Started to make it red

Jim Stabe · January 06, 2018, 05:30:36 PM

Here's the hood. Deck lid and doors are next

rficalora · January 08, 2018, 05:39:26 PM

Looking Great Jim!! (And saw the color sanded update on the MGE site too)... You're making me feel bad taking so long to paint the hard top I prepped about 6-8 months ago!!

Jim Stabe · January 08, 2018, 06:10:59 PM

We haven't had rain for 9 months and then when I want to paint, it starts. Not complaining, we need it desperately. I'd spray the clear in the garage but I'd have to move the car outside and it's not very weather proof.

rficalora · January 08, 2018, 07:31:54 PM

They make tarps

Jim Stabe · January 13, 2018, 04:05:13 PM

Got the red shot and blocked down with 1500 and started shooting the clear. Got 3 coats on without getting any trash in it and then on the last coat 4 of these bastards made perfect landings while it was still very wet so they sunk down in. After sanding out the bugs, I shot the final coat of clear early in the morning before the bugs woke up and the wind started to blow. Going to let it sit for a few days before I color san and buff.

Here's the hood after the 4th coat

BWA · January 13, 2018, 04:50:33 PM

Garage painting is a challenge with insects.
I remember many times when I was painting components for my TR6 that before painting there would be no bugs.
I would then start painting and then they would magically appear.
I think they are actually attracted to the thinners in the paint.
You will often see wasps flying around the tops of propane bottles where they vent off.
After much consideration on painting the exterior of the car in my garage I decided not to because of insects and other issues.
I had a guy paint my car in a paint booth that we rented from a body shop.

Keep up the good work Jim, I am looking forward to seeing the final product.

Cheers
Byron

Jim Stabe · January 13, 2018, 05:58:40 PM

The bugs aren't bad first thing in the morning so I am planning to do the first 2 coats on one day and do the final the following day 1st thing in the morning. That way I can sand out the trash before I shoot the final coat. Everything will be color sanded and buffed so it isn't that much of an issue. It just turns 1 day in a spray booth into 4 days outside. I'm retired so I have a lot of time to kill anyway.

Jim Stabe · January 23, 2018, 02:50:45 PM

Shot the color on the doors and deck lid this morning. A quick wet sand with 1000 tonight and the clear goes on in the morning.

Doors-deck lid.JPG

lawnvett · January 23, 2018, 04:12:57 PM

Hello Jim,

Looking good there, I'd suggest we go for another ride together but, some other distracted driver might hit you again.

I'm not reeky superstitious . Just kidding.

I hope the bugs stay away.

PJ

Jim Stabe · January 23, 2018, 04:52:08 PM

P.J. - I haven't heard from you in a while, how have you been? I should have it back together by the end of Feb if you want to come out and go for another ride. I think I have the engine quitting problem solved so shouldn't be getting hit again.

I had all three coats done before 10:00 so the bugs aren't awake yet.

Scott Costanzo · January 23, 2018, 05:45:55 PM

Jim,

Is your wife ok with a red driveway?

Mine would be wanting to sever something when she saw it!

Edit: meant to say it looks great! I'm partial to red too.

Jim Stabe · January 23, 2018, 05:57:09 PM

The red is just dust that sweeps up. Where I'm doing this is back from the street so it doesn't show anyway. The more I paint on the car the better I like the color. It's not a subtle red.

Scott Costanzo · January 23, 2018, 06:28:44 PM

Yes, as you have seen, I like non-subtle red too. Good that it will sweep up.

Jim Stabe · February 12, 2018, 04:21:21 PM

This is the first coat of color on the shell, I ran out of activator so I have to wait for the shipment to get here before I can finish.

rficalora · February 12, 2018, 08:15:45 PM

Purdy!

BWA · February 12, 2018, 10:36:49 PM

Wow that red is so bright there is no way a person could not see you on the road!!
Then again never underestimate the stupidity of drivers these days.
Looks real good.

Jim Stabe · February 13, 2018, 01:26:42 AM

It is actually a little darker than what it looks like in the pictures but still very bright, must be due to the lighting. Good ole arrest-me-red.

MGBV8 · February 13, 2018, 09:35:28 AM

Yep, gonna get speeding ticket while parked.

Jim Stabe · February 14, 2018, 06:12:49 PM

This is closer to what the color actually looks like - 3 coats of red, clear goes on tomorrow

3 coats red.jpg

Charles · February 14, 2018, 09:09:20 PM

Jim, Very nice.
Did someone say red. I like RED I don't care what color it is.

Jim Stabe · March 01, 2018, 08:42:18 PM

I got the clear on and color sanded with 1000, 1500, 2000, and 3000 then broke out the Harbor Freight DA buffer I got for $49 on sale and less 20% with a coupon https://www.harborfreight.com/6-in-57-amp-heavy-duty-dual-action-variable-speed-polisher-62862.html . I wasn't holding my breath for how it would perform but was I surprised. It has a lot of power and is variable speed. The first pass was with McGuire's ultra cut compound on a foam pad (also from HF) and within a minute the shine was there. Even using the most aggressive compound I wouldn't hesitate to take the car to a car show as it sits. Can't wait until I go over it with the medium cut and fine cut compounds. I did the compounding on the #5 speed setting (the fastest is 6) but will use slower speeds for the finer compounds. One caution - shut the buffer off before you lift the pad off the car, at the higher speeds the orbital action causes the pad to fly apart. I'll post some pictures when I get the whole car done and assembled.

lawnvett · March 16, 2018, 08:38:37 PM

wow that is terrific

I'd love to go for another ride. Next time lets not tour the suburban neighborhoods, lets for find some twists and some deserted roads out in the desert.

PJ

PS I'll bring bail money