Gladiators '90 MX5 NA6

Lokiel · Postby **Lokiel** » Sat Feb 17, 2018 11:22 am

I'm in awe of the effort made it this project so really feel for your disappointment but you shouldn't be given that this was your first effort at what is a monumental task that takes significant skill, attention to detail and experience in perfecting.

From the photos, it looks like it passes the 5-foot test.

billybunter had painted multiple cars before he even started his first SE re-paint and had several issues during his 3x SE re-paints so you shouldn't feel too bad, there will always be issues, it will never be perfect (as the DIYer, you'll be extremely critical of even the most minor fault) and experience is the best teacher.

LiteIsRite · Postby **LiteIsRite** » Sat Feb 17, 2018 12:46 pm

Andrew, it was always going to be a big ask to get your first bare metal colour change perfect on the first go. I understand how you feel about the mismatch, I’d be the same, but give yourself credit for what you have achieved. I doubt many of us would be willing to even consider doing it ourselves. A closed door re-spray is going to be a lot easier than what you’ve already been through, especially with the experience you now have, and it’s going to be worth it - your ‘smiles per drive’ ratio is going to go through the roof!

billybunter · Postby **billybunter** » Sat Feb 17, 2018 1:35 pm

first off -good effort on the paint job :wink:

if I was in your position this is what i'd do.

it's hard to tell from long distant photos but first off i'd touch "NOTHING" and call in someone from paintless dent removals and see if they can massage the remaining dents out for you. they are probably small and there might be a few and it might cost you a few $$$ but believe me it's NOTHING compared to the work involved in going back in to repair the work

if it cost say a $1000 I would not be tight I would spend the fuckin $$$$ its not worth the trouble. believe me you could try again and succeed or you could be worse off than you are now. it happens and I know! painting is pretty easy ...not so with the dents. its more with feel! good effort though.

only if you have no choice THEN cut into your work or just ask the question -can you live with what you have.......if you can't go for it!

only after the dent work is done then you rub back and i'd do a wet rub 400 and you have to rub ever bit of that clear coat off that closed door car or you will strike problems on the re coat. now it isn't that bad because your clear coat was not all that crash hot anyway.

I saw it but said nothing but if you look back on my thread and see my red car and the better quality clear I used on it straight from the gun.....spend the extra money buy that stuff and it's the best I ever used. not cheap but the best

the only way to guarantee your paint job is buy a bit extra paint like 2 litres mix it all up and keep it aside in a completely sealed upside down container.. I've had trouble even with friggin white paint with a no match :lol:

key parts to remove on the car would be - radio aerial - gas cap- window rubbers- door mirrors- door handles- and the big frame rail.
if you just mask up in time those areas where you run the tape around will chip or crack and that is the start of a problem where you could have easily avoided. you have gone this far might as well do it properly.
although I would just mask up the windscreen regardless. too much trouble there.

I've actually been in a situation like yours or close to it ...not liked my colour choice and drove it back into the garage and rubbed it all out and did another re-spray :lol:

and I think more than once! :lol:

so i'd say...it's really no big deal! :wink:

billybunter · Postby **billybunter** » Sat Feb 17, 2018 2:39 pm

by the way if I had to rate this project from 1 to 10 and number1 being easy and number 10 being pretty difficult...i'd have to give it a 10. bare metal re-spray is a big call alone plus all the body work tossed in too. huge job to take on :beer:

Gladiator · Postby **Gladiator** » Sat Feb 17, 2018 8:26 pm

billybunter wrote:
key parts to remove on the car would be - radio aerial - gas cap- window rubbers- door mirrors- door handles- and the big frame rail.

Thanks Billy , but what do you mean by the big frame rail. Sorry if I’m a bit daft, but I’ve just spent all day painting my daughters new house. Another full day on it tomorrow.

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billybunter · Postby **billybunter** » Sat Feb 17, 2018 9:29 pm

this one

https://s19.postimg.cc/v0otuwhar/DSC01112.jpg

Gladiator · Postby **Gladiator** » Sat Feb 17, 2018 10:52 pm

Oh yeah, of course that one.

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Gladiator · Postby **Gladiator** » Mon Feb 19, 2018 5:18 pm

I made a decision today.

I’m over working on it. I just want to drive it for a bit, so I’m going to cut & polish it as it is. The windscreen goes in on Thursday, then I’ll book it in to Accurate Suspension for an alignment. Then I drive it for a while.

I am going to do a closed door respray. Just not yet. No one will be allowed to look at the passenger side until then. Simples.

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Lokiel · Postby **Lokiel** » Mon Feb 19, 2018 5:42 pm

Gladiator wrote::
No one will be allowed to look at the passenger side until then. Simples.
:

So does that mean you'll only be turning in one direction (to hide the passenger side)?
(unless no-one's looking)

Gladiator · Postby **Gladiator** » Mon Feb 19, 2018 7:06 pm

Something like that, yeah.

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Lokiel · Postby **Lokiel** » Mon Feb 19, 2018 9:34 pm

Do you still have the OEM amber repeaters and reflectors?
I'd like to see what they look like on the car.

... and if anyone has gold/bronze rims can you please lend them to Gladiator to see what they look like on the car?

We'd only need 2 since we're not allowed to see the other side.

Gladiator · Postby **Gladiator** » Mon Feb 19, 2018 10:26 pm

I have both, but no tyres on my “track rims”. But I really like my Jelly Beans (I paid enough for them, just before the tear down). I am considering doing the centres black though. Plasti-dip to see how it is then powder coat if I like it.

What’s everyone’s thoughts on yellow lettering on my valve cover?

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lucmor444 · Postby **lucmor444** » Mon Feb 19, 2018 11:11 pm

I too reckon you should try the amber reflectors. And keep the jelly beans - they are a nice contrast.

ManiacLachy · Postby **ManiacLachy** » Tue Feb 20, 2018 7:46 am

You've done an amazing job, you should be very proud of what you've accomplished. Our work is never done with these cars, but if you don't stop now and again to enjoy your labours, what's the point? Hope to see you out and about soon!

Gladiator · Postby **Gladiator** » Tue Feb 20, 2018 9:57 am

ManiacLachy wrote:You've done an amazing job, you should be very proud of what you've accomplished. Our work is never done with these cars, but if you don't stop now and again to enjoy your labours, what's the point? Hope to see you out and about soon!

You sure will mate.

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