My C3 restoration....

[Oneball]

Been offered these...what do you think?

They look like they need some TLC

 

[Mad4slalom]

It looks stunning Mad4 . You may not be totally happy with the finish but it certainly passes the `five paces away ` test . A bit like mine , it was once red but then only flatted , primed and sprayed Violet Metallic by whoever did the body mods . One day I might splash out several grand and have it done properly , or at my time of life just drive it and enjoy it . If we get the chance in 2021 View attachment 8472

you are right chuffer it is still pretty good and am very pleased with it , just that as an ex car painter we see more faults and blemishes than a lot of others. Can keep improving bits as I go. Just want my reg from dvla so I can get her on the road

 

[Mad4slalom]

you are right chuffer it is still pretty good and am very pleased with it , just that as an ex car painter we see more faults and blemishes than a lot of others. Can keep improving bits as I go. Just want my reg from dvla so I can get her on the road

you are right chuffer it is still pretty good and am very pleased with it , just that as an ex car painter we see more faults and blemishes than a lot of others. Can keep improving bits as I go. Just want my reg from dvla so I can get her on the road

Love the magenta btw

 

[mickn]

Had my 73 sprayed 18 years ago, only bit stripped was the bonnet that was micro blistered, still looks great today....cost £1200 cash

 

[Mad4slalom]

Had my 73 sprayed 18 years ago, only bit stripped was the bonnet that was micro blistered, still looks great today....cost £1200 cash

Nice job

 

[Paul Newman]

Hi William - thanks for the mention in your opening message. Your C3 should look awesome in the green you've chosen, recently saw a metallic green C3 convertible for sale with a cream coloured soft top on ebay, check it out, full restoration I think? Wasn't cheap though. I'll be checking your progress from time to time so best of luck mate and keep in touch

 

[Brightgreenmeanmachine]

The plan to paint before Xmas has been put back as we are doing Gel coat next week. Decided today that the engine is coming out to allow a full paint of the engine bay...

 

[Brightgreenmeanmachine]

I am undecided on whether to do engine bay in black or the body colour green... anyone know what they did at the factory?

 

[Corvette]

Satin black for the inner wings and firewall.

 

[Chuffer]

Wow ! Brightgreen , you sure do have a major project on your hands with the resto . Will look magnificent when finished

 

[James Vette]

The front bumper of the late C3's look awesome.

 

[kentvette]

Sounds like you are doing things right. Best to do it once properly . Should look really good with new gel. The person who painted mine only sanded and primed before painting. It had already had a colour change from white to blue in the past. Should have been stripped really but as it was sound they didnt bother. Hence it had sunk a bit in the six years since it was painted. I have flatted snd machine compounded it and bought it back pretty well but it will never be up to the level it would have been had they stripped it first. Maybe i will do it properly in a few years time. View attachment 8470

The car looks fab, but I like the situation you have there - views and "palm" trees! Very nice!

 

[Mad4slalom]

The car looks fab, but I like the situation you have there - views and "palm" trees! Very nice!

Thanks , thise are the cornish Alps in the background ( clay tips) very nice here tho and very lucky to have a bit of space .

 

[kentvette]

Thanks , thise are the cornish Alps in the background ( clay tips) very nice here tho and very lucky to have a bit of space .

Ah, that explains it - my one-time second home.....

Sorry for the "highjack" brightgreen.....

 

[Mad4slalom]

Ah, that explains it - my one-time second home.....

Sorry for the "highjack" brightgreen.....

Looking good in primer, cant wait to see her in colour

 

[Brightgreenmeanmachine]

Happy New year guys!
So after some deliberation my painter has decided not to use a GelCoat but in place a FlowCoat... this link is the first coat, then that is flatted right back and a second applied then a primer then paint... The finish should be awesome...

I have been mindfull whilst restoring this car to not 'over restore' her... I mean i want the paint amazing but am happy to use and want to fit period used parts with some wear particually the interior... she is a 45yr old beast and needs to show that... do any of you agree ?

I am in two minds whether to have these wheels re chromed to an emaculate finish or to leave as they are? This is them after i have given them a metal polish and scrub up... the question is i suppose what is ' over restoration'??

 

[Rich]

Often, wheels can make a car and as those are my favourite wheels, I personally would restore them back to mint condition.

 

[Oneball]

Thumbs up for the Torqs too.
I don’t think they’re chrome though I think they’re polished and lacquered looking at the corrosion. Far cheaper to re-do in this country.

 

[Roscobbc]

If the wheels have conventional chromed steel rims and chromed alloy centres they may need to be separated, finished and re-joined subsequently. Wouldn't be surprised if the cost of re-finishing wouldn't be a similar price to new replacement. Chrome on alloy always deteriates - American (probably Mexican or far eastern) chrome has always been best described as 'show chrome' and challenged in UK's typical climate.

 

[Brightgreenmeanmachine]

i'm pretty sure these are high polished alloy, so i think i'll get them done properly...