Spent some time tonight on the door area where the handle was blanked out and it was heat warped and extremely low.  Getting closer but still have a bit to go.  (Spitznagel was the early brand name of the tool that is a stud welder gun that you use to pull dents without drilling holes.)

Here are a few of the 93 KHJ Boss Radio Surveys relating to the Surfin'Bird and the Summer of the Big Kahuna I have collected so far. Still missing a few! 

Decided rather than fill this large void with lead (or body filler like it was), I decide it was better to fill this area with metal.

Original Cushenbery top is long gone.  From the radio spots, Bill described extending the top flowing back to to the "stingray" rear. Started to play with design that matches the only known image of the finished car, Bill's description in the radio spot, and what seems reasonable given the timeframe for completion. 

Also think a rear facing middle scoop that was a separator for the roof mounted surfboards, would be in line with the period. The McNulty Shark top as a very similar scoop.  

Removed the hand formed aluminum grille surround to address impact issues.  Really nice handmade part by Cushenbery.

After most of the paint removal process, I began to see how much filler was added during construction. From the interviews I have conducted, it would appear that the helper on this project got a tad aggressive with the body filler.  The car is a bit of a contradiction, as the front end work that was clearly done by Cushenbery, has amazing metal finishing and lead. The other less complex areas, such as the blank out work of the door handles and fender vents, are less than stellar.  

I am sure that Bill was under the gun to get this finished in a short timeframe for the Radio station, thus forcing him to bring additional hands to complete the project.

Silly walk around video.

Car arrived and feeling pretty chuffed right now. Arrived safely with a few minor issues, but overall, very stoked.

After day dreaming about this vehicle for quite some time, it became apparent that I wasn't going to get this on out of my head. 
After months of collecting data, doing research,  locating and purchasing various paper memorabilia, I decided I had to do it. Special thanks to Frank and Cathy Stubbs for protecting this unique car all these years and giving me the opportunity to bring it back to its former glory.

So the journey begins!