Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

I hate you guys... well, not really. Just jealous I suppose .

Then again, I would have to realize that a car restored to that level would not work well for me and how I personally enjoy my car. When I think about the dirt roads, rock chips, minor accidents or incidents that my car has incurred over the years, I would cringe just getting the undercarriage dirty! I truly admire the work done and how this will place the Roadster in better standing/admiration among the masses... it's a beautiful car and in my favorite color.

Shamus980 wrote: Thu Jan 03, 2019 7:48 am Nevermind Mike. I recognized that name. Pat (dynaguy). His supply is sold out., he’s retired, I believe I spoke to him months ago and he sent me in the right direction. Thanks anyways... shamus.

http://www.datsun-roadster-parts.com/

Paul Wells purchased a bulk quantity of the high quality fasteners from me. Not sure if he has put the bolt packs together, but I know he has plans to offer them. Hit him up at the above website.

Pat

Thanks for the continued inspiration and motivation, Michael.

spriso wrote: Thu Jan 03, 2019 12:36 am
And now the color sanding can begin-- seems weird, but this is how we get the ultra fine finish on the exterior of the car.

The car was painted a couple weeks ago, with 3 layers of tinted primer, 3 layers of black paint, and 5 coats of clear. After 48-hours the top coat of clear was sanded down, and left open for 2-weeks to allow the paint to outgas and breathe. Jayme starts with 800-grit sand paper, then goes to 1000, 1500, 2000, and then finally 3000 grit. This will be a month long process, with him being very methodical, taking his time, and making sure that everything is perfect. You may note that he does not sand close to the edges-- that will occur in the final stages of sanding, so not to burn thru the paint.

Michael

I'm guessing this isn't your typical Maaco process, but is this only high-end concours?

Do you have a WAG on the completion date?

Thanks for the comments-- it's a great project and I am very fortunate to have some skilled resources making the magic happen!

Pete-- there is no estimated completion date for this project, we have several projects all going on at once, and really, the hard work is ahead of us on this one...

More updates when I have them soon!

Michael

oh man the jealousy is strong!!!
Can I be the one to place that final piece de resistance license plate trim against that paint

Excellent standard of work, nothing better than looking at a freshly painted car body.
Await the updates with interest....

Michael
[/quote]
I'm guessing this isn't your typical Maaco process, but is this only high-end concours?

Any paint can be wet sanded and buffed out if there is enough paint on the car. I did multiple shade tree "restorations" for many folks (at least 3) as well as my own car using yes, Earl Scheib as my painting company. I made friends with the painter and owner, asked them to put on a few extra coats of clear, and I wet sanded and buffed those $400 dollar paint job cars into black, blue, and red mirrors that looked like I spent 10xs as much. The body work is where it is at, but again I am not a professional nor did I have professional tools other than a good variable speed buffer and the correct pads/materials, and some patience. You can do the same! One car I did that was not done at ES was so bad it looked like undercoating after he sprayed it, came out like a black mirror with hours of wet sanding and buffing... well worth it!

spriso wrote: Thu Jan 03, 2019 12:36 am And now the color sanding can begin-- seems weird, but this is how we get the ultra fine finish on the exterior of the car.

The car was painted a couple weeks ago, with 3 layers of tinted primer, 3 layers of black paint, and 5 coats of clear. After 48-hours the top coat of clear was sanded down, and left open for 2-weeks to allow the paint to outgas and breathe. Jayme starts with 800-grit sand paper, then goes to 1000, 1500, 2000, and then finally 3000 grit. This will be a month long process, with him being very methodical, taking his time, and making sure that everything is perfect. You may note that he does not sand close to the edges-- that will occur in the final stages of sanding, so not to burn thru the paint.

Michael

ppeters914 wrote: Thu Jan 03, 2019 9:46 pm I'm guessing this isn't your typical Maaco process, but is this only high-end concours?

Gregs672000 wrote: Fri Jan 04, 2019 5:39 pm Any paint can be wet sanded and buffed out if there is enough paint on the car. I did multiple shade tree "restorations" for many folks (at least 3) as well as my own car using yes, Earl Scheib as my painting company. I made friends with the painter and owner, asked them to put on a few extra coats of clear, and I wet sanded and buffed those $400 dollar paint job cars into black, blue, and red mirrors that looked like I spent 10xs as much. The body work is where it is at, but again I am not a professional nor did I have professional tools other than a good variable speed buffer and the correct pads/materials, and some patience. You can do the same! One car I did that was not done at ES was so bad it looked like undercoating after he sprayed it, came out like a black mirror with hours of wet sanding and buffing... well worth it!

So I guess you run the danger of burning through (and creating a bigger problem) if you don't know how many coats of primer/color/clear the painter put on, correct?

Thunder Black

The body's done-- well, paint wise. It will be delivered back to spriso.hq this weekend so reassembly can continue. I took a couple photos tonight, but they just don't do it justice...







I will get some better shots this weekend...

Michael

Holy Schnykies!

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh, drooling on the floor... as Cartman would say " I hate you guys...". Simply beautiful. You can just smell the fresh paint, feel the excitement of what's to come. Ya, hate you guys... . More please!

Is that an orange and white 69 SS Camaro reflecting so brilliantly in the black beautifulness?

Pardon the profanity but......HOT DAMN.......she's a beauty!!!!!!!!!

ppeters914 wrote: Fri Jan 04, 2019 5:54 pm So I guess you run the danger of burning through (and creating a bigger problem) if you don't know how many coats of primer/color/clear the painter put on, correct?

Probable. Pete, if you burn thru primer, PUT THE POLISHER DOWN and walk away.....

Mid-April Update

Project Unicorn has been delivered back to Spriso HQ, and it is stunning! Photos don't do it justice...





For now, the body waits a few final details to be finished on the chassis, and then the engine and transmission to come back from the builder, as we will put the body back on after the power train is installed.

The U20 is being built by Joe Harlan of Top Tech Motorsports in Portland-- Joe is a long-time Datsun Roadster racer and has a lot of experience building U20 engines-- nothing exotic going on with this build, just back to OEM specs-- here are a few shots that he recently sent me:







More soon,

Michael