Would be interesting to hear from someone who knows which design performs better? Would be terrible to take a step backwards if it could be avoided... Great to see some progress by the way!"
What process did you use/follow to go from the shiny, freshly applied paint finish to this "crusty" paint look? Thanks in advance. -Carl
I still haven't finished playing with the look of the paint, and a lot of it is original paint with crusty touch ups where I put patch panels in. The basic process I did is layer colors like the old paint with a small sponge for the top blue layer for texture. Then wet sand and scotch bright the finish to dull it down and draw out the colours. I experimented with a few different ideas and watched YouTube for ideas. There are some substantial patches to blend in.
Yes it was rough, and that is part of the reason I worked on other panels and projects to sell. Other than making money to fund tools and parts to build the roadster, I built up my skills in metal shaping and welding to be able to tackle such a large patch with compound curves. It was a decent amount of metal shaping for a novice like myself.
Thank you for the advice, I have changed out the Pittman arm for a NOS original as well as changed out some other items that may have had questionable integrity. I am learning as I go...
That’s good to hear mate. I was not trying to be negative or rain on your parade. My coupe has stuff done that’s not “legal” like no fenders. But I made sure it was properly safe. Every time I start it, one of my kids wants to jump in and it’s awesome being sure of the car.
I have come across some decent stuff lately. I would concider it to be luck. Covid has slowed down roadster progress for now, until I collect a few parts.
270 of the Aussie panel vans were made and a lot were wrecked because of the wood in the rear, so they are quite rare. The body number on mine is reasonably low too. The Edmunds head fits a Hudson 262/308, it's a cool piece.
I managed to collect a few parts from storage a few weeks ago, including parts for the roadster I needed to keep moving forward. Over the past few weeks I have made time to work on the engine and it is getting close to a test start.... Safe to say I'm very excited to make some progress.
Whats your next big step? Such a huge transformation from where you started!! Such a shame Covid had to get in the way, keep at it mate!
I'm going through starter motors, generators, cleaning, repairing and painting the best ones. The fuel pump is next. I still need to get a new throw out bearing (forgot to order one when I did my parts order). I still need to get fluids for the engine/gearbox/diff, then I'll drop the engine back in, double check the compression and work forward from there. I still have timber to machine for the doors and brake lines to finish. Plenty to do, just time and money.
Have you visited Antique Autos at Wingfield? He would probably have a box of NOS bearings, and his prices are good.
John was the first person I thought might have one locally at his shop, but unfortunately I had no luck. I did get a gasket set off him.
Not much progress on the roadster. Engine will be ready to run soon. I managed to score a set of rare Aussie wire wheel covers for the roadster, which I really like. They have the perfect ware for it.
The Jalopy Journal
