Kiwi 1971 Cuda.

[tony 73]

Thanks redo 1973.

Purchased 2lt of B5 and today was the day to try out my skills . Got a vinyl top going on so stared with the roof. Got a bit worried as this metallic just wanted to run . Had to much paint flow, once I had  reduced this and spayed lighter coats the results I wanted appeared. Am very happy  with the results in the engine bay, took 4 light coats but hay got there in the end. Get the clear on soon and it should look fantastic. Am expecting 1 or 2 runs , hopefully in hard to see places. A light mist coat to start should help .

[70chall440]

Looks good 

[redo1973]

Love that metallic sheen.  What kind of clear do you intend to spray - flat, satin, gloss? I went with a flat and it looks cool but I'm thinking the gloss would have been better for cleaning and pop.

[tony 73]

Thanks guys.
I am no painter, and when I opened the can 2 thoughts closed my mind, WOW what amazing colour and how on earth am I going to spray this  .
I had used a Dupont gloss clear last time but it does not exist anymore.  Used a Cromax full gloss one that paint rep said gives better results. It had Made in China on it so was a bit worried .  Put it on today and it did like to run, took my time in the engine bay and fantastic  result. No bugs landed on it and only slight orange peel.
Will get in the trunk next week.
I have used 1.5 litres on paint( 1: 0. and  about the same clear ( 3: 1) . The paint was $300 NZ (200 US).
I could have her back on her feet real soon, rear quarters just need guide coat and final sand which I could do when its on wheels.
B5 Blue looks so good.

[70chall440]

Great job.

[redo1973]

Wow, nice job.  I wished that i had done more painting.  It must feel great to see your hard work coming together.

[tony 73]

Thanks.

Does feel like I am nearly there, I am excited about putting parts back on the car. I had hoped to be further along but I am not to stressed either. The weather is getting cooler so need to get this painting done. Daytime temps are still around 70F so all good. I do enjoy the painting but I am so slow and way too fussy trying to get paint in every nook and cranny. Do it once and do it properly .

My nephews project has been taking up my time also , so much hidden rust. Will be putting ig lots of time over next 2 weeks as it is school holidays.

[70chall440]

You are busy for sure. Looks good.

[tony 73]

Had couple of great weather days o more painting.
The trunk is so awkward but was rewarded with the result. The rest of the body will be done by a pro. I got inside of doors, guards, hood and trunk to do.

[70chall440]

looks awesome. I definitely know what you are saying about spraying inside the trunk, very challenging to get full coverage.

[tony 73]

Cheers mate,
 I am way to fussy at times, nobody is ever going to stick their head in the trunk and look in far corners, but that doesn't stop me trying to get paint there, I hate looking back and saying I should have . The satisfaction out weights the effort required.

[redo1973]

Very nice.  As many have said the original assembly of these cars were so poor.  This extra effort on detail will benefit your far into the future.  It's been a year for me and I have signs of rust coloration on small things like bolts and such that I now want to address. Never ending project but still a joy to drive.

[tony 73]

 I like your thinking, bit of effort now and reap rewards later. Always jobs to do, my other car has the same signs of age you mention , just part of owing a piece of history.

More paint 

Was planning on painting the trunk but was about to drill holes for Go Wing and the lid I have is not a 71 and therefore the frame is the wrong shape meaning the support brackets don't fit. I am going to have to fabricate some larger ones with help from a friend.

[70chall440]

Coming along nicely

[Cudaragtop]