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Restoring a SJ van body.

Posted: Sun Jan 19, 2014 10:57 pm
by HuwJones
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

Re: Restoring a SJ van body.

Posted: Sun Jan 19, 2014 11:15 pm
by donkeychomp
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!)

Re: Restoring a SJ van body.

Posted: Sun Jan 19, 2014 11:39 pm
by dan_2k_uk
Brush paint on.... Go offroading

Re: Restoring a SJ van body.

Posted: Sun Jan 19, 2014 11:48 pm
by donkeychomp
told you... :hahaha:

Re: Restoring a SJ van body.

Posted: Sun Jan 19, 2014 11:55 pm
by HuwJones
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

Re: Restoring a SJ van body.

Posted: Sun Jan 19, 2014 11:59 pm
by dan_2k_uk
I have seen many brush or roller painted SJs (including my own) which I consider to be an acceptable finish.

Re: Restoring a SJ van body.

Posted: Mon Jan 20, 2014 12:02 am
by dan_2k_uk
Heres mine just after I finished with a 2 inch brush.

Image

Re: Restoring a SJ van body.

Posted: Mon Jan 20, 2014 12:03 am
by turbo-tom
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.

Re: Restoring a SJ van body.

Posted: Mon Jan 20, 2014 12:39 am
by andyrew
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

Re: Restoring a SJ van body.

Posted: Tue Jan 21, 2014 8:33 pm
by HuwJones
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!