The Restoration Process

For over 2 1/2 years, the transformation of the original Cutlass into Texas Thunder was meticulously handled by Murph Murpho and his team of experts.  Here is a summary of what was done.

The Restoration Timeline

September 2017 - 

Blasted entire body 
October 2017 -

Powdercoated and sanded  car 
November 2017 -

Body work  rebuilding - firewalls, supports, braces, wheel wells
December 2017 - 

Rebuilt door panels and transmission


January 2018 -

Aligned and fitted doors, worked on chassis, axles and brakes, sealed underside, added bumber hardware, mounted body on frame.
February  2018 -

Attached fenders, window hardware, shocks, door handles, fuel tank. Reassembled drive shaft
March 2018 -

Installed new intake manifold, timing chain, oil pan, and cylinder head
April 2018 -

Sand and prep body for paint - Sunburst Orange Metallic
May 2018 -

Primed for painting; attached wheels
June 2018 -

Paint, buff and polish; installed steering shaft and wheel, oil pump, parking lamps, weather stripping, mirrors, windshield, radiator
July 2018 -

Installed engine, transmission and drive shaft; assembled windows; installed moldings and emblems
August 2018 -

Installed door locks, radiator, tires
September 2018 -

Installed air-conditioning, springs, and brakes; re-wired car 
October 2018 -

Completed brakes and wiring; modified fuel lines; installed evaporator
December 2018 -

Installed steering column and switches, completed a/c installation; installed new dashboard and controls; aligned windows; installed wiper motor; convertible top lift cylanders, transmission lines, bumpers; finalize wiring to lights.
January 2019 -

Installed convertible top motor; prepped rear glass, power steering; began building exhaust system.
February 2019 -

Prep and spray paint trunk; finalize power steering and cooling system installation; 
March 2019-

Ran engine and oil pressure diagnosis; prepped for upholstry; installed convertible top hydraulics; installed crankshaft, bearings, pistons, rods, timing gear, oil pan and oil pump; installed radio, cigarette lighter and sun visors
April 2019 -

Full diagnosis of fuel system, carborator and power steering; installed a/c vents and defrosters
May - August  2019 -

Upholstry work - seats, doors, dashboard, convertible top, hard cover for top, visors, carpeting, etc. .
September 2019 - 
 
Troubleshooting and adjustments to transmission, doors, convertible motor, turn signals, horn, brakes
October 2019-

Fine tuning and retesting all systems, alignment, suspension, etc.; install speakers; prep for inspection and test drive.
November 2019 -

Further troubleshooting and finalizing car.