Car project finished in the nick of time
Staff reporter
Restoration of Perry Steiner's 1967 Chevrolet Camaro was a labor of love and hard work for employees of Marion Body Shop.
After nearly nine months of work, especially the past three weeks, the classic car was ready for Steiner's son, Eric to drive Saturday evening to the Marion High School Prom.
Steiner had purchased the car, light blue at the time, about 10 years ago. When Arlie Overton, owner of Marion Body Shop, stripped the paint from the car, he discovered numerous layers of paint.
"There must have been seven or eight layers of paint," said Overton. He and his employees removed the layers of old paint which made way for the new color — laguna pearl blue with white stripes.
Steiner ordered replacement parts from a company in California that specialized in classic cars.
The rear portion of the car was stripped to the structural frame and new parts were installed. Other body parts, such as the hood and door panels were removed, repaired, and returned to the car.
For now, the motor that was in the car when purchased will be used — a 327, V-8, with automatic transmission.
Additional repairs were made to the body and interior, wheels and tires completed the project.
By 3:30 p.m. Saturday, the car was ready. Additional changes and improvements will be made at a later date.
Eric proudly drove the newly restored car to dinner and the prom.
Overton and his employees were pleased with the results and relieved to finish the project in time for prom.
