Tim, That thing looks fantastic! I for one, am glad to see you persevere on this project. I remember not long ago you seemed to be questioning whether it was all worth it or not. Those results speak for themselves, and it's only going to get prettier as you assemble the rest! Color sanding is awfully time consuming. I can easily spend 12 hours color sanding and buffing one panel, and frequently spend more. 600 sounds mighty course though. I've never started with anything worse than 1000, and reserve 1000 for very flat things like the hood. Usually we start at 1200 with soft block, buff to a dull shine, then 2000 without a block and 3 step buff. Anyone else start with 600? What grit did you use after the 600 and before the 2000 to step up? Your car has been an inspiration to me as well. In part because I know your an "average Joe" and have managed to "git 'er done". Not only that, but I appreciate that you've been so involved in the process, and share so much on line with us! Keep those pictures coming! :TU: :TU: :TU:
Brian, I agree with you, I thought 600 sounded pretty course as well. However, he did have 4 heavy coats of clear on the car so lots of orange peel. I am no expert in this area at all, and I have no reason to doubt what he does here as he has produced many, many best of show (major shows too) finishes. My understanding was that the 600 is just used to cut the really rough spots, then 1000 and on up. He has had some manpower issues at the shop, so now no more pics until Monday. Should be some big gloss on it then.... And yeah the car is looking good, but I still honestly wonder if it has been worth the effort over the years. I've been screwed over, ripped off, and completely disappointed with almost everyone who has some major part in the project. Driver quality parts bought (I would have called them junk but no point sneding them back as cross border is too much hassle), the pot metal screwups and fight that left me $800.00 in the hole plus no parts to use, the rear bumper that STILL has to go back to get re-done (I can see another fight coming there, can ANYONE chorme anything anymore in Canada???), companies that will only send parts UPS (thus nailing me an average of 60.00 per parcel in fees-UPS cross border is worse than the Mob, at leats the Mob guys dress nice while they beat you) back to me even though I specify my US address, just the lack of anyone to do anything better than "average". How about GM door handles, I finally decided just to use my old ones, after ordering FIVE passenger side and still getting garbage (at least GM will take them back). There was the quarter panel shipping issue/screwup that ended up with a creditor calling and threatneing my import broker/relative that took 2 YEARS to settle (it was on the car before it was all settled!). I could keep going, those are probably the highlights... It has been a major struggle, and all the extra costs have put me way over the budget. The stress is not needed either. But should be a fun ride. It will probably be one of the nicer GS's in Western Canada (if I may so).Upside has been some great friends made, some great research and details revealed, I learned even more than I thought I could, and being able to share this whole mess with you guys! :beer And to think I was gonna splash some paint on this thing and go driving.... ou: More pics monday. later Tim
More pictures Monday! YEA! I suppose the 600 could work on the worst of the peel, provided the peel was bad enough. Case in point - today I was chemical stripping the roof sail of a 1969 Ford Mustang fastback. It had an old Maaco enamel paint job. I decided to hand scuff the right sail with a worn piece of 80 paper so the stripper would settle in a little better. After a few minutes of doing it I realized I was just taking some of the peel out of it, that's how stinking rough the paint was on that gem! I don't doubt your man knows what he's doing, and I did think the masking of the fenders was pretty clever. I just visited your web site and enjoyed your updates there as well. We'll all be looking forward to Monday! Regarding the struggles and the costs...ever seen Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House, with Cary Grant? In this scene they're discussing cost over runs because of a few things his wife "suggested" to their contractor, but at the end of the movie, they have a beautiful place. Great movie!
