We have arrived at the third-to-last episode of the Harbor Freight Tools‘ Firebird restoration, here at Part 7. Previously, we got a very good look at the fate of the engine, as it was bored out, oiled, repainted, and restored to perfect condition. It was the longest and most arduous of the steps required for the restoration, but we will soon get to see the payoff of it. You can check out part 6 here.

So, here we are at Part 7. This will be the second-to-last installment of the actual restoration, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t any work left to do. No sir, we’ve got us a car to paint.

The car is primed, and the Central Pneumatic Pro Auto HVLP Spray Gun with a 33 Oz. Gravity Feed Paint Cup is giving a good mist. Jeff and company have the car taped off and covered properly and then go to town, giving the car a nice macintosh red.

Just like with primer, nice, even strokes that overlap will bring about success with the project. Jeff and the team use 1200 grit sandpaper to get the detritus off the paint and get rid of any orange peel. Jeff applies two coats of paint to the car, so you know this isn’t just some $29.95 Earl Scheib paint job.

Next comes the buffing, which is done with a Chicago Electric 7″ Polisher/Sander with Digital Display. It’s great to see Jeff and his team outdo themselves by going the extra mile to get this car looking better than it did leaving the factory in Lordstown.

The chapter closes with a look at what happened to the hood: painted red, it was then expertly taped off around the scoops and raised arrowhead indentation and painted completely black, with a tiny strip of masking tape leaving a cool red pinstripe to trace the curvature of the arrowhead. And after some more clear coat and buffing, the hood emerges in a brilliant, alluring sheen.

The fate of the Firebird has almost come to a close, folks. Check back in a few days as we look in awe upon the Firebird in its glorious final state.