ACOTE's 68 2000

[S Allen]

Looking forward to seeing it in paint. Looking good.

S

[ACote]

Thanks! Now that I have a plan I'll be knocking it out step by step to get closer.
was suggested to put rubberized undercoating on the fenders to have some prevention against rocks denting it outwards. Picked up a spray can and some more primer from Ned's autobody supply.

and a few coats of black rust preventative then a layer of chassis paint for the inner fender.

going to be so much easier to keep it clean in there. There was quite a bit of dirt stuck in the fender.
Finished the body work on this fender. Will throw some primer on tonight then knock out the other side next weekend.

[ACote]

Getting closer. Removed drivers fender, cleaned up and painted the inner fender. One bolt did not want to come out.

Filled all the small pinholes like here:

Little work to do in the morning got to cut off the bottom triangle here. After cleaning it out looks like I got lucky its only the bottom.

Since it was too loud to cut metal I got started taping her up

Got to fix the rust then primer the whole thing one last time tomorrow.

[2mAn]

Oh man!... Getting so close to laying down paint... reminds me how bad I hate and will continue to avoid body work haha You're braver than I... however I will say, when I finally got my bumpers painted and some fresh body parts on my last E30, it was absolutely lovely... My current E30 needs a paintjob too, but Im not dealing with it myself

[ACote]

Oh man!... Getting so close to laying down paint... reminds me how bad I hate and will continue to avoid body work haha You're braver than I... however I will say, when I finally got my bumpers painted and some fresh body parts on my last E30, it was absolutely lovely... My current E30 needs a paintjob too, but Im not dealing with it myself

Being so close to paint is very motivating. Going to be done and driving all winter. Love the look of E30's, I've got orders to Germany next year and I hope I can find a cool BMW for a fun 4 door. Plans for the Datsun would be to take it with me, definitely not selling so worst case would be storage near family. I'll have to stock up on parts before shipping it.

This morning finished some repairs:
Cardboard is a nice mock up/template

Not pretty but hidden. If anyone is looking to do some welding on these cars never use flux core. I should've picked up an argon bottle/if I had more welding.

Other side for comparison:

more cardboard

Metal bent with some ugly tacks

Actually came out really nice! Sprayed the backside with some paint through the upper holes.

[ACote]

well not the last coat of primer, but close. While it was wet it revealed a few very small dents so some final finishing left. Got started but called it a night.
New Cap looks nice. Nice enough for a door jamb, way better than the rusty mess. Drain must have been clogged and some water rusted it out.

Small dents. Easy fix with glazing putty.

Looking pretty good.


Thanks RCmike for the rear end examples. Lots of subtle curves joining the flat tail light panel.

[bossbob]

Your car is looking really good, can't wait til I get mine that close.

[S Allen]

Yes, looking real good. You going to get it painted before you transfer to your new duty station?

S

[ACote]

Yes, looking real good. You going to get it painted before you transfer to your new duty station?

S

Yep! Just ran out to autozone to buy some tack rags. I somehow lost mine that I ordered back in February
Got it block sanded to 220 this morning then a final coat of primer. I was very happy with the guide coat showing it pretty straight now.
Going to sand up to 400 and clean clean clean tonight. Got some thick plastic sheets to staple to prep for paint tomorrow. Going to paint the body and roll it in the driveway after some time to harden. Then I'll have plenty of space to finish body work on the last fender and paint it all up. Shouldn't be any color variations painting apart since it's not a metallic.

[S Allen]

Looking forward to seeing it in color.

S

[bossbob]

Feels like Christmas eve, can't wait to see it............

[pebbles]

Tack rags are VERY tacky right out of the package and will leave residue on the primer. I take them out, unfold them, loosely wad them up, and tack the mask paper multiple times, even picking up the sanded primer duff to "dry" them up a bit, prior to paint.
Throw a chain over the rear axle, making contact with the floor, prior to final sanding, clean prep and wipe.

[ACote]

Tack rags are VERY tacky right out of the package and will leave residue on the primer. I take them out, unfold them, loosely wad them up, and tack the mask paper multiple times, even picking up the sanded primer duff to "dry" them up a bit, prior to paint.
Throw a chain over the rear axle, making contact with the floor, prior to final sanding, clean prep and wipe.

Thanks! I didn't even know that. Residue now would've broken my heart. Chain for static? Couldn't hurt.

Feels like Christmas eve, can't wait to see it............

I'm excited too. Not expecting it to be perfect, but my last coats of primer were great! I've really got the feel for adjusting the gun and spraying paint.
I'll be driving her with a smile no matter how it comes out.

[ACote]

Few Pics of today's work
Sanded down and ready to go. Put some plastic sheeting up to prevent dust from my messy garage. Didn't have a problem with dust while primering but don't want to take a chance. I have a fan with a filter pulling air from the front of the garage and a exhaust fan going out the side door. Going to give it one more look over in the morning then prep.Getting it straightened up and mop the floor.

[ACote]

Color is done! 3 coats and looking nice. Giving a bit to dry then checking for gnats or anything that'll need touch up before clear coat.
First pic is after the first light coat. If you see any primer showing through rest assured I got it lol

Terrible lighting for pictures.

Drying out pretty smooth!