That said, completely insane is probably the most suitable way to describe my psychological state upon embarking on what can only be describes as the most painstaking and physical part of my mk2 build to date. Never underestimate the unstable minded, their ability to pull all-nighters and struggle on through seemingly impossible odds became painfully apparent that weekend. Why did Ell have to mention Stonor Park, it was all quite relaxed until we found ourselves chasing a deadline! Never the less, I doubt we would have finish if it hadn’t been for that show.
Its 3am. Were sitting on Paul’s[top fuel] drive way in the heart of Winchester. There are noticeable signs of fatigue of the faces of all parties and with what can only be described as the best tasting kebab ive ever eaten, we take in the monumental task that’s just washed over us. Two solid days of work had resulted in the mk2 not only taking on a different shade, but a whole new lease of life for its troubles.
Grey was the colour of choice, and if im honest, it looks completely different to the swatch I chose on the card. After laughing off the hideously incorrect hue, preparation began on what turned out to be a practically rust free shell. Paul and myself spent the best part of Saturday morning completely gutting the car. Its amazing how little of the thing was left after all 4 doors, bonnet and interior were stripped. To say it was light would be an understatement, it weighed practically nothing at all and was quick... very quick. The doors were robbed of their trim wholes, as were the wing indicators and aerial hole. An altogether satisfying job and well worth the effort to get them looking spot on. Next was the glass. The doors were relatively easy, but after putting our feet through the windscreen, it became immediately apparent we would need a new pane. Isn’t hindsight a wondrous thing.
The eve of the first night saw the car in fresh oxide primer. It’s a look I would have been happy to run with had I not all ready bought the cellulose paint to finish the job, so we left it at that, stage one complete. The day had seen its fair share of ups and downs, a high speed caddy fuelled primer-paint dash and more than our fair share of KFC. Perfect. But it always surprises me the reactions people give you when undertaking such tasks. Sure, the appearance of a practically stripped car on what was, at best, a 30 degree drive-way is one that could easily fill you with dread but on the whole we were met by smiling faces and the odd ‘nice work there’
So to paint day, make of break, win or loose, the crunch. Could we pull it off? Did they know I had no idea what I was doing? Did they really care? These are the kind of half marked questions you should ask yourself at a time like that, but it’s only on reflection that you appreciate just how badly things could have gone. I dunno, ive always been the kind of person to suck it and see. Maybe one day the car really will blow up like I repeatedly claim it will, who knows. But up until that point things had gone just a little too well.
The drive from Paul’s house to the paint shop was one I don’t feel I will ever do again. It was only four miles but all ill say is that on the way back, we towed it. 10am then, and with Chris[unzey] busy doing the last minute checks of the shell I set to work familiarising myself with the tools at hand. They say a good works man never blames his tools. My tools[read spray gun] were outstandingly bad so im blaming them thanks. Step up, Steven Doe and the ‘show car.’ After a quick call and what felt like an eternity he arrives at the paint shop armed with two top of the range spray guns that tuned out to be ideal for the job. Mixing the paint was left to him whilst I tackled the spraying and with only an hour in which to do it, I was a tad stressed to say the least. Thankfully Chris had been on the phone to his boss who runs the shop [half of a Mercedes garage just outside of Winchester] and got him to agree to keep the place open as long as we needed it.
Everyone has different boundaries set, degrees by how much they allow their fascination to enter real life, whatever that is. All in all, the job was a success and an experience I wouldn’t have swapped for the world. Painting your own car isn’t for the faint hearted, and if I said we did it as good as I hoped id be lying, however, I would say to anyone thinking about it to have a go, read up on it, practice lots and remember its all in the preparation. Im not claming to be a professional here, far from it, but the whole ethos of my build is to have a go yourself, and I feel we followed that mantra to the letter. We finished the car and made it to the show.
I couldn’t have done on my own so ive got to say a massive thanks to Chris Unsworth for getting us the spray booth. Ryan[Stanton]Stewart and Paul[top fuel]McGrath for ferrying my about all weekend and getting stuck in with the prep. Doey for the spray guns and general morale boosting. Chris[jackbaur] for the ongoing dispute over lifetime guarantees and towing me back from the paint shop. Simon Ruffles for the MacDonald’s, Ell and Dave for bringing the ‘bad thing,’ getting stuck in with the prep and setting us a hideous deadline.
on December 14, 2009, 9:29 pm