Sanding & painting doors/panels to a complete flat surface

[IbanezDan51]

And for reference the car isn't wet in the pictures..! It was dryed off with a drying towel...

 

[Alphabettispaghetti]

It seems you have to have very original metal to be ripple free.

Also, looks bloody great as it is.

 

[Pete]

Oh dear John you have just dealt the 'killer blow'.

We are so privileged in this country to be able to afford to own a car like this never mind worry about the paint.

I am currently decorating a bedroom and I worry about getting the skirting-boards nice and smooth. Then when I go on holiday and look down from the 'plane at a housing estate I wonder why I fuss so much! Yes personal pride and job satisfaction, but it does seem to be out of proportion. We get so tied up in detail in the Western World.

My advice is to only return it if you know for certain that it will come back perfect. If you had painted the car would you be happy with it or would you start again?

We are all different and it takes all types. There is no right or wrong answer for you it's a decision you have to make based on your personality.

Should we start a 'just drive it' backlash club.

 

[Pete]

Here's my lovely interior, engine bay and paintwork

 

[johnymd]

Try and spot the imperfections in this one

I'm never sure if it gains a few or not.

 

[Woody928]

I really enjoyed this article a long time ago and certainly is where I put myself in terms of finish and usage:

https://petrolicious.com/articles/why-chips-and-dings-dont-bother-me-so-long-as-theyre-earned

Ultimately you have to be happy with it as you will be the one living with it. My car is far from perfect but its pretty decent all things considered and always draws a crowd at shows and has even won a competition now. Now I know it could be a lot better than it is but I'd rather be out there using it and sharing it rather than losing even more time over 'perfection' when in reality it's going to get use and abuse. Just do what makes you happy.

I'm going to name and shame here but Mr Tenno's car and Franky's both look pretty amazing but how much longer will they spend in the garage before they hit the road and get fully enjoyed? I appreciate there are factors in both cases and to some it's worth it but I just couldn't wait.... (Sorry guys, I still love your cars!) When your in it behind the wheel you won't be thinking about it....

Btw the car looks fantastic and is one of my favourite Z colours, I'm super jealous as it is!

 

[Alphabettispaghetti]

I really enjoyed this article a long time ago and certainly is where I put myself in terms of finish and usage:

https://petrolicious.com/articles/why-chips-and-dings-dont-bother-me-so-long-as-theyre-earned

Ultimately you have to be happy with it as you will be the one living with it. My car is far from perfect but its pretty decent all things considered and always draws a crowd at shows and has even won a competition now. Now I know it could be a lot better than it is but I'd rather be out there using it and sharing it rather than losing even more time over 'perfection' when in reality it's going to get use and abuse. Just do what makes you happy.

I'm going to name and shame here but Mr Tenno's car and Franky's both look pretty amazing but how much longer will they spend in the garage before they hit the road and get fully enjoyed? I appreciate there are factors in both cases and to some it's worth it but I just couldn't wait.... (Sorry guys, I still love your cars!) When your in it behind the wheel you won't be thinking about it....

Btw the car looks fantastic and is one of my favourite Z colours, I'm super jealous as it is!

Oi, I resemble that remark.

I'm now taking a more pragmatic approach to things as i'd prefer to eventually get it done.

 

[Woody928]

Oi, I resemble that remark.

I'm now taking a more pragmatic approach to things as i'd prefer to eventually get it done.

You've both got reputations to uphold and I know about your builds so easy targets and all

It's going to be mint once its done with your parts bin though!

 

[Mr Tenno]

Totally agree Woody, if the issues with the paint have taught me anything - it's that it's much better to have a drivable car you can enjoy than a pile of unfinished parts.

 

[Rob Gaskin]

If any of use need lessons on how to 'get things done' then John Palmer is our man.

 

[Alphabettispaghetti]

You've both got reputations to uphold and I know about your builds so easy targets and all

It's going to be mint once its done with your parts bin though!

It'll never be 'mint'. Just useable

 

[Alphabettispaghetti]

If any of use need lessons on someone with an excess of free time then John Palmer is our man.

EFA

 

[s2k_adz]

Try and spot the imperfections in this one

I'm never sure if it gains a few or not.

This is brilliant. If my car hadn't have needed a full resto I think I'd have gone with something like this. I guess dinks etc don't bother you at all!

It's only really as I've paid for it to be perfect I'm bothered and that from the start I sighted straight down the sides as really important.

It is good to see that the general consensus is that it really doesn't matter!

 

[Woody928]

Totally agree Woody, if the issues with the paint have taught me anything - it's that it's much better to have a drivable car you can enjoy than a pile of unfinished parts.

If it makes you feel any better I'm learning this lesson through you, I'd only now consider a project like that with toys that I can enjoy in the meantime. I'd completely underestimate the time and money involved...

It'll never be 'mint'. Just useable

I think it'll be a little more than just usable! I know it will also be enjoyed to the full