Work has begun...Topcat

[mopar12372]

 :iagree:i vote yes to the at home spray booth.

[buddydog]

Mike,
You've been so patient and thorough throughout the build so far, I have every faith you could build the backyard setup and pull of a fine paint job. If you are going base/clear bear in mind that wet/color sanding will make a huge difference!

G

[Topcat]

Drove out to Hollister and bought the paint today.
2 1/2 gals base B2
2 gallons DT870 reducer
1 Gallon Transtar clear w/activator for the underside and interior.

I'll get PPG clear later on for the outside and engine compartment.

I got a few more things left to do.
Bear with me as I'm going crazy inside just realizing how close it is to start painting.

[joelson6]

i just used PPG to cut in my '74 challenger. it came out real nice!

PS..... i did it right in my driveway ( i can do that where i live  )

[Sean]

Mike,
You've got to be chomping at the bit to get the color laid down.  Can't wait to see it in paint!

Sean

[EB3-GranCoupe]

 

[johns cuda shop]

cant wait to see it in color. Great work!

[Topcat]

Looks like I will be delayed now on getting paint work started.

RF fender is an OEM 71 Cuda fender.
Overall pretty nice but has some issues on the bodyline just under the Louvers. The body line fades out right before the louver area to right after it.About 5-7 inches. 

I'm not a pro on a situation like this. So I have a body guy coming out to evaluate it.
Would like to try and save this fender if possible.
Plan B is get another fender.

[Sean]

Bummer to hear about the setback, Mike.  But, it's best to get it taken care of now before paint.  Hope the body guy has good news for you!

Sean

[buddydog]

Alright Dag-Nabit! How are things going up there? You are my inspiration and I haven't had an update in a few weeks.

G

[Topcat]

I just met with a painter 2 days ago. He's in Union City. The guy in Salinas hasn't shown interest in coming out to see it. We are going to meet next Saturday at my car to discuss doing everything at his booth. I just don't feel I can handle everything from this point on all by myself and have it done the way I want it. It's just too much to tape and final block for one person and get it all done in a 48-72 hr. period.

Meanwhile the P/S fender has become a thorn in my butt. I really want to save it since it's an original rolled lipped 71'cuda fender. Something in it's past must've kicked up behind the tire and slammed into the wheel lip. Then someone did some metalwork after that. The metal over the top of the wheel doesn't act like it has it's original forged strength in it like it should be.  I keep getting small high spots everytime I do a skin coat and block out. Especially right on the wheel whell lip as it ascends upward is the real issue. I don't want to work on it anymore.

Still waiting for new door weatherstrips for final loaded weighted door alignment prior to booth day. 3 weeks I've waited for them now. 8/6 is ETA. Left rear exhaust panel will be looked into over this week-end for a better flush fit.

[Topcat]

Here's the issues I was mentioning about.
I had to build up the bodyline between the green lines twice to get the right bodyline to stand out and merge into where it's alright.
.
The red lines are the areas that keep having high spots re-appearing after I block.
The fender is alot better than it was before.

Options:
Buy the new AMD coming out and gamble on how good AMD's will be out in Sept.?
Let the painter/body guy tackle it? Maybe he could do better.
Or keep at it? It is close and finish it up.

[Cuda Cody]

I can not tell for sure if it's filler or a reflection, but I would for sure have your painter look that area over before he paints it.  It looks like you have a spot that still needs some work.  I drew a straight body line and put an orange line under the spot that looks off to me.

[Topcat]

I can not tell for sure if it's filler or a reflection, but I would for sure have your painter look that area over before he paints it.  It looks like you have a spot that still needs some work.  I drew a straight body line and put an orange line under the spot that looks off to me.

Orange line is just a reflection.

I've built it up, primered, blocked, and sanded it too many times now.
It's close.

The bodyline still needs a final tape and block.
For now, I'm taking a break on that bodyline. I'm wasting too much time on it.
I don't want it to go back down after building it up.

I think you're right and let him/them tackle it.
All the filler on this fender is less than a nickel thickness so that's why I keep going for it.

[Topcat]

Some good news!

P/s Fender line is back.
My original painter in Salinas is willing to pick up my car and deliver it back.

Blocking 320/400 today and had no issues arise. 
ETA to paint booth is now looking like 2-3 weeks away now.
Maybe 4 at the latest.

I'm gonna have him paint it and can the whole idea of DIY in the backyard.
Just too much to risk due to dust and dirt and not enough work area to pull it off.