth it in the end. It already looks awesome.
  • Chevy Monte Carlo Flame Paint
    Beyond taping off the flames, we headed back to the paint room to muster up a color to use as a base for the flames. Since the interior is maroon, I figured we would go with that theme. After picking a shade of maroon from the color map, Anthony began to mix what seemed to be some sort of kamikaze cocktail.
    Chevy Monte Carlo Flame Paint
    Beyond taping off the flames, we headed back to the paint room to muster up a color to use
  • Chevy Monte Carlo Flame Paint
    Good thing we mixed more than was necessary in case it's needed at some point down the road. Once loaded into the spray gun, Anthony gave the nose one light coat in a mist-type fashion. After peeling back the tape from the flames, we were very pleased with the result.
    Chevy Monte Carlo Flame Paint
    Good thing we mixed more than was necessary in case it's needed at some point down the roa
  • Chevy Monte Carlo Flame Paint
    Finally, it was time to lay some clearcoat on this future killer. Anthony mixed three parts urethane clear, one part hardener, and one part reducer. For proper coverage, three coats were evenly sprayed onto the Monte.
    Chevy Monte Carlo Flame Paint
    Finally, it was time to lay some clearcoat on this future killer. Anthony mixed three part
  • Chevy Monte Carlo Flame Paint
    Here are some images of the end result in the booth. The flames are not very prominent-I guess that's why they're called ghost flames.
    Chevy Monte Carlo Flame Paint
    Here are some images of the end result in the booth. The flames are not very prominent-I g
  • Chevy Monte Carlo Flame Paint
    The front bumper cover, extensions, and front air deflector from Original Parts Group looked awesome, as did the steel cowl hood from Year One.
    Chevy Monte Carlo Flame Paint
    The front bumper cover, extensions, and front air deflector from Original Parts Group look
  • Chevy Monte Carlo Flame Paint
    Ahh ... the satisfaction of completion-for now, anyway. After final assembly, Project True SStreet looked great.
    Chevy Monte Carlo Flame Paint
    Ahh ... the satisfaction of completion-for now, anyway. After final assembly, Project True
  • Chevy Monte Carlo Flame Paint
    A special thanks to Anthony of Anthony's Auto Body for putting in several late nights to get our Monte done on time.
    Chevy Monte Carlo Flame Paint
    A special thanks to Anthony of Anthony's Auto Body for putting in several late nights to g
  • Chevy Monte Carlo Flame Paint
    Sorry the ghost flames weren't visible at this time-I think they were scared of the camera. Once we get a little sunlight to appear, the flames will really pop.
    Chevy Monte Carlo Flame Paint
    Sorry the ghost flames weren't visible at this time-I think they were scared of the camera
SOURCES
3M
888-364-3577
www.3M.com
Lesonal
Year One, Inc.
P.O. Box 129
Tucker
GA  30085
800-Yea-rOne
N/A
www.yearone.com/
Original Parts Group  (800) 243-
Anthony's Auto Body
By Dan Ryder
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