Restoring a SJ van body.

fitting new seats? welding up arches? Painting your SJ? post your queries here
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HuwJones
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Restoring a SJ van body.

Post by HuwJones » Sun Jan 19, 2014 10:57 pm

I've just bought a SJ van body, it's a 1988 SJ 410. I've bought it to replace the soft top body on my current SJ.
The van needs a bit of work, new rear arches, a bit of welding on the passenger side sill and a few minor dents to be removed. The footwells, bulkhead and everything above the floor look to be rot free. I've gone around with a small hammer tapping in various places and everything seems solid (apart from the list I mentioned earlier). I'm now not sure what to do, either cut all of the rust out, patch up and paint. Or do I send it off for sandblasting first?
I'm also going to hand paint it, as I haven't got enough room to spray, does anyone have any tips or tricks on hand painting?
Thanks
Huw
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donkeychomp
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Re: Restoring a SJ van body.

Post by donkeychomp » Sun Jan 19, 2014 11:15 pm

If you can afford to get it blasted and are confident enough the thin bodywork will stand it then go for it. As for hand painting I'd advise against it if you want a decent finish. (loads here will disagree with me!)
If it ticks over...leave it

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dan_2k_uk
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Re: Restoring a SJ van body.

Post by dan_2k_uk » Sun Jan 19, 2014 11:39 pm

Brush paint on.... Go offroading
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donkeychomp
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Re: Restoring a SJ van body.

Post by donkeychomp » Sun Jan 19, 2014 11:48 pm

told you... :hahaha:
If it ticks over...leave it

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HuwJones
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Re: Restoring a SJ van body.

Post by HuwJones » Sun Jan 19, 2014 11:55 pm

I'm not planning on doing any major off roading, maybe once or twice a year max. I just want to turn this one into a reasonably reliable run around that keeps me dry! The whole reason I'm changing it to a tin top is that I'm fed up with the soft top pissing on me!
I was planning on hand painting it as I haven't got the space to spray paint it, it just barely fits into the garage with enough room to walk around it.

Huw
There's three ways of doing things,
1) The Right Way,
2) The Wrong Way
3) My Way.
2 & 3 are usually the same.

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dan_2k_uk
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Re: Restoring a SJ van body.

Post by dan_2k_uk » Sun Jan 19, 2014 11:59 pm

I have seen many brush or roller painted SJs (including my own) which I consider to be an acceptable finish.
Image
Janspeed manifold, LWB Vit vented discs and calipers

Build thread -- Build photos -- HLA-Artwork
Coming soon: YJs, Trussed axles, Full float rear.

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dan_2k_uk
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Re: Restoring a SJ van body.

Post by dan_2k_uk » Mon Jan 20, 2014 12:02 am

Heres mine just after I finished with a 2 inch brush.

Image
Image
Janspeed manifold, LWB Vit vented discs and calipers

Build thread -- Build photos -- HLA-Artwork
Coming soon: YJs, Trussed axles, Full float rear.

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turbo-tom
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Re: Restoring a SJ van body.

Post by turbo-tom » Mon Jan 20, 2014 12:03 am

Im a spray type of guy. But when I saw Dan's Scott's and now steves sj's you really wouldnt of thought they would of been hand painted from a distance.

Imo it depends on the prepwork, paint grade/type and ofcourse the artist/ painter.
Tom :)

Ford Fiesta ST :D

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andyrew
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Re: Restoring a SJ van body.

Post by andyrew » Mon Jan 20, 2014 12:39 am

Depends on the finish your after.

Rolling and some elbow grease can get amazing results

http://www.rickwrench.com/index79master ... paint.html

Painted with a roller
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Andys Rusty Suzuki Emporium

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HuwJones
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Re: Restoring a SJ van body.

Post by HuwJones » Tue Jan 21, 2014 8:33 pm

Wow, that finish is amazing! I'd like to point out that I'm not aiming towards that standard. If it looks good from 6ft away, it's good enough for me!
There's three ways of doing things,
1) The Right Way,
2) The Wrong Way
3) My Way.
2 & 3 are usually the same.

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