A few years ago I had my little 63 two door with twenty thousand original
miles painted...or at least they threw something at it that sort of
resembled paint. The guy was highly recommended and I had known him for
years.  What I DIDN'T know was that he had developed a nasty prescription
drug habit and his business was going in the toilet rapidly.  When I
realized what was happening, the wolves were at his door and it was all I
could do to get my car and parts and bring it home.  The paint job was
horrible and NEVER DRIED!  For two years the car sat in a  corner, and I
kicked myself for not paying closer attention and PAYING him quite a bit
of money as he worked on it.  Oh well, life is too short and he is getting
his without me lifting a finger, sooo...
A year later an old friend of mine who is a true artist when it comes to
bodywork and paint finally gave up on corporate life and reopened his
shop.  His work is absolutely fabulous.  Some of his cars this past year
have been featured in magazines and a couple went to Ammelia Island.  He
got the poor little 63 two weeks ago and started by stripping the car back
to metal as the stoners had kept pouring paint on to try to cover up
reactions.  I have been watching the little car transform back into the
car it was before the "accident".  Last Monday it got etch primer and then
I went in and cut out the windows.  He did the cavities and the next day it
went to build primer.  A few days later he had it sealed and ready to
block.  He told me to come by and see it today as he had the jambs done.
I had asked him to do a nice but not "show quality" job but he is doing
show anyway.  The little car is finally getting what it has deserved and
it will be beautiful.  It was gold originally and I picked a color very
close to the original, just a tad brighter.  What a pleasure it is to deal
with this guy and watch a true artist.  Too bad he wasn't operating when I
had it first done, it would have added a few years to my life insted of
taking away a couple.  When I get it back I will slowly re-assemble it and
it will eventualy go to my mom, who sold her beautiful 120 Packard after
twenty plus years of ownership.  It had gotten a bit big for her as she is
well into her 70's.  She is (and has been forever it seems) the secretary
for the N. J. region of the AACA and she DRIVES to all the events.  She
always liked this little car and I think she will enjoy it.
Studebaker George