Fender Fail Update

[pgerhardt]

Well, I was using a "nib file" to shave off the runs and sags of my botched fender underside paint job (picture 1) for over an hour when it became clear that I would not be satisfied with the end result. So I listened to my own advice (slow down - take your time -do it right!). I loaded 220 grit in my palm sander, sanded it all down again, and reshot the fender underside.

Now a week later, while my cat was unimpressed (picture 2), I am now satisfied with a job I consider well done. (Picture 3)

[pgerhardt]

BTW the next show i go to where I see a model A with perfect fenders - top side and underside, I'm going to shake that owner's hand because I KNOW how much work it takes to get there!

[Goldhardt]

That's a very good looking job on that fender!

[Bill in NJ]

Don't forget to under coat it so you won't get any chips in the paint !

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

How well did your palm-sander work? We have tried everything from micro DA sanders with 2" or 3" Hook-it sanding pads, ...to Palm sanders but we found the productivity is just as fast with block sanding by hand on a foam pad.

[Mark DeRoseau]

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I get someone shooting a panel at home, a novice... Maybe, Maybe not. Would expect different results. But I figured a "professional" shop, wouldn't be looking for painting tips on the ford barn.... Hummmm.?? Pgerhardt... panel looks great. Palm sander faster than block sanding... Depends on if your doing it yourself, or billing a customer.. Dough!

[pgerhardt]

Originally Posted by Bill in NJ

Don't forget to under coat it so you won't get any chips in the paint !

Cover up all my work! I don't think so. Although it might be worth investigating that clear film they spray on the front of expensive sport cars.

Originally Posted by BRENT in 10-uh-C

How well did your palm-sander work? We have tried everything from micro DA sanders with 2" or 3" Hook-it sanding pads, ...to Palm sanders but we found the productivity is just as fast with block sanding by hand on a foam pad.

I use a craftsman "Nextec" sander (picture 1). As you can see the top shelf of my tool chest is set up for charging all my batteries. When one gets low I just swap in another and keep going. No cords to worries about.

I usually don't use it to "block sand", but here the panel shaping was already "done" (it is a NOS fender - so not much work needed.), The sander made quick work of erasing the sags & runs, and getting the bad coat of enamel smooth and level - ready for respray.

BTW Although I have a Porter Cable DA for buffing/polishing its long handle makes it no good for doing the underside of fenders. Since I don't have an air source that will drive an air tool I use a modified (I cut off the saw dust collection chute) Milwaukee DA sander (picture 2) with a hook & loop back and Chemical Guys pads. It has the same speed control as the Porter Cable, works great, and easily gets into all areas of the fender undersides.

Originally Posted by Mark DeRoseau

I get someone shooting a panel at home, a novice... Maybe, Maybe not. Would expect different results. But I figured a "professional" shop, wouldn't be looking for painting tips on the ford barn.... Hummmm.?? Pgerhardt... panel looks great. Palm sander faster than block sanding... Depends on if your doing it yourself, or billing a customer.. Dough!

I am not sure what this means, but I here on the barn I figure I am sharing with other hobbyists like myself, and I would imagine a professional would incorporate good information wherever they find it.

If wanting to do as much of my restoration myself as I can and expanding my skills set makes me a novice, then that's what I am.
For block sanding vs. palm sander see above.

[John Duden]

I used a wooden paint stick with sandpaper wrapped around it, I could form it around the curves and it would not leave flat spots
John

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by Mark DeRoseau

I get someone shooting a panel at home, a novice... Maybe, Maybe not. Would expect different results. But I figured a "professional" shop, wouldn't be looking for painting tips on the ford barn.... Hummmm.?? Pgerhardt... panel looks great. Palm sander faster than block sanding... Depends on if your doing it yourself, or billing a customer.. Dough!

Hi Mark, --not sure where you got the idea that I was looking for painting tips! Maybe you have more experience at painting Model-As than I where you could offer us/me some tips?

I might also add that based on our experience of doing fenders, the Palm-Sander isn't faster nor is the quality level what I or my customers are seeking.