Restoring the 1925 Gerin Aerodyne, a vintage vehicle that was never fully built originally, has proven to be quite a challenge. This has been a demanding project for several years due to the ambitious designs conceived by Jacques Gerin. Unlike typical classic cars with symmetrical chassis, the Gerin Aerodyne prototype introduces a set of challenges that were unanticipated by its designers.
The latest update involves giving the front panels and fenders a matte satin finish that adds a layer of complexity to the restoration. Our pursuit of this vision is complicated given that any imperfections, including dust on the finish, cannot be fixed through the usual wet sanding and would require complete refinishing.
To make things smoother, the restoration team at the Tampa Bay Automobile Museum have made significant modifications. For example, the front fenders, originally intended to be attached with aircraft rivets, underwent a modification to use threaded inserts not only to simplify the build but also for more efficient panel removal and replacement. However, it's worth noting that in a later stage, the fenders will need to be reattached using the originally intended rivets.
Looking ahead, the next phase of the restoration journey involves working on eight panels and the bottom engine panel. All set to go through the meticulous process in the body shop. Each step in this complex process brings the team closer to realizing the vision set forth by Jacques Gerin over 100 years ago, making the Gerin Aerodyne's restoration a captivating and evolving tale within the museum's collection.