Painting Aluminum Cars

Cobra Pack · #1 (**permalink**) 03-18-2005, 10:22 AM

I have a Kirkham with a filed finish. I have done some sanding with 120 grit on the car, but have a long ways to go. I would like to even the finish out to hide the file marks, but I do plan to paint the car in a year or two.

How much would a good painter sand the car before applying an epoxy primer/filler to a bare aluminum body. I don't want to sand my car too much so the painter has to backtrack and remove more aluminium to scuff the car up again.

Is it safe to do the whole car in the 120 and even it out with scotchbrite pads or should I avoid anymore sanding all together.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Mike

RaceDeck · #2 (**permalink**) 03-27-2005, 04:04 PM

Hang in There! Nothing like an all bare aluminum Kirkham cruising down the highway!
You will also never have to worry about rock chips

David Kirkham · #3 (**permalink**) 04-22-2005, 06:23 PM

Mike,

How's the sanding coming? Keep it up. The sanded cars are really cool. If you really want to torture yourself you could always polish it!

David

Cobra Pack · #4 (**permalink**) 04-22-2005, 07:24 PM

David,

Unfortunately, I have not worked on it much as I just finished my busy season (I'm a CPA). I am not going to spend much time sanding it - just enough to even it out for this summer. It will be painted guardsman with white stripes and meatballs within the next year.

On another note, I am curious if you could still take a picture of the fan mounting brackets in front of the radiator on your dad's FIA. I am going to have the brackets welded on my car, but would like a reference point.

I am buying an original style Serck fia oil cooler from Gerry Hawkridge which will be bolted to the brackets. This was the correct oil cooler setup for original team cars without cooler scoops. The coolers were actually mounted fittings down. With Jim Cowles' help from Shelby Parts & Restorations, we are detailing my car similar to an original team car.

Thanks!

Mike

David Kirkham · #5 (**permalink**) 04-22-2005, 08:19 PM

Mike,

PICTURE COMING UP TOMORROW!!!

You should have a really cool car when you are done. I definately want pictures for my wall!

David

Cobra Pack · #6 (**permalink**) 04-22-2005, 08:36 PM

Thanks! I am having a blast with my car. Its great picking up knowledge from original cobra/shelby experts like Jim along the way.

Mike