A material known as The Insulator (available from Jeg's and other suppliers) was used to insulate the engine bay. It consists of a rag-like core material impregnated with a fire retardant suitable for automotive use, sandwiched between layers of aluminum foil. Some of it was attached with spray adhesive, and some was wedged in for easy removal when servicing wiring or window control mechanisms.

Also noteworthy in the picture above is the custom polished aluminum flat air cleaner cover that replaced the Moroso equivalent seen in earlier photos. The flat cover provides better clearance between the air cleaner and the engine cover, which Rick wanted to fit flush to the bottoms of the quarter windows.

Ready for paint!

Finally, after working through the winter of 1999/2000, the stripping was finished! The daunting tasks of repairing the cowl area, door jam and lower driver's side quarter panel were done. It was time to bolt on a set of used "over-spray ready" Pontiac rally wheels and used tires for the trip to the body shop and the application of a show car quality paint job.

Rick spent two years shopping for the right paint and body shop. He talked to past customers and looked at 2 and 3 year old paint jobs from the shops he was considering before making a final decision. He also researched paint and body supplies, techniques, and read books on the subject. With his plan is place, he loaded the Corv-8 onto the trailer and made the delivery.