Bringing a ’65 Corvair Corsa Back to Life: A Body and Paint Restoration Journey. Part 4 of 4

After a second priming stage, we painted the smaller areas. The trunk was refinished in the original grey with white specks, and the underside and engine bay received a coat of satin black (60% gloss).

Then came the payoff for countless hours of block sanding and prep: the final application of the Madeira Maroon. The color was flawless.

To complement the exterior, we matched the paint finish with the classic saddle-colored interior and the subtle argent silver cove, creating a truly perfect color combination.

Once the suspension was reinstalled, front and rear, I completed the final steps of color sanding and polishing the paint to a mirror finish. This project remains one of my personal favorites. The depth of that dark red finish really makes the final quality of the bodywork and paint stand out, providing a flawless surface and a crystal-clear reflection of everything around it.

Bruce’s ’65 Corsa is a true gem in any garage, and it’s a car that certainly lives rent-free in my mind. It’s always tough to see a completed project drive away. I’ve always felt a small level of depression as I realize I’ve grown attached to these cars as if they were my own.

-Gabe Lopez 

Sterling Restorations

Our thanks to Gabe Lopez for taking us on this restoration journey. As you can see by only a few of the hundreds of photos Gabe provided for this piece, there is a great amount of time, labor and care that goes into getting a proper restoration.

Club members and others in the hobby have shared horror stories of jobs being done poorly, incorrectly, on the cheap (without a cheap invoice), or cars disappearing entirely. We are beyond fortunate to have Gabe not only nearby, but as a friend of the club. We also want to thank Bruce for introducing Gabe to the rest of us.

If you are ready to take the leap and get that Corvair or other classic in your garage restored, reach out to Sterling Restorations for a consultation by clicking on their logo below.