kshurey Posted January 15, 2013 Share Posted January 15, 2013 Hi all, I'm just starting the refurb of my 84 SWB series 3. The body panels are fairly straight with no obvious signs of filler. I'm not intending a concours restoration as I want a fun vehicle (no roof) for sunny days (I'm in New Zealand) to take the family for a spin and perhaps some gentle off roading. I'm toying with the idea of stripping the paint, leaving the ali bare metal and getting the steel parts (including the bulkhead) galvanised. Whilst the look might be to everyones taste I would appreciate any practicle problems this may give both during the rebuild and for day to day use. We live close to the sea and the sun is pretty intense here in summer Whats the best way to remove the paint to bare metal ? Soda Blasting ? Sand Blasting? How do you prep the steel prior to galvanising ? Would a clear coat of lacquer be a better idea to achieve the look I'm after ? Many thanks Kev Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oscar03 Posted January 15, 2013 Share Posted January 15, 2013 as you live in such a sunny area, wouldnt the sun light reflect on the bare ali very brightly, especially off the bonnet and onto the windscreen blinding you as you drive along? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ballcock Posted January 15, 2013 Share Posted January 15, 2013 This is the problem Land Rover had with the one they did as a special. as you live in such a sunny area, wouldnt the sun light reflect on the bare ali very brightly, especially off the bonnet and onto the windscreen blinding you as you drive along? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Josh NZ Posted January 16, 2013 Share Posted January 16, 2013 You may blind other drivers too haha and the material may get very got to touch! Whereabouts in NZ are you? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FridgeFreezer Posted January 16, 2013 Share Posted January 16, 2013 You may need to lacquer it to keep it shiny too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geoffbeaumont Posted January 16, 2013 Share Posted January 16, 2013 You may blind other drivers too haha and the material may get very got to touch! Whereabouts in NZ are you? It would get less hot to the touch than painted panels, as it's reflecting more of the sunlight instead instead of absorbing it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simonr Posted January 16, 2013 Share Posted January 16, 2013 I think the biggest problem you'll have are the imperfections in the surface of the panels. Paint covers a multitude of imperfections - so it will be hard to make it look good! You'll be able to see all the deformation around rivets & spot welds as well as tool marks from folding. If you can persevere with it and get a good finish - you will have to lacquer it as the Aluminium Oxide will form very quickly - and it will suddenly be scabby looking & not shiny! I think it could look great though! Si Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snailracer Posted January 16, 2013 Share Posted January 16, 2013 Wasn't there a guy a few years back who did this with a defender? Had a TVR V8 in it. I remember seeing it at a few shows, only looked at it once tho as the bloke followed you around and immediately wiped/polished any part of it you might have touched/breathed on. Its a nice idea but for me its too much. But if you want it shiny how about a stainless bulkhead http://ollr.createaforum.com/general-discussion/back-from-holland/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kshurey Posted January 16, 2013 Author Share Posted January 16, 2013 Thanks for the ideas and opinions, I'm not especially looking for a bright finish, it's a previously unloved 28 year old working vehicle. I'm looking for a cheap durable alternative to paint, if I take it off road or my little lad decides to ride his bike into the side of it I won't have to worry about a nice paint job being ruined. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nicks90 Posted January 16, 2013 Share Posted January 16, 2013 Wouldn't it be easier to flat the panels and apply a metal finish vinyl wrap to it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ally V8 Posted January 16, 2013 Share Posted January 16, 2013 Do it ! They look great,my wedding car was an 80" series 1 with no paint.The trick is not to polish it to a shiny finish,dull will do,then protect it with wax furniture polish.That was a tip from the Austin 7 owners club who often dont paint their alloy bodied 7 specials. My wedding car was stripped about 20 years ago and is still much admired for its lack of paint. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
landrovermanuk Posted January 19, 2013 Share Posted January 19, 2013 Anodize it.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kshurey Posted January 20, 2013 Author Share Posted January 20, 2013 Do it ! They look great,my wedding car was an 80" series 1 with no paint.The trick is not to polish it to a shiny finish,dull will do,then protect it with wax furniture polish.That was a tip from the Austin 7 owners club who often dont paint their alloy bodied 7 specials. My wedding car was stripped about 20 years ago and is still much admired for its lack of paint. Thanks Thats the answer I've been lookin for ! Any chance of a photo ? kshurey@talk21.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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