Blog update

I was thinking over the weekend that I'd not updated this blog, and judging by the post dates I was right!! I think it's because the last few weeks have just been the same thing, paint. I knew it would take a while, both to apply it and to finish it. 

Each weekend that passes by I do question my approach of coach painting. However this weekend I finally got to a point where I could see what it was going to be like. 

As with previous steps the boot lid was the first view of what will be. A nice matt surface ready for final compound and polish. It's not absolutely perfect but it's a load better than it was. This was 3000 grit, after having 600, 1000 and 2000 applied first.

This is midway through the process, with the right side of the seam up to 3000 grit and the left side still at 600. This photo also shows the main drawback to fibreglass bodies, they just don't get as flat as metal can. The wing is really flat as you might expect, but the ripples in the body are not going anywhere.

Taking a step back though, at 600 grit I had brought the car out and checked for issues. The main issues were bits I've missed, but thankfully by the time I'd taken the front through the various grades it all flattened off well. 

I guess I just need to carry on going, I've done from the bonnet edge forwards up to 3000 so I just need to work backwards now. With the 600 grit it was certainly easier, the bonnet is actually a decent percentage of surface so I'd estimate I'm passed halfway. Once it's all at 3000 I'll get the compound out and go all over it again. 

My neighbour asked me about waxing it, and it seemed like a sensible last step. However a quick check on the internet suggests wax is very old fashioned! The current gloss of choice is a ceramic coating. Given that I'd be buying some wax anyway I might as well embrace the future and get some of this posh new stuff. It's not overly expensive for the 'middle ground' stuff, I'll probably stay with Meguiars as it reviews quite well. Alternatively I do have some GTechniq left over from a previous task and while it's not enough to do the whole car I could give it a go and see if it still works.

I also made a boot lock and striker plate, a drawn and 3D printed mechanism that does the job. It wouldn't stop anyone from opening the boot and taking whatever was in there, but it at least keeps the boot shut and tight. I just need to fix it in place. I did find an interesting thing on the internet though, someone had put a lockbox in their car, chain locked to the chassis. That seems like a sensible thing to do, just to have somewhere secure. If I ever take the car to work it would be nice to have somewhere to stow my laptop.