Lude Generation

I've been unhappy about the last job I did on the hold-down. I wasn't patient enough and it ended up looking like a right pig's ear. So last Sunday I decided to sort it out - properly and with patience - to add a bit of va-va-voom to the engine bay.
Here's what it looked like before, it was white but I'd put about a thousand layers of paint on it and wasn't patient during the process, so it had finger marks and was far too thick. Jason did a quick touch up to cover my bodged efforts, but as a result, it lost something in the translation.

I stripped off the old paint and washed it with plenty of water. Here's the result. Top

Underside

Then I gave it some welly with sandpaper and rubbed it clean with paint thinners. Top

Underside

Then out to my lavishly equipped spray booth.

And here's the discipline. Slowly, slowly and wait till the layers dry. This is where I fell down before.

Then a final light coating to finish it off and leave it to dry.no touching, no playing with it - just walk away

I left it overnight as I really didn't want to mess it up by fitting it too soon. I put it back on yesterday morning, only finger tight because I don't have a deep socket.

Then I went down to see Jason who correctly fitted it (As I'd not located it properly) and tightened everything down.


I'm dead chuffed with how it looks and have certainly learnt a few things about the process. I guess it really does pay in the long run to be patient. Anyway, hope you like my snazzy new hold-down.

By the way, here's the temperature in the shade at ten o'clock Sunday morning. Ideal paint drying weather but bloody murderous to work in.

As you say, effort/time in the prep males all the difference in these things...
Nightmare working in that heat - especially if humid too!

Nice one mate that's a nice shade of blue

Thanks for that feedback guys. Absolutely Iain. I got myself ready, both in terms of having all the bits I needed in one spot and also mentally ready to stick to the plan and not be distracted. That's why it was such a bodge last time.
I'm chuffed that I did just that, and as a result am pretty proud of what I've achieved. I know it was not a huge job, peanuts compared to the mechanical stuff you guys undertake, but I bet you guys follow that 'plan and prepare' mantra to achieve the things I've read and seen that you've done.

i think this post has nothing to do with the battery clamp its just a reason to boast about the temperature hes got , well stuff you we have had snow more fun than that sunshine ps good job on the paint

firstlude, honestly buddy, I wasn't boasting in fact, I was jealously watching SKY news here for daily updates on all that lovely snow. I'm just bloody annoyed it didn't snow like that while I was back in the UK over Christmas.
Thanks for the ps - much appreciated

only pulling your leg was hoping for some fun in the snow with me car but couldnt get it out