I didn't use an enamel hardener, I just made sure it was left for at least 24 hours (as per the manufactures instructions) before wet sanding. I was lucky with the weather and temperature when I was painting, which was surprising for the UK in October! I am about to start buffing the paint but will probably leave it afew weeks before waxing

Thanks
Chris

if i may make a suggestion: i think i read you're using 1500 grit. that's really not fine enough. you'll want to follow the 1500 w/ atleast 2000 grit before buffing. if you can find it 2500 grit is best.
it's coming along nicely!

Chris what is the story on these wheels? Great looking. What size and with. How heavy are they?

Thanks for the info Bryan,

I have managed to get some 2000 grit paper, I'll give it another rub down. I think the polishing compound is equivalent to 2000-2500...

Chris

The wheels are Alloy 16x5.5 Space savers (they still have the 2 valve stems) from a 928, now fitted with 195x50 r16 Continental Sport Contact 2 tyres. They are very light, around 11lbs each, I think a Fuch 15x6 is around 12lbs...

I don't know all the measurements, offset etc etc, but I can get you the part number if interested?

Only problem with them..........they are a pain to find!;)

Thanks
Chris

I have done using still 3000grit Meguiars Unigrit but I gues you can machine polish it straigh from 2000grit, but you will get better result if you do it with finer still. I have found out that Unigrit won't leave as much scrathes as normal wet sandpapers. (they are supposed to have more similar size grits and no odd bigger ones)
And then I really like Menzerna prods for final machine polishing and buffing. :)

Chris,

What size wheels are you running on your red car?

Thanks
Phillip

Hi Phillip,

1st picture (sorry not a great angle) red car has 14 inch fuchs with a 195/60 tyre

2nd picture (current setup) red car has 15 inch fuchs with a 195/60 tyre and lowered ride height.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1259356043.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1259356060.jpg

HTH
Chris

A truly awesome project!
I love the fact that you seem to go your own way, trying new ways of making things work (e.g. the paint).
The color and those spacesaver wheels, coupled with the 911R details really make it look purposeful and 'racy'.

Can't wait to see the final result!

Edit: I've just spent some time re-reading this thread, and I've (re-)realized just how lightweight this car will be. Do you have some idea of what it will weigh once finished? You might have to (quote Clarkson) "employ someone to sit on it on windy days, to stop it floating away"...

Great effort, thanks for sharing.

I've seen a lot of race cars with star shaped chips on the top of their fiberglass fenders, stones get flung up and chip the paint from under the fender well. If you spray some rubberized undercoating, in that area, you may save yourself some grief.

SmileWavy

"I'm moving to Germany next week so this may be it for awhile, but the place we've found to live has a double garage and a sizeable basement so should be able to crack on over the winter months...

Made in Germany 1968...resurrected in USA 2007...realised in UK 2009...completed in Germany 2010ish and the circle is complete..... "

Where in Germany?

I'll be working in Cologne from newyear.
Maybe we can meet.

Yep the fender wells (and backside of the bumpers) have been treated with a stone chip/rubberised coating, hopefully it'll do the job...

The car is still in a container somewhere in Germany, I'm itching to get it back and more importantly.....finished!

Thanks
Chris

Where in Germany?

Nurnberg

Let us know if you are heading south anytime, I'm planning a trip up to the new Stuttgart museum sometime soon

Chris

So onto the next chapter.....

Cars have arrived in Germany, need to setup the garage (thats 4 now and counting) then I can work towards that classic LeMans completion.....o'yeah the weather has been seasonal!

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...1/IMG_6411.jpg
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...1/IMG_6425.jpg
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...1/IMG_6439.jpg
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...1/IMG_6443.jpg
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...1/DSC00920.jpg
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...1/DSC00921.jpg
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...1/DSC00922.jpg

Thanks
Chris

can't wait til you get into full swing again.

+1

Man I'm envious... what a cool journey. Subscribed.

What a journey!

I like the loading dock removal. Great idea. I'm going to use it someday.

that car looks absolutely lovely!! Please keep updating us!

Eventually got round to start cutting and polishing the paint, still abit experimental but the results are starting to look good...

...also found a well stocked Würth shop on the way to work which is handy

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1269159502.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1269159523.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1269159544.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1269159564.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1269159591.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1269159611.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1269159630.jpg

Still need to use the finer paste but so far I'm pleased. Will try and do the other side tomorrow, so long as I can get around the German rules of making a noise on a Sunday.

On a side note. I wanted to paint the garage floor of our rented house but the paint system in Germany is expensive so decided to go to the local homewares discount shop and picked up a large off-cut of vinyl. I know its not as durable as an epoxy paint etc but as a short term solution is fine. The faux Parkett adds a touch of class not to mention the cheap quality P.V.C certainly reflects the light!


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1269159669.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1269159683.jpg

Thanks
Chris

Great to see that you are still at it! I follow loads of threads here, but the updates on this one are definately the ones I'm looking forward to the most. Your car really is the dog's!

I'm thinking the PVC will provide some insulation as well, perfect for working through those chilly german spring nights. :)

I have been buried in a lot of projects like that! Sadly most I never completed...keep it up. This one will be truly yours.

I have been following this one pretty close myself. Looks like the polishing is really bringing out the luster. Are you doing any type of graphics or anything on it?


Phillip

Please...NO 'Carrera" script..it's SO overused. (And on cars that really shouldn't have it.)

Well, OK -- how about if he spells out "Carrera" in Braille dots?

Seeing as it is a R build.
I assume it would not have Carrera on it. But was curious what if any would be on it.

Phillip

Randy, coming from a weight guru like you, I'm surprised! those dots can't be light! ;)

Dude! Simple craziness going on here! 2 continents, 3 countries and yet, still only 15 months since you started this project. And the bodywork is almost done -- modded, repaired, prepped, painted and rubbed out. Bravo!

The roller method intrigues me. I'm embarking on a SWB build and it's to be a father/son project with my 13 yr old. No way I'd put him in a booth and hand him a spray gun, but this he can participate in (I think).

Keep at it and keep posting!

Think: holes...

ah, er.. yes, I meant holes -- of course.

Ahhh graphics, yes I have had some ideas...

Initially I thought of doing something like Chris Nielson's T/R, was thinking I could probably do this with vinyl...

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...RONTSTRIPE.jpg

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...BACKSTRIPE.jpg


Or something abit different, maybe like the early Gmund race cars...

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...NNETSTRIPE.jpg


Though I think I am going to stick with my original idea of just havig an RAF (mod style) roundel on the hood corner and maybe repeat it on the decklid. I think this with a hood crest decal will be cool and clean...

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...TOTYPERRAF.jpg


I do like the idea of braille/dots for a typeface. I think it might be abit too much down the side but I really like how it looks on the decklid. Currently the car will be badged PROTOTYP R (german spelling of prototye) in an outline Porsche typeface.....

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...DOTSFONT-1.jpg

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...TOTYPRSIDE.jpg

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...PRREARPERF.jpg

Just an idea, but maybe I'll be brave enough to drill out the pattern?????



Found this Tartan the last time I was in asia with work. I managed to get enough to do the seat centres.....in my opinion you can't go wrong in grey with orange details:)

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...angetartan.jpg


Thanks
Chris

100% agreed. Marc Newson would be proud.

I love the PORSCHE dot pattern! (And this build)
I am guessing that you are an industrial designer?

One other comment:
One of the attributes I love about your car is the simplicity and bold graphic potential- IMHO don't get carried away with colors- black and gray communicates an honest down to earth racer from an earlier time.....

You asking me or him? SmileWavy At one time in my life, I was indeed an Industrial Designer...now I am just another faceless corporate manager. ;)

Why can't I see the photos? I get red X here and when I go to photobucket, the same red X. I can only see tiny thumbnails.

Chris. Wow, love that orange plaid! I don't know, if I were you and had that beautiful plaid, I would do the orange wheels like you and I discussed at one time. Going to look great no matter what though!

Are you still happy with your alternatively applied paint job?

Right click the red x and click on "open link in new window"

I was asking Jury..... I see he is a footwear guy on his profile now. kenikh, I am guessing you are working at Nike..... I have some buddies there.