15 replies to this topic

[MFM]

My XU1 was painted Salamanca red in 1978 over the Chateau Mauve. I spoke to the 2nd owner of this car last year who changed the colour in 1978 and asked him why he did this and he said back then he hated the Chateau but that there was no repairs done, simply a colour change. The paint is flaking off in a number of spots revealing the original Chateau paint underneath. Under the doors it can be removed simply by scratching with your fingernail. Appears no undercoat was used. Now although the paint looks great from 5 meters away (see photo), everyone keeps telling me 'Shame it wasn't the original paint' and that it would be worth so much more. So now for the stupid question. If I was dumb enough to try and remove the top coat how could this be done without affecting the original chateau underneath or am I dreaming. Be a shame to strip all that nice GMH original red lead undercoat off this car just to bring it back to its right colour. Photos are of the tops of the front and rear windows, scuttle and one of where I used sticky tape on inside the nose. 

Forgot one photo

Attached Files

•  IMG_0415.JPG   37.32K   3 downloads
•  IMG_0416.JPG   37.65K   3 downloads
•  IMG_0611.JPG   72.33K   2 downloads
•  IMG_0823.JPG   74.56K   2 downloads
•  IMG_0845.JPG   37.45K   2 downloads

[Ice]

Dont think that is going to work Mark sounds like a respray to me

[MFM]

I should say its not that I am trying to save $ quite the opposite as I'm happy to spend the money, it would probably cost more to try and remove the red and then to give it a re-spray on top of the original paint.

[yel327]

Try a high pressure washer where it is flaky. If there is no repairs to make just put the elbow grease in with wet and dry. You’ll go through the Chateau Mauve in some places but the red lead should stay. Even if you go through on an edge here or there just repair with primer. I’d even try with thinners on a rag in places it is hard to sand, the acrylic is air dry and the GMH primer and acrylic are both heat cured so it may clean off enough to then sand for paint.

[MFM]

I tried a spot on the inner nose using 0000 steel wool dampened with cheap thinners and carefully rubbed and wiped with dry rag and it was quite easy to come off. Then polished it and it shone? There appears to be an undercoat in this photo so perhaps they did use one just didn't rub the car down properly beforehand.

Attached Files

•  IMG_0847.JPG   44.29K   3 downloads

[yel327]

I think you’ve found your method for some areas.

[Ice]

Personally i think you will make a mess of that paint job thinners will take the purple off to without a doubt

[rodomo]

Drink lots of water...………………………...your fingernails will grow quicker.

[claysummers]

Bam easy off oven cleaner extra strength. Cover with glad wrap and leave for 30 minutes then wash off with pressure hose. That’s what I was told by one mate. I wasn’t game to try it.

Seriously though you should be able to take it back with 400 emery as suggested by yel327. Soak in mild citric acid solution 24 hours then pressure wash is a method I’ve had success with on panels you can remove.
You can see the water level where I had the guard from an FB sitting in a fish crate full of the acid solution. I’m now using a green wheely bin filled with water and 5kg citric acid powder. The original paint is the factory dulon acrylic and is unaffected. Not sure what the darker top coat is. May be worth a try?
Cheers
Clay


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[MFM]

I have heard of the oven cleaner method. Its having the courage to make a start which is balking me. Could start on the underside of the bonnet and see what happens.

[arrimar]

Why start at all? What you have is something unique.

[Kockum]

Mark you mentioned people commenting about your cars paint colour change and drop in value .

 

From my side of the fence -  yes it would be worth more but this would not be a major issue for me.

You have a bloody good car there!

 

Say three 5/72 XU1 are listed for sale and I had cash burning a big hole in my pocket.

All three are genuine body / tags as they left the assembly plant/s and are in general good condition.

 

Down to brass tacks - 

 

Car one has original paint colour and comes with a dodgey  re-stamped ' jp' engine block .

 

Car two has had a paint colour change and comes with the original JP engine block.

 

Car three has also had a paint colour change and is missing the original JP engine block but has a genuine NP replacement engine block in it now.

 

 

The car I would buy hands down is car two - yours if you like.

 

Second choice is car three.

 

Would I buy car one?  If it was cheap and I had a genuine NP replacement engine block in my shed for it!

 

There have been a number of cars for sale recently and most of them have DODGEY RE-STAMPED ENGINE BLOCKS.

 

So for me having the genuine factory fitted JP engine block in any genuine car far outweighs any issues with having a paint colour change . 

[MFM]

Kockum you are not the 1st to provide this sound advice i.e leave it alone. At least when I sell the new owner will be able to see how authentic the car is and hows its remained this way since it was painted red in 1978. Yes this car has matching everything (except paint) even has the original carpets and underfelt (although the fronts are tatty) boot and engine bay still original paint. Might just leave it alone and enjoy it because its not like it needs any work and to be honest the red looks pretty good. Its good to get opinions off enthusiasts. I think I will take your advice on that one which is pretty well what I was thinking anyway.

[claysummers]

Never sell


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[yel327]

Never say that. Life has away of changing things!

[grumpy xu1]

Never say that. Life has away of changing things!

You certainly are spot on there, I'd probably sell the house first though. Although some people make me question the torana scene, that's for sure sometimes.