Project "My Happy Mess"

[Low Elco]

Shoooo-wee that's nice! Great work!
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[litew8]

Thanks

[mcbassin]

I love how a series of pictures like that make it look like child's play In reality it took a bunch of time to tape off, paint, tape off, etc. etc.

One other question, did you do any sanding after the base coat or just go right to clear after the appropriate time? I have read where some guys actually do some sanding to remove any flaws that may have happened. It doesn't look like you had any runs or issues like I usually do.

thanks

[Low Elco]

You cant do that with metallics-the sanding scratches will show. I usually go straight from base to clear, just tack REALLLY well before starting the clear. You can Fix base by wetsanding with 600-800, then blend your base back over before clearing.

[litew8]

It probably took 4hrs to tape/mask. Not bad. You just have to be meticulous, then double check to make sure everything is good to go. He shot the primer, paint and clear in sessions with 15-20 minutes in between to allow what he sprayed to flash/dry before applying the next. Like Elco mentioned, tack the paint on the last coat really well before shooting the clear. Like shown in the pictures above, he wiped it down with the tack cloth and lots of over spray came off.

It took probably close to 3 hours to spray, mask off the white, and spray again. My brother thinks this is probably the best paint job he's done to date. Definitely more challenging/work due to the two tone.


Oh, and he's mentioned to me before - "always shoot dry, never wet". I'd think it's either dry or dryer if needing to adjust.

[litew8]

We're looking to buy a new small car. Can anybody give a review on the Fiat 500? Know someone that owns one and what they think, insight or how it's held up. Thanks!

[Dieselwrencher]

Your paint job turned out awesome Litew8!!! I can't help you on info on the Fiat. Sorry.

[litew8]

Thanks Ryan The small car is for another brother of mine. We've been looking at what's available and drove some today. So far, he likes the Fiat 500 over the Honda Fit and Ford Fiesta. I know they're all probably throw away cars essentially. We'll check out the Chevy Sonic tomorrow.

[Low Elco]

A friend's chick has one-she likes it.

[litew8]

Has which? Hope that's not a dig buddy.

[Low Elco]

Ummm, no? She has a '12 Fiat 500. Not much trouble from it, she seems to enjoy it. Just trying to help.
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[litew8]

Cool. You threw me there with the "friend's chick" - not sure it matters. Anyway, he ended up buying the Sonic LTS

[litew8]

1st sub-compact made in U.S.A. (less engine)
"In government crash testing, the Sonic received a perfect five stars for overall protection, with five stars for overall frontal protection and five stars for overall side protection"

[litew8]

Door guts and windows back in pics up later.

[litew8]

[oldman3]

Loooooooking sweeeeet...Jim

[Dieselwrencher]

Very nice!!

[litew8]

Thanks We'll be finishing up the cab (grill, etc...) and then I'll take it up the street for alignment (yes, without the bed).

[mcbassin]

Paint looks great! very nice color combination.

[litew8]

Thanks Mike! I think it has a real industrial look to it.

[litew8]

Moved it out today and gave it a wash (with Dawn dish soap, not pictured). Nice sound, quick response.
With fresh color, it really looks, moves and sounds like a nice little race truck.

That's what I'm talkin about! Of course the sun wouldn't come out

[Dieselwrencher]

It sure looks nice! You and your brother do great work!

[litew8]

Thanks

[oldman3]

Looks great...Jim

[litew8]

Thanks I'll see about shooting a video when I take it out on its maiden voyage to the alignment shop. I'll even video the police if I get stopped.