What the World needs now is... a progress thread, An update after 2 years? Unpossible! Yet, true. Options

[VaccaRabite]

So, when I started this restoration in October of 2005, I started a progress thread on the Subaru Board (NASIOC) that I active on. I have been meaning to create a thread here, but I never got around to it. I figured the kids over in ricer land would find it more amusing to see a classic resto in action then the folks here that have lived it.

But, I now post more here then I post in NASIOC OT, and feel more involved in the community then I did when I started. So, for the sake of ease, I am going to port over my posts from NASIOC, and posts from today on will be unique here.

As I get ready to paint (JUNE 9th - 13th are PAINT DAYS!) this thread will get more active. :-)

Zach

PS, it kinda fun for me to do this. Looking over the old posts brings back memories of the ride...

[scotty b]

Zach wet sand but do it by hand DO NOT use a da !! DA is WAAAYYY to easy to break through. Wet sand by hand starting with 1000 grit and progress at least to 1500. If you go higher the end result will be that much better. Sand with the 100 grit periodically wiping the spot DRY until the orange peel is ALMOST gone then proceed to the 1500. By doing this you will lessen the chances of burning through. Once you are done with the 1000, all you want to do with the subsequent grits is remove the previous sanding scratches. Do not try to eliminate all of the orange peel with the 1000. I can't stress enough how many times people try to do that and ruin the paint job by sanding to much. Chappy I may be wrong because I don't know your guy but I would be willing to bet he wet sands the FINAL coat be it 2 stage or single stage. I've been doing this for several years and have yet to know of anyone who dry sands the last coat prior to buffing. Paper won't sand as well,is harsher on the paint and loads up super quick.

[jasons]

Zach wet sand but do it by hand DO NOT use a da !! DA is WAAAYYY to easy to break through. Wet sand by hand starting with 1000 grit and progress at least to 1500.

And, I thought when you wet sanded, you were supposed to sand in one direction?

Zach, if you don't have a polisher, HF sells a decent polisher for about $30. You will want to buy some good bonnets and a good velcro disc from your bodyshop supply.

OH and one more thing, when I wet-sand I try to start soaking the paper a few hours before I need it so it gets really saturated. And I do add some dish soap to the water.