400 replies to this topic

[stuart bowes]

the first application of actual body-coloured paint has occurred - we are going with BRG

 

just rattle tins in the arches and on the sill for now

 

 

 

pics as painting in process - I ended up using 3 tins to get a good even 4 coats for this side.

 

just over 2 tins for about 3 coats did seem like it was enough, but I didn't want to skimp on it so I finished off the 3rd tin for good measure

 

using these paints. I don't know about 'recommend' as such as I'm no expert but the spray pattern was wide and even, and the nozzles didn't block so they worked well

 

 

a note on the surface finish for anyone who was curious after I painted the gravitex on by brush:

 

 

 

the brush strokes are fairly obviously visible, I would have preferred a sort of 'stippled' or grainular kind of finish but I'm content with it as it is (protection from the elements being the main concern in these areas)

 

others might prefer to focus a little more on the direction and evenness of brush stroke for the gravitex, if that sort of thing concerns you

Edited by stuart bowes, 07 September 2024 - 08:06 PM.

[timmy850]

The Sprite type manifold is normally a 20 degree angle, and they have matching 20 degree fuel bowl angle adapters. Minis normally use 30 degree manifolds and fuel bowls for a bit more clearance

[stuart bowes]

Ah that's useful to know thanks, will look further into that much appreciated

[Sunnymini]

read from start over last 2 days at work ahahahhaha, making good progress! its looking good.

[stuart bowes]

cheers :) were the pictures loading ok?  I've noticed imgbb can be a bit hit and miss, starting to think of using a different server 

[Sunnymini]

yeah didn't have any issues, all ok.

[stuart bowes]

Been a bit busy lately but time for an update such as it is

 

Turned car over to other side, cleaned out and wirebrushed front wheel arch, kurusted for good measure although nothing more than surface rust found

 

 

 

made the arch/A panel joining piece same as the other side, welded in 

 

 

 

gave it a good seam sealing, using the much easier method of rubber glove and smearing it in with fingers (using a brush just makes a lot of mess)

 

and then today I finished off the stone chip on that side (brushed on again as before)

 

 

once that's dry I can do the BRG paint, rub down and re-paint a few bits of the black truck bed paint that didn't go on as nicely as I wanted, get the edges all tidied up with with a small brush just because I'm pedantic like that, and we can start fitting pipes ready for the subframes to go on

 

in the mean time, I did also give the old wheels a bit of a clean up and had some new (old) outdated tyres from ebay fitted just for the purpose of rolling it around later on.  the tyre man wasn't really happy about fitting them and I had to assure him they would never see use on the road, that's fair enough really he was just doing his job

 

 

I didn't want to go straight to new tyres because a) they'd be sitting around for ages getting flat spots and getting old for no reason b) they're expensive and c) actually I'm not sure if I'm even going to be using these rims 

Edited by stuart bowes, 04 November 2024 - 01:57 PM.

[Rubbershorts]

the first application of actual body-coloured paint has occurred - we are going with BRG

 

just rattle tins in the arches and on the sill for now

 

 

 

pics as painting in process - I ended up using 3 tins to get a good even 4 coats for this side.

 

just over 2 tins for about 3 coats did seem like it was enough, but I didn't want to skimp on it so I finished off the 3rd tin for good measure

 

using these paints. I don't know about 'recommend' as such as I'm no expert but the spray pattern was wide and even, and the nozzles didn't block so they worked well

 

 

a note on the surface finish for anyone who was curious after I painted the gravitex on by brush:

 

 

 

the brush strokes are fairly obviously visible, I would have preferred a sort of 'stippled' or grainular kind of finish but I'm content with it as it is (protection from the elements being the main concern in these areas)

 

others might prefer to focus a little more on the direction and evenness of brush stroke for the gravitex, if that sort of thing concerns you

 

 

Hi Stuart. Just doing a similar thing with my rear arches. Have you finished them just in the spray cans paint, or did you lacquer afterwards? 

 

Thanks, Daz.

[stuart bowes]

I actually haven't done a clear coat, no, I've been thinking about it though

 

currently both sides are painted green, and it's still up on its side ready to be dropped down and subframes fitted (pipes are on)

 

it's a good question, I might well put some on yeah

Edited by stuart bowes, 29 January 2025 - 01:52 PM.

[Rubbershorts]

I actually haven't done a clear coat, no, I've been thinking about it though

 

currently both sides are painted green, and it's still up on its side ready to be dropped down and subframes fitted (pipes are on)

 

it's a good question, I might well put some on yeah

Another option I've been considering. There's a build on here somewhere, can't find it again to give more details, but the guy has brushed on a true two pack spray paint for added resilience. I popped down to our local paint supplier to buy some but it wasn't an option in metallic paint for some reason. He said an alternative would be to choose a very close solid colour instead, as this wouldn't really show under the car. I already have some rattle cans of my colour so I'm torn between the two. Metallic with a lacquer, or a close solid colour two pack, brushed on. He did say that he didn't see much point in the lacquer in that area. People say a lot of things though, hence my question.

Edited by Rubbershorts, 29 January 2025 - 03:18 PM.

[stuart bowes]

Exactly that yeah I'm debating if there's any point as well