Cutting and Buffing my 69 Subaru Van shot with SPI clear

2

2stroketurbo

[video=youtube;kGOlhWdAnsc]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGOlhWdAnsc[/video]
 
That is just neat, can't say I have ever seen one of these vans but the color combo is just perfect for the size.
Nice work.
 
That is awesome! Great work. Which chameleon base did you use? I remember that stuff was $4k a gallon when it first came out.
 
carson5150;34223 said:
That is awesome! Great work. Which chameleon base did you use? I remember that stuff was $4k a gallon when it first came out.
Click to expand...



I used the powder you mix into the clear over black base

http://www.tcpglobal.com/Customshop/kspearlrp.aspx

I did multiple-multiple layers, locking each color down so not to bleed. I sprayed a lot of clear, 10 coats or more. ( not kidding ) Two gallons of SPI clear went on this little tiny van. In and out. I'm SURE it's too thick. The exterior hinges split due to too many layers.

BUT: I was worried that too many layers of clear would cause lack of clarity since I used clear as color carrier.

I'm so excited! it's cutting and buffing crystal clear with not and ounce of depth loss. HOT DAM and Whew !

here's another video early on in the paint process, almost 4 years ago now. Been working on the van 9 years.

It was rolled and wrecked like a Coors light crushed beer can when I got it.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3bySDWYlUc

- - - Updated - - -

[video=youtube;I3bySDWYlUc]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3bySDWYlUc[/video]
 
You won't have any problems with that many coats of SPI clear. I've got work out there that I monitor with almost as many and one example never stays in a garage, two years on it outside with temps ranging from over 100*F in the summer to -25*F in the winter and no change, no problems-it looks as deep and glossy as day 1. SPI clears rock!
 
That is good to know and a huge relief Bob. I'm so glad the van buffs out with great depth with so many layers.

My fear lies here:

Before SPI, I over cleared the copper color of my Rambler some years ago with a cheap clear.

I have to look at it every time I drive it. Just does not have clarity or depth.

I'm afraid to cut it, afraid to buff it. Most people don't even notice. but, I sure do. Regret it terribly. It was my 1st paint job.

I chalk it up to experience


[video=youtube;3Zxbz_09d_c]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Zxbz_09d_c[/video]
 
The spi will not lose any clarity and it's designed for build like this. IMO all clears especially the high quality polyurethanes do take some time in the sun to completely cure and stabilize though, I usually give it one more polish after the first summer of use just to perfect the surface-the clarity will be unchanged. The cheaper clears often become cloudy-they don't have the clarity SPI has and that can't be cured with buffing.
 
that's what I was afraid of. My Rambler has cheap clear, although it has lots of it on it, and is cloudy in some areas. I'm afraid to cut and buff it, as it will make things worse. It really bothers me...

Here's an update on my van. It looks fantastic !

[video=youtube;9FvnuxVOMiI]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FvnuxVOMiI[/video]
 
You're doing a beautiful job my friend. Anybody who does a cut and buff on the jams is a friend of mine haha
 
Very cool sir! Care to share any lessons learned on your project? I hate buffing but it is a necessary evil
 
Bob Hollinshead;34270 said:
The spi will not lose any clarity and it's designed for build like this. IMO all clears especially the high quality polyurethanes do take some time in the sun to completely cure and stabilize though, I usually give it one more polish after the first summer of use just to perfect the surface-the clarity will be unchanged. The cheaper clears often become cloudy-they don't have the clarity SPI has and that can't be cured with buffing.
Click to expand...

I agree Bob, and I noticed it does seem to hold out a lot better when you give it a summer then another light sanding and buffing. I'm to the point now that on a big project I won't even sand the clear for at least two weeks, it really makes a differnce..

Nice work on the van. I really like Rambler too!!
 
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