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Hello,
We just bought an MG TD (Chevette) Fiberfab kit car. The chassis and powertrain are in place — it was done many years ago — and I will be going through it step by step to check it — BUT IT LOOKS GOOD.
Only the tub portion of the body has been attached — all of the rest is still in the shipping wrapping. It is a white color — and looks very consistant piece to piece.
Questions:
If I want to leave it gelcoat — what needs to be done to refresh it and protect it for use? Any recommended processes or products?
If I want to piant it — What prep needs to be done? Any recommended procedures or porducts?
Thanks, Bill
A marine supply dealer [boat dealer] can provide you with products for the gelcoat and if it cleans up to your satisfaction and you are happy with the gloss, it will last for years with minimal attention.
If you deside to paint it ,that is also possible,with the choices being determined by the degree of quality you wish to accomplish.
Like Larry said.
Definitely try to buff it out before you spring for a paint job.
Meguiars makes a line of boat polishes and waxes. I had good results with their stuff.
If you do end up painting, you (or the painter) will probably sand the entire body to remove the gloss and then head straight for the spray gun. You may not even have to prime it, particularly if you are retaining the color.
Paul Mossberg
Former Owner of a 1981 Classic Roadsters Ltd. Duchess (VW)
2005 Intermeccanica RoadsterIf you own a TDr and are not in the Registry, please go to https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/mg-td-replica-registry/ and register (you need to copy and paste the link)
My gelcoat was totally dull and chalked. I used 600 grit wet-n-dry sandpaper and lightly removed the chalking, with lots of water and elbow grease. I then used white polishing compound and then Meguiars with UV protection. It took some hours, but it came out like a mirror. The gelcoat is about 1/32″ thick, enough for light (very light) sanding. Do not use a sanding block with the paper, use your hand with minimum pressure and beware of sanding or polishing through raised detail areas and outside corners. I detail fiberglass boats this way and now my car. For the car I just basically lightly rubbed down the body with the wet-n-dry – single pass, then tested the polishing compound for shine, repeat if necessary, but always do the least amount of work with the sand paper. In areas of detail I used rubbing compound and then white polishing compound without the sandpaper. Youtube.com has videos for gelcoat restoration and coating, search GELCOAT and you’ll get a list of videos.
Thank you for the words of advice and caution. I will try to stay with the white gelcoat surface.
When I bought my MG last September it was totally oxidized. I used Turtle – Rubbing Compound (heavy duty cleaner) and hours of rubbing. Then I went to Turtle – Rubbing Compound (Medium cut Compound) and more hours of rubbing. Next I used Turtle – Polishing compound. It looked good but still not what I wanted. So, looked online and bought a polish imported from Germany. Klasse All-in-one polish cleaner and Klasse High Gloss Sealant Glaze. Used those and much better but still not happy. So I rubbed it down again with medium cut Turtle Rubbing compound and then used Turtle Ice (synthetic Paste Polish) and then sprayed Turtle Ice (synthetic Detailer Spray) on a polish rag and wiped off the Ice Paste polish with a microfiber rag per instructions on bottle and polished with a dry microfiber rag and now I’m satisfied. I’m posting a before and after pics.
PGA,
Nice color buff.
Good job on the chrome, too.
I think the key to getting that final finish on oxidized stuff is to be patient and be ready for some sore arms.
Ringo
Ringo40305.804525463
Outstanding job Paul. Bet your arms are worn out. How did you deal with the chrome? I have used a polish from Germany, it does a wonderful job but is too expensive. It is more like a jewelers polish.
James
Yes, my arms and fingers were tired. I didn’t do it all at once. A little bit each day and in a couple weeks a final result. Again I used a Turtle Wax product, Chrome and Metal polish on the chrome. Turtle wax works for me. The chrome does have some pitting and rust was beginning to form. I used a small brass brush on it and it cleaned up, then polished it.
and a lot of work Dan- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.