So, yesterday was the big day to start painting. It was suppose to be one of that last days with temperatures above freezing, so I had to make the most of it. I started off by clearing out the garage, to get as much space as possible. I bought 6 clear sheets (9x12ft) to cover all my tools, the new garage door etc. I pressure washed my frame and differential, and used Marine Clean degreaser as recommended by POR-15. I then applied the Metal Ready to the frame. After about 30mins of waiting, it became clear that the temperature needed to be higher in order for the Metal Ready to take effect. So, I put my 2 propane heaters on the frame, and slowly heated up the frame, one spot at a time in order for the metal ready to turn a cloudy white powder. The then hosed it off.
This is what the powder looks like for those who would like to know:
I was able to position 3 ladders so that I could suspend parts to be painted. All of these little parts were cleaned/ etched in a sink in my basement.
Before painted, I had to run the heaters for about 45mins to get the garage up to temperature. I shut they off before painting to avoid a potential explosion. I used my spray gun to apply the paint. My compressor is a decent compressor, even though its 30 years old, and it is able to recover and turn off, even with continuous spraying. But after about 5 on/ off cycles, when the motor would try to start up, it would blow the breaker on my. (breaker on a power bar). So, that slowed me down a bit, because I had to stop for a couple minutes whenever my compressor would blow the breaker.
Fenders and scuttle ready for paint:
I got my first coat on Tues night at about 12am, after spending 10hours preparing for it. Yesterday (Wed), I got home around noon, and proceeded to flip the frame upside down and paint the bottom. By 10pm last night, I flipped the frame back around, and did another 1/2 coat on the top, finishing up all the paint I had. I bought 1 quart and a 4OZ can.
After every coat, I'd open up the garage door, and let the fumes out, then put the heaters back on the frame to help the paint dry. The smell wasn't bad in the garage, but it definably managed to stink up the house.
Despite my best efforts to stay clean from the paint, while cleaning up my gun, I spilled paint all over my hands and right arm. I was so frustrated. This stuff does not come off. Looks like I will have black hands for the next couple weeks.
I'll take a picture of them later.
I have to wait till Sat afternoon till I can start putting things back together. I have all the supplies needed to start the body work, so I will most likely do that first. This is what is looked like last night just after the last coat:
I know its a bad picture, because of all the mist in the air, but its the only one I have.
In all, there were 30 parts painted. The frame, fenders, differential, scuttle, a-arms, etc
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"The decision to build a car is not one reached through a rational mindset. It is a decision that is made because we have to do it! It makes no sense, but neither does love, children and taxes" -Sam Buchanan
My Build Log:
http://www.locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=3054
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