| What not to do when repainting a 1973 GMC Photo Log [message #101366] |
Thu, 30 September 2010 08:35  |
Dr. Detroit
Messages: 158
Registered: April 2010
Location: Novi, MI.
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
In the beginning of September I decided to finally repaint my coach because I could not live with the Beige any longer. What was supposed to be a quick repaint has turned into a major undertaking because I decided to do it right.
Having worked in the prototype and concept car business for 15 years, I've done this job many times but never on this scale. Most of the work I've done was on cars and SUV's. Doing this 23' is about like doing two SUV's at the same time.
Due to the scale of this project I had to bring on my friend Terry Uhlik. He's a skilled body man and we've worked together for many years. Without his help, everything would take twice as long.
Here's a photo log of my progress.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showgallery.php?cat=5618
Ken Wolkens
1973 GMC 23'
All Birch and Maple Interior Cabinetry. TZE033V100221
"The Honeycomb Hideout"
[Updated on: Mon, 08 August 2011 20:21] Report message to a moderator |
|
|
|
| Re: Repainting a 1973 GMC Photo Log [message #101368 is a reply to message #101366] |
Thu, 30 September 2010 08:50  |
Dennis S
Messages: 3046
Registered: November 2005
Karma: 2
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Ken,
Thanks for the photo time-line,
May I ask
how hard was it to remove the belt line? Do you plan to reinstall?
why not remove the T-skirt, since you took off other panels?
Look forward to future updates.
Thanks,
Dennis
| Dr. Detroit wrote on Thu, 30 September 2010 08:35 |
In the beginning of September I decided to finally repaint my coach because I could not live with the Beige any longer. What was supposed to be a quick repaint has turned into a major undertaking because I decided to do it right.
Having worked in the prototype and concept car business for 15 years, I've done this job many times but never on this scale. Most of the work I've done was on cars and SUV's. Doing this 23' is about like doing two SUV's at the same time.
Due to the scale of this project I had to bring on my friend Terry Uhlik. He's a skilled body man and we've worked together for many years. Without his help, everything would take twice as long.
Here's a photo log of my progress.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showgallery.php?cat=5618
Ken Wolkens
|
Dennis S
73 Painted Desert 230
Memphis TN Metro
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Repainting a 1973 GMC Photo Log [message #101397 is a reply to message #101383] |
Thu, 30 September 2010 14:03 |
Dr. Detroit
Messages: 158
Registered: April 2010
Location: Novi, MI.
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Dennis,
The belt line was a piece of cake. First I pulled the marker lamps and then the endcaps. Once those were out of the way I gave the rub rail a tug and it pulled free easily.
To get the stainless strips off I ended up using a grinder to remove the bolt heads because they were badly corroded. Not one of them had a head that was completely intact.
I'm trying to decide which way to go on the rub strip. I like the stainless but also like the clean lines the stick on stuff gives. I'm also looking at a low profile boat rubrail.
I left the skirts on for now. They will be taken off eventually so that I can cut the paint in.
Now if only mother nature would cooperate things would be easier. She's turning off the heat tomorrow and the temps are dropping to the 50's which is well below the average temp here of 70. That creates problems for painting as the urethane won't cross link below 65 degrees.
Since I was going to paint it in a booth made of sheet plastic that presents a new challenge for me. I could run a heater in the "booth" but I'm afraid water will condense on the plastic and drip on my work. So if the temps don't pull up this may end up sitting under a tarp till spring.
Ken Wolkens
1973 GMC 23'
All Birch and Maple Interior Cabinetry. TZE033V100221
"The Honeycomb Hideout"
[Updated on: Thu, 30 September 2010 14:16] Report message to a moderator |
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Repainting a 1973 GMC Photo Log [message #101569 is a reply to message #101397] |
Sat, 02 October 2010 10:29 |
Dr. Detroit
Messages: 158
Registered: April 2010
Location: Novi, MI.
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
At this point I have the final coat of primer on the coach. There are a couple of pinholes that I need to address but overall the coach is very smooth and is now waiting for paint.
Kind of odd that I started this whole adventure off wanting to get rid of the beige and now after 80 hours of work I'm right back in beige. Primer that is. I chose the "Vanillia" 2K primer because it's closest to the two colors I will be painting the coach which are white and champagne metallic.
I'm getting excited to see this thing with the final colors on it.
Here's the latest pics:
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showgallery.php?cat=5618
1973 GMC 23'
All Birch and Maple Interior Cabinetry. TZE033V100221
"The Honeycomb Hideout"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Re: Repainting a 1973 GMC Photo Log [message #102557 is a reply to message #101366] |
Mon, 11 October 2010 11:35 |
Dr. Detroit
Messages: 158
Registered: April 2010
Location: Novi, MI.
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
I ended up putting the bumpers, grille and the vent covers back on because we had a family camping trip this past weekend.
A lot of people thought the primer was the final color. Looks like it might be just that for a while until the weather warms up again around here.
1973 GMC 23'
All Birch and Maple Interior Cabinetry. TZE033V100221
"The Honeycomb Hideout"
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Re: Repainting a 1973 GMC Photo Log [message #137631 is a reply to message #101366] |
Fri, 05 August 2011 16:03 |
Dr. Detroit
Messages: 158
Registered: April 2010
Location: Novi, MI.
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Forgot to mention that I've crossed the 100 hour mark on this project. I figure another 20 and I'll be done.
This is rolling up to be about 3x the work of the typical car I've done in the past.
1973 GMC 23'
All Birch and Maple Interior Cabinetry. TZE033V100221
"The Honeycomb Hideout"
|
|
|
|
| Re: Repainting a 1973 GMC Photo Log [message #137645 is a reply to message #101366] |
Fri, 05 August 2011 17:45 |
GeorgeRud
Messages: 1380
Registered: February 2007
Location: Chicago, IL
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Please keep posting pictures, it does help those of us that are hoping to do similar things in the future. With the mix of aluminum and SMC on various body parts, do you have to use different primers? I assume that if you are not sanding down to the bare surface, the same primer should suffice as you're really just covering a coat of Imron.
Thanks for any advice and enjoy your project in good health. Sorry about the windshield, but they can be replaced without that much trouble (only $$$)!
George Rudawsky
Chicago, IL
75 Palm Beach
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Repainting a 1973 GMC Photo Log [message #137667 is a reply to message #137664] |
Fri, 05 August 2011 20:09 |
powerjon
Messages: 2446
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 5
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Ken,
It would help a lot if you would put your state that you live in to
better help you. I do have a passenger side glass that came out of
our 77.
J.R. Wright
GMC GreatLaker
78 Buskirk 30' Stretch
1975 Avion (Under Reconstruction)
Michigan
On Aug 5, 2011, at 8:53 PM, Ken Wolkens wrote:
>
>
> I'm using a 2K urethane primer on everything. I'll post more pics
> soon.
> --
> 1973 GMC 23'
> All Birch and Maple Interior Cabinetry. TZE033V100221
> "The Honeycomb Hideout"
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
J.R. Wright
GMC GreatLaker
GMC Eastern States
GMCMI
78 30' Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion Under Reconstruction
Michigan
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Re: Repainting a 1973 GMC Photo Log [message #137679 is a reply to message #137668] |
Fri, 05 August 2011 21:16 |
Larry C
Messages: 1168
Registered: July 2004
Location: NE Illinois by the Illino...
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Dr Detroit
I know what you are going through. What a job it is for someone with just knowledge and paint skill are so os..
I have a project going that had the belt line also. This particular project belt line was just looks, no opening under it. My original beltline was made of chrome look vinyl and it was deteriorated. I found some aluminum strip at the MENARDS that are about 2.5" wide and about 1/8" deep that will be the replacement. I can glue these back on easily.
I know the weather problem as well. I might suggest doing sections if it came to that. By sections I mean from seam to seam. Tape the far side of the seams of what ever section you are painting. It is a much smaller area and you have time to do a good job and don't have to worry so much about weather or wind. Strangely, I never saw a big problem with bugs hitting the paint.
Every section you do will paint over the seam of the previous. The tape seam will be hidden by the seam edge. It really gives you a chance to take a breath if you have to. If you had a warehouse you could go after the entire project at once.
Wait till you do the roof! It is huge!!!!
My po painted the sides of the roof from the rain gutter to the crest of the roof and stopped. He only painted what was visible, but up top you could see the old color.
Do a good job fixing the holes too. PO used duct tape...EEEOOOoooowoowwwwwww.
Looking good, good luck, hope you can finish this year and enjoy it.
My thoughts
Gatsbys' CRUISER  08-18-04
74 GLACIER X, 260/455-APC-4 Bagg'r
Remflex Manifold gaskets
CampGrounds needed, Add yours to "PLACES" />
http://www.gmceast.com/travel
_
[Updated on: Fri, 05 August 2011 21:17] Report message to a moderator |
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Repainting a 1973 GMC Photo Log [message #137698 is a reply to message #137667] |
Fri, 05 August 2011 23:33 |
Dr. Detroit
Messages: 158
Registered: April 2010
Location: Novi, MI.
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
| powerjon wrote on Fri, 05 August 2011 20:09 |
Ken,
It would help a lot if you would put your state that you live in to
better help you. I do have a passenger side glass that came out of
our 77.
J.R. Wright
GMC GreatLaker
78 Buskirk 30' Stretch
1975 Avion (Under Reconstruction)
Michigan
|
JR, I'm in Novi, MI.
I sent you a PM with my telephone number. Give me a call when you have a chance.
Regards, Ken
1973 GMC 23'
All Birch and Maple Interior Cabinetry. TZE033V100221
"The Honeycomb Hideout"
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Re: Repainting a 1973 GMC Photo Log [message #137946 is a reply to message #101366] |
Sun, 07 August 2011 20:29 |
PettyVTX
Messages: 363
Registered: April 2011
Location: Winder Ga.
Karma: 1
|
Senior Member |
|
|
That looks like you gus had fun my daughters used to help me like that, We painted 2 corvettes and a mustang and the blocking was the best part, Like you i always ended up weter than the vehicle, Wouldnt trade those times for gold
Ex Avion now looking for a 23'
Jeep Wrangler Towd
|
|
|
|
| Re: Repainting a 1973 GMC Photo Log [message #137947 is a reply to message #101366] |
Sun, 07 August 2011 20:34 |
Dr. Detroit
Messages: 158
Registered: April 2010
Location: Novi, MI.
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Here's a few tips for others that I've learned over the years:
1. When wetsanding hook up the hose to warm water. That way when you get sprayed or it runs down your arm, you don't get the chills. Even on hot summer days getting hit with cold tap water can be a bit much.
2. When sanding with folded paper use rubber gloves on your hands so the abrasive does not wear through your finger tips. I always forget until it's to late then it's two weeks of healing.
3. After the final block sanding reprime the areas where different colors are showing through. Having a solid and consistent base color will allow you use less topcoat paint and get a consistent final color. Thicker is not better when it comes to paint durability and cost.
4. Nothing with silicone anywhere near the project. Tire protectant and lubricants are the biggest offenders. Avoid them like the plague during the paint prep process. The best policy is to not even have them on the property anywhere. Another place that silicone can be hidden is in fabric softeners and the dryer sheet softeners. Make sure to wash any towels you plan to use without these offenders.
5. Prior to any sanding at all on the old paint give the surfaces a bath with ammonia and then rinse well with water. After the surface is dry use a prep-sol wax and grease remover. If you skip this and go right to sanding you will push the waxes and silicone down into the sand grooves.
1973 GMC 23'
All Birch and Maple Interior Cabinetry. TZE033V100221
"The Honeycomb Hideout"
[Updated on: Sun, 07 August 2011 21:10] Report message to a moderator |
|
|
|
|
|
GMCforum
Search
Help
Register
Login
Home
