Body and exterior tips
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==Miscellaneous -- '''click the [edit] link on the right to edit ==>'''== | ==Miscellaneous -- '''click the [edit] link on the right to edit ==>'''== | ||
| − | * | + | *To paint rims without scratching them: |
| − | # | + | #Mount the wheels first, but don't fill them up with air. |
| − | # | + | #Mask the tire with paper, stuffing it in between the tire and the rim. |
| − | # | + | #Paint the wheel. You can paint around the back edge of the rim, along with the rest of it. |
| − | # | + | #Remove the masking and inflate the tire. It will look like the tire was off the rim when it was painted. |
*To clean foam buffing pads while using them, use a cheap paint brush with the bristles cut off about halfway for stiffness. | *To clean foam buffing pads while using them, use a cheap paint brush with the bristles cut off about halfway for stiffness. | ||
*Allow plenty of air circulation around your air compressor. Put it outside if possible, or point an inexpensive fan at it. | *Allow plenty of air circulation around your air compressor. Put it outside if possible, or point an inexpensive fan at it. | ||
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*Before installing a weld-on part (core supports, quarter panels, rear panels, etc.), scuff the inside areas. It's easier to do this before parts are installed. | *Before installing a weld-on part (core supports, quarter panels, rear panels, etc.), scuff the inside areas. It's easier to do this before parts are installed. | ||
*For doing small touchups without ending up with a huge repair area from sanding, cut sanding discs down to size. | *For doing small touchups without ending up with a huge repair area from sanding, cut sanding discs down to size. | ||
| + | *When chemical stripping parts with heavy buildup: | ||
| + | #Coat the panel heavily with stripper. | ||
| + | #Cover with a cheap plastic drop cloth, or plastic wrap. | ||
| + | #Let it stay covered at least an hour, but as long as overnight. | ||
| + | #The stripper penetrates deeper when it won't dry out, and the plastic wrap makes it easier to remove. | ||
*If you want an entire part painted, finish it before installing it. Then, touch it up after it's been welded on. Although, this has been argued to be inefficient on a production basis, especially for parts that are not visible, and have been e-coated. | *If you want an entire part painted, finish it before installing it. Then, touch it up after it's been welded on. Although, this has been argued to be inefficient on a production basis, especially for parts that are not visible, and have been e-coated. | ||
*Be creative when sourcing patch metal. Potential sources include: | *Be creative when sourcing patch metal. Potential sources include: | ||
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**fenders, roofs, or other body parts from vehicles | **fenders, roofs, or other body parts from vehicles | ||
*Use flourescent "drop" lights, rather than incandescent. They create less heat, last longer, and are more resistant to shocks than incandescent bulbs. In particular, [http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=92079 these inexpensive Harbor Freight drop lights] are recommended. | *Use flourescent "drop" lights, rather than incandescent. They create less heat, last longer, and are more resistant to shocks than incandescent bulbs. In particular, [http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=92079 these inexpensive Harbor Freight drop lights] are recommended. | ||
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*Save old magnets that are being thrown away (from old car speakers, or refrigerator/freezer sealing strips, computer hard drives, etc.) They have many uses: | *Save old magnets that are being thrown away (from old car speakers, or refrigerator/freezer sealing strips, computer hard drives, etc.) They have many uses: | ||
#Place magnets over masking material to keep from blowing around. | #Place magnets over masking material to keep from blowing around. | ||
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