Sharka

[—RuckkehrMiata—]

I think I am crying watching this transformation and your reaction. Either that or it is raining in San Francisco

[theothersawyer]

I would be crying sanding the car after it looked so good! It is a necessary, but scary step in the process!

[Flyin 92]

I can't wait to paint my car someday. Even if white isn't as deep and vibrant of a color as Montego.

[— kung fu jesus —]

Color/block sanding is the key. Looks fantastic Adam! Almost there.

[Bruce]

What is the purpose of the sanding?

[—RuckkehrMiata—]

What is the purpose of the sanding?

I believe it is because of https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orange_peel_(effect)

[★ revlimiter ★]

Thanks for the love everyone!!! I feel so close to the end. I just wanna walk in the shop and see the final form.

Wet sanding: to get rid of orange peel as mentioned.

Orange peel is usually worse on flat surfaces. The door, hood, deck lid, etc. Places with curves tend to dry pretty slick and not have much or any orange peel. Flat places will wrinkle up a bit as it dries.

Thicker paint like Sikkens clear will orange peel easier than a cheap, watery clear. I've seen this with my own eyes. Ken sprayed a Spec with some cheap clear and that thing looks... insane. Super slick paint. Much less orange peel than even factory cars get. But that finish isn't as durable as mine.

I've seen so many things the past few weeks. I might have to swing by and help out when I'm bored and have a few hours.

[Dave737]

Such Much

[★ revlimiter ★]

I went into Carmer’s this afternoon. I was eager. I was painfully eager. I was going to drive Sharka home.

The above scene is what I was greeted with. The shop was empty. I walked back and found Sharka all wrapped up like the most epic gift imaginable. Like a Gran Turismo game cover. Like a dream.

But first, we have to back up a couple days. I’d wet sanded the new paint and nearly pissed myself from stress.

I went back the next day and found Ken polishing Sharka.







Three stage polishing. The fuzz all over the top is from a new wool bonnet. Even with the fuzz on top, the shine is amazing.

On that bottom shot, I’m standing 15 feet back. There’s sharp details visible on an object 15 feet away from the paint.

FIFTEEN FEET.

This is not what I ordered. I didn’t ask for this. This is beyond my craziest dreams. This is more than I’d ever hoped for.



After the first polishing, Sharka sat out in the sun the next day. We stopped by and Bucky got to give his big brother a hug.





The paint was a bit soft for polishing. Sitting out all day and baking helped a lot. The 2nd round of polishing got all the swirl marks out.

Those pearl white stripes totally defy photography. I am gonna have to get out a tripod, macro lens, and sit taking every possible exposure for a while to show the flake in the stripe. It’s SO easy to see in person, but the camera can’t quite seem to capture it.

Back to the unveiling.



Yeah, that’s where we came in. Sharka was covered up to keep the dust off before pickup.

I seriously think this was the most awesome way to find my finished car possible. Epic is a valid description of this scene. Seeing Sharka like this will stay with me to my last breath.

About an hour of work remained. I stuck on the fender winkers and air splitter while Ken mounted the mirrors and fixed final details in the paint.

Then I threw on the Star Sharks.

Then we were done.










I have no words.

I never dreamed it would be like this.

I backed the car out and parked in front of the shop for final pix.





The car actually looks like this. It looks almost fake in the photos. Like a rendering. I actually desaturated the blue in Photoshop because it just looked too unreal to me.

Perfection.

I carefully drove home.



Can’t believe it’s done.

Next up? The hardtop needed a couple minor fixes. I’ll pick it up from paint next week.

I’ve also got like 4 rolls of film I shot with my vintage F3. I’m gonna put those all in a mega film post. And I need to do an epic photoshoot somewhere. Need to do that SOON.

For tonight, it’s done. Tonight, I’m free.

[theothersawyer]

Wow. Just wow. I'm at a loss for words! Just gorgeous!!!

[—RotorNutFD3S—]

O.M.G. *drool*

[— Phatmiata —]

Amazing!!!! I want to repaint mine now

[Paul B]

Seriously....I don't think it can get any better.

[Greasemonkey2000]

It looks AMAZING!! I would have to park it one of those inflatable 'domes' and just look at it for fear of scratches or anything happening to it...

[smac]

Delighted for you.