748 748r Light Refurb, Well, It Started That Way.....

Took the newly acquired DP performance carbon swing arm cover to the paint shop but they wanted too much to lacquer it so going to have a bash myself. If I screw it up I can always take it to them.
So far filled a chip (which won’t show as hidden behind heel plate when fixed on) with araldite Crystal. Wet and dry rub down. next step lacquer when I get the time.

Here’s a pic of the SA cover and sprocket cover after prep.

 

I will let you know once I have done it!!!

 

Thanks. Ideally around 22 - 24 degrees?

 

Still prepping the cf bits but thought you would like to see the minor repairs after filling and rubbing down. There was one crack and several pin holes in the CF. The cracked bit goes behind the foot peg and won’t really show. I filled using Araldite Crystal. Let dry and wet and dry back. Really pleased with the result so far.
Pretty much ready to lay the lacquer when it warms up a bit - I have a plan that involves the Mrs being out when I do it.
Main point of this post is to say how good this Araldite appears to be though - I am not on their payroll, just had not come across the clear version before.

 

^ no pleasing some people is there!!

 

Lacquer applied this morning.

Got a couple of runs to deal with (I got impatient on coat four) and the swing arm could do with more coats as some pinpricks evident (it was thoroughly degreased and wet rubbed down but it was pretty thin in places - these are the problem areas).

Depending on how it looks after a polish (a good few days time) I may, or may not, add more lacquer. The sprocket cover has some orange peel to take care of.

For my first ever attempt at this kind of thing I am very pleased. I have learnt a lot (preparation is key - when you think you have finished spend the same amount of time or more finishing it off, take your time, warm is good, use correct PPE, follow the instructions, don't spray too much on etc). When the lacquer has dried properly I am going to learn how to deal with the runs (toilet paper??) and a spot of orange peel. Its time consuming but fun!

 

@Jez900ie - still breathing - just!! But ...... about to get my throat cut by the Mrs. Thought I had cleaned up all the evidence but no, nowhere near. Ooops. She is not a happy camper I sprayed the lacquer in the bathroom as its nice and dry and toasty. Covered the shower cubicle with plastic sheeting and went for it. Forgot about blowback.......

@RC1 Very kind words, the photo probably is flattering. I would say its a good first attempt but no better than that. I need to apply more lacquer to the swing arm if I want to get rid of the pinholes but it might cost me a lot more than the spray tin (see above).

 

^ Inspired mate!!

 

Well, I am a very proud dad. The wife's bathroom has given birth to an amazing delivery.

This morning I have sorted the orange peel on the sprocket cover. Wet and dry down, check, check and check again with fingers. Baby bottom smooth.

Then cutting compound, then polish and finishing with wax. All initial coats done with electric buffer. Finishing all three stages by hand. It is like glass. I cannot believe the result - to me it is now almost (99%) as good as the professional job I had done on the previous carbon. It just goes to show, if you have half an ounce of capability, things like this can be done at home (just not in the bathroom ). Saves you a packet and more importantly it is very, very rewarding.

Some pictures for you:
Stage 1. Flat off with soapy water and 1200 grit. Dry, look for high spots and repeat.


Stage 2.
Smooth out with 2000 grit. Check and repeat.


Stage 3, final wet rub down with 2500 grit.

All of the orange peel was gone after the first stage, stages two and three are to make the surface really smooth. Use lots of water obvs.

I have to admit to being a bit nervous once I got to this stage as it looks really flat and I was wondering should I have just left it alone? Nervously, ito the garage (lesson learnt!) to use the dual action polisher (cutting compound;polish, then, finally wax. Here is the result (it looks a ton better in real life than the photo by the way):


I cant do the swingarm cover yet as there are a few runs and I want to ensue they are totally dry before flatting off. So, next week sometime. Also, the carbon was not in such good condition so there are many pinpricks. I might try a spot fix on these to see if it works - whats the worst that can happen (new found confidence, see)? I will photo all stages when I do it as I know several are interested in the results.