My turn...A7 restore...

**analog addict** · February 17th, 2012, 07:29 PM

Almost ready for paint....

Got the corners pretty close. Have learned several things....

1) I'm never going to be a body man. But it seems I'm getting more mileage out of smaller batches.

2) I'm really sick of mixing, smearing, filing, sanding and repeating. Once this can is empty, I'm done, no matter where I am. That being said, all that's left is filling some of the leftover voids along the edges and corners.

**Audio_by_Goodwill** · February 17th, 2012, 08:01 PM

Will you be priming next? How will you apply the paint/primer? ...... and what will you be applying?

**analog addict** · February 17th, 2012, 08:13 PM

Hadn't thought about primer. The paint is some sort of latex given to me by the previous owner. Application method was going to be 4" foam roller......

**Audio_by_Goodwill** · February 17th, 2012, 09:53 PM

Originally Posted by analog addict

Hadn't thought about primer. The paint is some sort of latex given to me by the previous owner. Application method was going to be 4" foam roller......

Primer is usually a good idea when painting. I would use a primer unless a paint says not to. Is your paint a mystery in an unmarked can, or have you just not taken a look at it yet? If it's something that was simply color matched at Home Depot, I'd pickup some sort of primer from wherever you'd like. A foam roller sounds like a great idea too me. I haven't used one in a long time, but it's probably the way I'd go, if I were in your shoes.

**VolvoHeretic** · February 18th, 2012, 12:22 AM

Boxes are looking great. Just remember that those corners are fragile. Primer is mandatory. We used some paint that didn't need primer, cost a lot, and took forever to dry, shrank like crazy, giving the walls a texured look and pretty much sucked. I would use a sandable primer so that the only orange peel you get is from the two coats of top coat. What color and sheen are you using. Flat, Primer/Battleship Gray sucks (I think), anything but...Gloss Black?

**cradeldorf** · February 18th, 2012, 12:27 AM

You should probably get them into primer so you can actually see how they look. Then determine if they're ready. Primer sealer is probably a better choice depending on what kind of paint your gonna put over that paint that's still on them. you don't want it lifting the old paint.

**A7fan** · February 18th, 2012, 12:44 AM

I agree with Cradeldorf. I used Kilz primer with a smaller foam roller. For the shallow blems I used Elmers carpenter wood filler. Dries fast, easy to use. You've put a lot of elbow grease into the project so take your time and put a nice final finish on them.

**mah** · February 18th, 2012, 01:23 AM

Do a VERY SLIGHT radius, with fine sandpaper, on the sharp edges/corners. The paint will adhere better and resistance to chipping will be improved.

**valhallax** · February 18th, 2012, 01:37 AM

primer/sealer scuffed to which recommened grit...320? i took my piano black cabs out to steel wool..laquer baby..laquer, 6 coats

**cradeldorf** · February 18th, 2012, 01:41 AM

well if your lacquering these you can pretty much bet that old paint is gonna lift and orange peel like a mofo!! also the new acrylic auto paint which to me seemed just like Lacquer is gonna do the same thing. I don't scuff my primer at all. Primer, paint and then many coats of clear. Then wet sand with 2000 grit wet or dry and polish to a mirror. Although if these were mine they'd be original Altec gray. with new VOTT decals. : )