Lil Red - SJ restoration - Final Paint - Part 1
This week we reached the final stage of the build at Winchfield. The SJ went into final paint.
This is a long post so scroll on down!!
In order to do this the main panels had to be finally fitted. In this procss it was noticed that the front cross members did not fit properly into the new wings. Again this was due to the poor manufacturing quality of the wings.
As you can see the alignment is poor.
It appears these front corner pieces are badly fitted so some fettling was needed.
With the fit sorted, the preparation of the front cross members could progress.
The underside of the members is not properly painted from factory so this will be certainly improved on in restoration
The cross members are cleaned, rubbed down and primed.
Cross members in epoxy coat.
The front supports that go from top to bottom behind the front grill were treated in the same way. Primed and then epoxied
The front supports were then finished in black
And the front cross members are finished in red.
The hinges were cleaned down and then primed
With the hinges ready for painting they are then fitted for the final time and then seam sealant applied around the edges. This is the same as the factory finish.
Both sides are done as is the tailgate.
Other exterior seams are then sealed as well, including around the braised in fuel filler.
And we are finally there, the masking is applied for the final paint!
All masked up and ready to go........
