After a
short pause last week saw the start of the last stage of the paint
preparations. That means the bonnet, boot lid and doors will be prepared in
readiness for their final colour coat. But before the primer can be applied the
old paint, filler and primer need to be removed from the bonnet and boot lid
first. Because with these two panels the frames are glued to the outer skin.
This means that pyrolysis can't be used here, as this method will also remove
the glue. And it is pretty difficult to get the glue back in place without
removing the outer skin. Time for a formic acid based cleaner and some elbow
grease to remove the paint from the outside ...
A messy
job indeed where decent protective clothing and decent ventilation is an
absolute must. But on a positive note, this method enabled us a good insight in
the cars paint history. It was obvious that the original colour of the car
indeed was Pimento Red (CAB). The original paint and primer layers were still
there, together with another set of layers of primer and paint to cover it up.
Those eagle eyed among you will see the various layers in the fourth picture
above.
But this method
does give a very nice clean finish. Removing the paint on the outside of the
boot lid showed us that this had been a good choice as there were several rust "threads"
hidden underneath.
This
method of paint removal is only used on the outside of the panels though, to
prevent the acid penetrating in the seams or being soaked up by the glue. The inside
of the bonnet and boot-lid will be sanded down only, to give a smooth finish. I have seen enough paint discolouring due to chemicals that remained left behind in seams ...
No comments:
Post a Comment