703 replies to this topic

[notna]

A little bit of Easter progress... less than I had hoped, but I'm tired and would rather be out and about for my Easter break, than sniffing welding gas and grinding dust.

I started by working on the previously hidden "band-aid" repair.

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A nice incision all the way around the wound, and it is removed.

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Then I took the removed section and overlaid it on a mint section of another guard, marking it out and taking my replacement piece.

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More on that repair section later.....

Next was the underside of the exact same rust repair. This one had no band-aid, and was still an open wound.

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So using the same section of mint guard, I took a repair piece the same size.

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The beauty of using this, is that it is the exact same profile as original, not a fabricated piece that will look different. You can see what I mean here... and why exactly does the inner part of the guard need that shape anyway?

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Working from the top side, I welded that one into place, and lightly dressed the weld. Over the top I will weld the outer skin piece, and after a light grind and file, it should be back to new, both sides, with no dirty band-aid slapped over the top.

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And finally,..... after spending a day sucking in welding fumes and grinding dust, nothing beats a cold beer! Sadly for me on this day.... My beer died a lonely death in the freezer :(

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I must remember to NOT get distracted after a long day in the man cave!

Edited by notna, 08 April 2012 - 12:57 PM.

[notna]

Still progressing with these 2 guards.....

Cleaned up the inside of both guards, did a little seam sealing, and gave them a good hit of stoneguard, because we all love that stuff right!!

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Then gave the outside a nice lick of epoxy primer. I tried very hard to file finish these, after removing a fair wack of bog and tapping out the little dents. The wheel arch of one was previously partly formed with bog, but I managed to reshape it with hammer and dolly. I was really pleased with the way it all turned out, but it did still need a very small skim of filler.

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I'll guide coat these and block them back next weekend, then prime them.

[torana_nick]

mate those guards look like they just come out from factory. i am wrestling with my guards atm as well.. keep up the good work mate!!!

[notna]

I had a shit of a time with front guards. At first I was thinking of ditching both and buying decent replacements. I couldn't find ANYTHING in Sydney that was immaculate and rust free. Then I decided to repair my own, but needed other guards to cut decent bits from.

In the end, I used 1 original guard and 1 ebay replacement, plus bits from 2 MINT UC guards (why don't they rust huh?) and a third LX guard. I file finished the bare metal and repaired guards as best I could. LOTS of hours in these, but i'm really happy with them and will put them on my SL/R with pride!

Lee.... ur a dreamer!
Nick, cheers mate!

[LHSL]

Great work Anton. I had one of my guards repaired by a beater at west ryde. let me tell you your job would have been much better on the hip pocket.
If you get sick of doing panel beating work the guy I have used is a genious and reasonably priced too (and around the corner).
Phillip

[hanra]

http://m.supercheapa...Portable/203792

[notna]

Yep they are the same stands, but off eBay I paid $50 for 2 An asset for all this panel work I can tell you!

Cheers for the comments guys. Today I guide coated and blocked back the hi-fill primer. I love it when you start blocking back, and all the high and low spots become visible, and then gone (if you have enough hi-fill). It's satisfying knowing that the panel is that straight!

Here is hi-filled and guide coated panel, enjoying some sunshine....

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Here is what you see when you begin to block it back. The high and low spots are well defined.

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And when it is (nearly) finished, you can see how damn flat and straight it is.

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I was explaining to a neighbor today that 99% of people will judge your car by how shinny and straight it is. So investing the time (and money) into panel work is WELL worth it.

On the weekend I will prime these again and then put them away, waiting for final colour, when I do the whole car at once.

[notna]

I just use a cork block..... been using just that for the last 10 years. Happy to be recommended something good though!

[hanra]

You got more patience then me!!!!

[notna]

Oh and I'm still getting my jollies from this, while not getting them from the Juicy Papaya Fruit....

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[lxsstorana]

Oh and I'm still getting my jollies from this, while not getting them from the Juicy Papaya Fruit....

Stop bragging (as we're getting jealous) and get back to work on the Torana.

Edited by lxsstorana, 27 April 2012 - 02:57 PM.

[notna]

G'day Paul. Cheers for the feedback on my resto mate. Much appreciated.

In regard to sand or soda.... I know what I prefer, but it really comes down to your budget, your expectations and ability. Sand will rip into paint, bog and rust, which will make it easier for you in the long run, but it can also blast holes where you never expected them to be. Soda is much more gentle on panels, but leaves you with a little more work in removing bog and rust.

I honestly believe that anything is repairable. Not much scares me in regard to work and repairs. I enjoy the challenges!

Now that you have introduced yourself I will be sure to follow your progress on this forum!

EDIT: Driver side engine bay plate came from an eBay seller. It was $80. I never saw any, ever, then there were heaps on eBay about a year ago, now I don't see any again! Just keep an eye out on there and one will hopefully pop up.

Edited by notna, 28 April 2012 - 05:07 PM.

[notna]

Appreciate the block tips there! I have always wondered how they would go, having seen them used in resto DVD's and the like. Are they all soft, or softer than a cork block?

More progress today. I finally have these guards at a stage where I can put them back to rest and move on to another panel. I'm thinking the front apron next, but that's down the track. First, the finishing of the guards.....

After the first block back, the high and low spots became much more apparent. There weren't that many though mond you, but the few that were visible, WERE VISIBLE!

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So I had to skim fill these and then smooth over.

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Then I blocked both guards back again...

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And was VERY happy with how they came out. I could tell from studying the surface hard, that these were as good as I could ever get them. Sooooo...... they got the primer treatment. 2K Hi-Fill. Very niiiiice.

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And now I can put them away in this state, ready for colour later on, and move onto the next mini project. That will be coming soon.....

[notna]

I will give them a go. Always wondered.....

I can see the benefit of of some flex, especially with the sometimes complex shape of some panels!