Thread: 51 MG restoration.

Originally Posted by MikeB52

Thanks gents. Appreciate the kind words, as you’ve followed this years saga..
Celebrating 31 years with my bride today, and luckily I made a reservation couple weeks back before I forgot!
So off for a lovely steak dinner,than home to lay on some more paint and be done this stage!
Cannot believe the weather! +20’ still and staying warm tonight so I can get the color and clear on!
Cheers gents.
Will be going back over everything once cured, with 1500 grit wet and up to really make everything pop and be bbs smooth!
Any tips for final buff in clear Ness? Much appreciated..

Glad the temps held up for you. How many coats of straight clear …did you put over the Pearl coat ? And how many coats of clear on the green panels ? That will determine how aggressive you can be with the first sanding of the Clearcoat.

I did one coat over the pearls, so three total. And I guess dinner ran longer so I only got the green down on the rest of the car tonight. So will be doing the clear tomorrow. Planned on three coats again.
Here’s a couple of shots.

Remember I had to tie the old and new steel together along these two panels, they turned out quite smooth.

And my new tool box lid looks legit..

All in all, quite happy with the second go of green. All edges covered now as well.
And Ruthy, putting up with me for over three decades now,, wow. Yeah she’s a keeper..

That's a beauty pic, Mike!

Thanks my good man.
That was our last anniversary, at a local Inn.
Our balcony had a great view. Was a sweet room, but pricey..
Definitely a one night only booking, hehe.

One coat of clear over those Pearl panels is not enough for UV protection….or any kind of sanding and buffing. It’s way too thin. I would lightly scuff those panels with 1000 grit paper and I mean lightly…cus if you sand through that single layer of clear and hit that Pearl …it’s going to look like shit when you clear over it. I would have 3 -4 coats of clear ontop of every panel …if you want to sand and buff. I start cutting the Clearcoat with 800… 1000….1500….2000… then I buff. My compound will cut 2000 grit scratches real good. But if your using garbage 3M buffing compound….you’ll have to go to 3000 grit. 5K and 8k paper are a waste of time…I’ve tried them. I have started my first cut with 600 before….and that just takes the finish of clarity to another level…but you need a minimum of 5-6 coats of clear….and deep pockets for me to do that…lol

Well, I bought a gallon of clear so can apply more. I presume the 1000 wet? And lightly, check.
Was worried the clear would be to thick but guess not.
Appreciate learning from your experience buddy!

So if I applied the clear last night, and scuff them before I apply it on the main car tomorrow, I can just roll from panel to panel, basically emptying the can. May even need more clear at the rate it was going on.
What kind of compound do you recommend?

I would let that clear cure at least 48 hours before sanding and re coating. But check with the tech sheet on that clear for re coating times. Can you get that garage up to 70 -75 degrees for 8 hours ..just to help that clear cure.? Air movement and heat . Yes on the wet sanding …but don’t go nuts. Then wipe down with wax and grease remover…blow off…tack rag …spray clear.

That's a happy looking couple Mike. Many happy returns on the anniversary. I can't wait to see that beast roll. Getting close my friend. Nail biting time!

Congratulations Mike on 31 years! Not a lot of people can say that anymore.

Originally Posted by Johntoad57

Congratulations Mike on 31 years! Not a lot of people can say that anymore.

My friend told me he’s been married 3 times….and it doesn’t add up to that….lol