Hi guys, I have finally got myself into a position where I can resurrect my tired 2 seater manual slicktop twin turbo I have owned this car for nearly 5 years and its always been reliable. On only 2 occasions can I remember it leaving me stranded. The plan is to make a reliable car with extra power over stock and make it look nice So here it is looking a bit sorry for itself. PART 1 - PAINT The previous owner of this car was a bit of a tool and didn't look after the paint work at all and did some dubious repairs and touch ups. The result was chonic pealing clear coat. So I decided to have a go at painting the car myself in the back yard So I got myself a compressor and some materials and started to sand the whole car down Got myself some decent high build primer and went about repairing the dents and fixing everything up So far everything is running smooth, I have block sanded the primer to 400 grit and its super smooth. THE PROBLEM I am painting my car with Acrylic Paint because I don't have a booth and I don't have the equipment to avoid breathing in dangerous chemicals of 2 Pac. Also the legality of spraying 2 Pac. I'm surrounded by neighbours. So everything was going well until I started laying down topcoat. I can't get it to go on smooth. It aways come out with a rough feel 1 dust coat then 3 wet coats Ratio 1-1.5 Paint to thinners Super close up of paint once applied. Initially I thought this was just how acrylic goes on and you have to wet sand it back, and I did. It was really hard work and time consuming but I started to get some good results with 800 grit, 1500 grit, 2000 grit, Cutting compound and polish Here is about 2 hours on the roof to see what finish I could get. The problems I am having are cutting back the paint to get it super flat so you don't see imperfections risks going down to the primer.....and leaving a really thin coat of paint on the car. This is the wing with a little work If you look at the bonnet you can see the texture I am getting when laying down paint. Its not really orange peel but a dry texture. The paint feel a little like sandpaper. I have been testing some different things on the bonnet with some acylic clear so lt worse than it normally is. So any advice? The car is super flat after priming, block sanded, primed a second time, used guide coat, wax and grease remover before spraying. Spraying with a 13 CFM compressor, using a falcon ($149) HPLV gun with 2mm tip. Have a regulator on the gun running 25psi. Flow control open all the way, fan nearly full. Test and get good spray pattern Tried these combinations 1 to 1 Paint and Thinners 25psi - Textured paint 1 to 1.5 Paint and Thinners 25psi - Textured paint but smoother 1 to 2 Paint and thinners 25psi - Paint flowed nicely, but still textured 1 to 3 Paint to thinners 25 - Fisheyes and runs I also upped the pressure but this resulted in crap spray patterns and couldn't improve the smoothness of the finish. Also changed distance between 6 - 12 inches. Setting in red and the most common and best results so far. So any ideas, Rubbish Paint? Rubbish Painter? Rubbish Technique? I am in two minds whether to carry on or prime it again and take and see if I can get a painter with a booth to spray 2 pac on it. Anyone a painter in QLD who can help a fellow zed owner out?
looks like the paint is just not flowing out, temperature can be an issue,or try thinning it more. i dont use acrylic. not a fan at all. if it was mine i would block it back and shoot 2pack over the top.
Yeah I am starting to think that I might just take it back to primer and go 2 pack if I can find someone and somewhere to lay down some paint I think that in the long run it will last better and look better. As you say Rollin I can't seem to get the paint to flow out properly. Might just be crap paint lol!!
Going to stick with Acrylic for a little bit longer as I have some left and need to practice. AHA!!!! I think I have figured out the problem and improved my spraying technique...... The fan was way too wide and blowing out the paint, I also need to release the cap on top of the paint cup otherwise a vacuum is cased starving the gun of paint. Went out this morning and laid down 4 coats. Going to see what happen with wet sanding and compound. If still not happy I'll strip and do 2 pack.
Huge improvement. I just hope you don't get too much dust/bugs sticking to it. Is always a good feeling when you do something yourself rather than pay someone.
Right finally starting get somewhere A little TLC and patience sanding and its starting to polish up nice. Starting to get excited about driving the car again. Time to start sourcing some bits and pieces to finish the car
Right so I have been getting on with restoration. Its been a tough road and I have learned so much. Its not perfect but its not bad for a respray in the back garden. The main concern is how hardwearing the acrylic paint will be. Its not quite finished......needs some small bits sorted out and need a rear wing and cut and buff the bumpers and redo the bonnet but overall i am pretty happy. I just couldn't wait any longer so I had to go for a little spin round the neighbourhood. I haven't driven it for nearly 5 months and boy are these cars a little scary!!!!!!! Got to love these cars!!!! Some pics while out for a spin round the block.
nothing wrong with that paintwork from here, looks good......so long as your happy and proud to cruise in it, thats all that matters! nice work mate
A few more shots after giving the car a wash!! Pretty happy with the result. Still got roof trims and a couple of other bits to do. Unfortunately a coolant leak has developed and I think its the "Bastard" hose Never a dull moment Beavis
