In my last proper posting I was 'scunnered' with my new welder and preparing to buy another the following day - well that has been purchased and isn't much better so welding has ceased for time being but my air compressor (SIP Workshop 420/150) with a new pulley and belt is working better than ever so I am currently grit-blasting the underside of the body before I put on the new valance.
I spent many frustrating hours doing this (sandblasting) on my Polo some years ago and did not relish ever doing it again as the compressor squealed in pain trying to keep up with the air demands of the greedy sand blasting pot and for every 3 minutes painless blasting there would be 20 minutes of blocked hoses, sifting grit, frosted visors and general frustration. The usual scenario was:- hood on - check; visor on - check; ear defenders - check; compressor pumped up - check; crawl under car with inspection lamp - check; turn lever on blasting pot - 1" sq of clean metal then back out from lair to investigate lack of grit supply whilst compressor pleaded for mercy.
This time however the new belt and pulley have made the world of difference as the compressor seems to pump back up in no time and in the larger premises I don't seem to need the ear defenders. I also have better lights now so I can see what I'm doing. Anyway the pictures should give you an idea.......
I spent many frustrating hours doing this (sandblasting) on my Polo some years ago and did not relish ever doing it again as the compressor squealed in pain trying to keep up with the air demands of the greedy sand blasting pot and for every 3 minutes painless blasting there would be 20 minutes of blocked hoses, sifting grit, frosted visors and general frustration. The usual scenario was:- hood on - check; visor on - check; ear defenders - check; compressor pumped up - check; crawl under car with inspection lamp - check; turn lever on blasting pot - 1" sq of clean metal then back out from lair to investigate lack of grit supply whilst compressor pleaded for mercy.
This time however the new belt and pulley have made the world of difference as the compressor seems to pump back up in no time and in the larger premises I don't seem to need the ear defenders. I also have better lights now so I can see what I'm doing. Anyway the pictures should give you an idea.......
what is this mysterious number? there is another tag on same area of valance which is the body no. but not sure what this one is
LHS of rear valance looking into 'exhaust tunnel'
similar decay on RHS
where valance meets boot floor
valance removed by drilling out spotwelds along join with spare wheel well/boot floor & at sides of exhaust tunnels
looking from left to right along bottom of spare wheel well/bootfloor. metal sound but surface rust all over. not decided yet how much of upper part of valance to remove before putting new panel on
there is plenty of scope for deciding how much more to cut away as replacement panel has a lot of metal at top
rusty areas of LHS have been blasted and primered. blaster ideal for getting into corners and awkward areas
another view of same area looking backwards from axle. some rusty areas at top of shot still to be blasted and painted. rest of underseal is sound
shot from behind car shows more blasted and primered metal
I still enjoy checking in every now and then to watch the progress. Thanks for continuing to document your adventure. My 1978 SII XJ6L is about two evenings away from being completely stripped down to a similar level as yours. Its refreshing to find another soul as nutty as myself who thinks its worth the journey. I will stay tuned, and thanks again.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Billy. Would be great to see pics of your car some time. I can see the end of my rebuild in sight. If I keep pushing could have the bodywork finished before Christmas : )
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