Optimusglen's build - 91faux6 safari, bodywork and suspension started Options

[Optimusglen]

@rudedude

I haven't shot any of the Omni yet. The spec sheet lists a 4:1:1 mix, but then also has a "higher solids" mix of 4:1:1/2 Sounds like at 4:1:1 it sprays reeeally thin.

I might not be the one to gather intel from, I am very much a novice when it comes to paint. I brought it up on the SPI forums, one guy had good results and showed a pic of his mailbox that he shot with Omni like 5 years ago, and the pigments are holding up well, at the same time, another guy had used it a lot in his shop work and said it always fades after a few years.

I can clear coat it if I want, to protect the color a bit, but to be honest that just seems like another coat I might mess up on haha. I'm already nervous about the sealer coat before color.

[rick 918-S]

That car is going to be fun! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[mb911]

I shot omni single stage years ago for jambs and trunks on a -6 I did. It was fine. I chose base clear for exterior in shop line and it worked really well. My current car is shop line base with high solids euro clear. Held up amazing. It’s all from ppg lines. I did do a repair and used nason clear and very impressed with that stuff.

Anyway single stage is super forgiving but you will be color sanding and buffing

[Optimusglen]

Today was the day for color! I can't believe it's finally here. I never want to paint another car, haha.

Started the day with two rounds of degreasing, then a 2k sealer coat of primer, and finally 2 coats of orange.

There are a couple runs I'll need to work out once it dries, and a spot where I dripped sweat directly onto the fresh paint (grrrr) I was wearing a full Tyvek suit, hood, and full face mask respirator, so I don't know where the sweat came from. Then a few rogue bits of crud/bugs. Once they're all fixed I'll probably do a 3rd coat of color in those areas and anywhere it's light. Would probably be good to do a full 3rd coat for the entire exterior...

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Overall I'm really happy with the results. It's no pro job, but it's waaaay better than what was on there.

[Optimusglen]

A quick before/after

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And the damage from the 1980's previous owner.

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I pounded it out enough way back when to be able to install a turn signal.

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and now it looks nearly presentable

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I have to keep reminding myself that perfection is the enemy here. This is, after all, a driving car. It's a road trip and a hardware store trip car. It's going to get rock chips, scratches, bird poop, and blazing sun.

Yesterday I got into the garage to look at the paint after it had dried for a day. There were a lot of specs of dirt/debris in it. I sanded out the runs the best that I could without burning through, then scuffed the exterior, degreased x2, tack cloth, then shot another coat.

The rear driver's side fender, which had a run, now looks amazing. The rear passenger side, which had the biggest run, now looks pretty good. You can still see the run a bit, but it's something I can live with. The front, which had a lot of dirt, has less dirt now, but somehow I got some fisheyes. The big sweat droplet from the first couple coats I sanded out and repainted, that looks good. Sadly, now I've introduced a NEW run on the outside of the front passenger fender. haha, it never ends.

At any rate, after it dried a bit it was time to dismantle the paint booth and roll this outside.

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Now, certainly, it is not perfect. I'm sure you can spot some dents and dings that weren't repaired properly. But i'm absolutely pleased, and I'm excited to start putting this back together.


ON THAT TOPIC

I was planning on doing the targa seal installation first, followed by the rear targa vinyl and trim. Then probably glass.

Next, interior, headlights, bumpers, etc.

Is there any reason I shouldn't do the targa seal and vinyl first?

[Optimusglen]

Big Hella fogs are in place. I've been wanting to do this ever since 000 Issue 007, the first Build I did with Pete.

You do need to cut some metal off the bumper on the backside to make it possible, but it's not bad if you're not afraid of an angle grinder.

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I'm still debating on surround color, or leaving it mix/match like this.

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[tygaboy]

I love the mix match! You know it's wacky (which is cool, just like your overall build vibe) and who even sees it when the headlights are up? Anyone can do matchy-match; be a rebel! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/aktion035.gif)
Except I'd swith the colors, side to side. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/lol-2.gif)

[Maltese Falcon]

You could nickname your 914 'Petey...like the dog from "Our Gang" tv series: had the circle of black fur around one eye (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)
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[slowrodent]

Nice feature of the single-stage non-metallic is the ability to continue to work/improve those paint areas that you find to be imperfect - if you so desire. Great job! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[rick 918-S]

The car is coming out great! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[Optimusglen]

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Making some progress, the main targa seal was a real PITA. It's not perfect, but nothing is on this car.



It's been a flurry of activity trying to push through the rebuild in time for the maiden voyage to Check25. Having a goal is a double-edged sword, I think. On one hand, it pushes me along and gets the car done quicker; on the other hand, a lot of the enjoyment of piecing together the car is lost.

I put the car up on the lift and removed the driver's side camber shim, to get a little more negative camber. I only had one shim in there from back when I first put this car together with the low suspension. On the passenger side, this car has always been heavily cambered. I inspected all the suspension points and everything is rock solid, so I chalked it up to loose tolerances at the factory, or maybe some previous owner took it off a sweet jump. At any rate, it already has a stack of shims. I could potentially get longer bolts and add another to the stack...

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With it up in the air, I took the opportunity to put tack welds on the back-side of each of the studs. I was running into a few of them loosening up (they're pressed into the back of the hub, but the holes were maybe slightly too big?) I bolted a spare wheel on without a tire to make sure the studs were all seated correctly.


When I swapped the front struts and suspension, I had to disconnect the brakes, so I still need to bleed the system again and deal with all that.


My list is getting shorter by the day though!

[Optimusglen]

I snuck away for more progress.


current state of things

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passenger side marker wired in last night, new boots and wired up the clear marker bulb thing. Driver's side this evening maybe.

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Looking at the pics, I think I need to adjust ride height a bit more before alignment.

I finished the top glass targa seal install and fit the top. I had to order a new rear targa top seal, the one that goes over the sail panel top surface, so the top is sitting a little low in back now.

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I cleaned up the wheels. On the other side one of the tires got a healthy amount of epoxy primer on it. I'm debating how to get it off without damaging the paint on the wheel or the rubber.

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Absolutely love love love how the big fogs turned out. On the passenger side I tried using some leftover trim welting on the edges. May try to do it on the passenger side too, if I have enough.

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The dash pad has been covered in black suede. not an A+ job, but hey, it's better than what used to be up there.

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A better shot of the epoxy primer tire... I do have a full size spare, but the rim is a different style. I suppose I could take it in and have them swap the tires, but I'd like to explore removing the primer first.



Windshield install maybe tonight.

[bahnzai]

Looking good and VERY interesting!!!

[Lof8]

Looks great! I love it!

[rick 918-S]

We should try to meet up yet this year. Looks like we're bothe close to road worthy. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/aktion035.gif)

[Optimusglen]

We should try to meet up yet this year. Looks like we're bothe close to road worthy. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/aktion035.gif)

Yeah! Im up for it. Aiming to head out to Chicago next weekend.

I got the rest of the interior in today, changed the oil and filter, then rolled it out and fired it up. Went pretty well for having sat for 2 years.

I took it for a little shakedown cruise. The home alignment is OK around town and to get to the shop, but it's a little darty and needs a professional touch for highway use. I have a few inquiries out to get it in next week.

Ive got some electrical gremlins in the turn signals and wiper motor, will dig into that this week.

Happy though!! It drives!

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[East coaster]

Congrats on driving status, looks cool!

[Optimusglen]

Yesterday I brought it in and had a shop align it, they were competent enough and the result was better than I had it. It still felt a little floaty even though it was within factory specifications. Then it dawned on me that it still didn't have a front sway bar.

The early cars don't have a front sway bar from the factory, and when I had my car lowered I never really noticed it. Now that the car is higher and the tires are balloons, it was creeping up.

When I rebuilt the front suspension, I used later parts that have the mounting positions on the cross beam supports, and the loops on the lower control arms, so that I could mount a sway bar down there eventually, without having to drill more holes in the chassis.

I pinged Jule who was going to be coming by to check out the car, and it turned out that he had a sway bar, and the old bushings and brackets for it. They will work for the weekend trip, and once I'm back I'll replace the bushings with new rubber.


In other news, the next phase of the project has begun.

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15" 7's and 8"s in their original factory white finish, an option at one point, for that SCRS look. These will look great with the orange, once I get the fenders laid up and installed to accept them.