 |
 |
 |
|
 |
| For two years, The Red Hot Passat remained stock. (besides regular maintenance, a new battery, and a Euro-plate (says AZORES1). February 2001, she had endured another brutal Canadian winter with ease. When the snow started to melt, I noticed my hood was damaged!? This consisted of massive dents, chips gallore, and freakin TREE SAP!!! After the bug and tar remover rub down (which doesn't work worth a shit) it was determined that I had to re-paint it! |
| I then inspected the car's finish more closely and found more dents and more tree sap! After consulting with my bro (autobody guy) he advised painting the entire car would be the best. So I got the bodywork done by a buddy and saved big $$$! Meantime I managed to find a hood scoop (from a Nissan) and a Rieger lower spoiler chin (on-line) and attached those (see above photo). Both were ok to install, but be careful removing the bumper on these cars. Underneath you'll notice 2 sets of three large bolts about 2' apart, for the supports. Only remove the two bolts closest to the front of the car and slide the entire bumper out. Remove the third bolt on each set closest to the tranny and you'll find your tranny kissing concrete!!! That's right, my freakin tranny dropped and as I held it with one hand I yelled at my bro to grab the floor jack! I can laugh now, no damage:-) After these mods, I drove the car as is (pictured above) for 3 months or so until I found the guys I wanted to paint my baby. |
 |
| The problem was the paint job I wanted. Body shops charge huge $$$$ for tri-stage paint, base coat/pearl/clear. The boys I finally settled with "Good Deal Auto" three Arabic brothers, gave me a economical solution. They told me they could give me the effect I wanted at the price of acrylic paint (which doesn't work well with pearl). They were also willing to work with me on creating my own custom paint which was very cool!! |
| The process the boys recommended was pre-mixing the pearl and the base paint thus eliminating a step, thus saving $$$. After about a day, I eagerly handed my keys over to the boyz and let them go to work. |
 |
 |
| Here they are masking everything and preparing for the first coat. This is the last time I would see my baby for three entire days. Those were the longest three days of my life!!! But the results would not disappoint. |
 |
 |