Well things don't always go to plan, for various reasons the SZ respray got postponed last year but 2018 will be different.
On Friday she was taken down to the paint shop for the planned respray. On the surface this looked a relatively simple task of rubbing her down to primer and then a complete respray but unfortunately as often happens initial investigation highlighted a few issues. The paint on the car is super smooth, no blisters as these were removed in 2005 when she was first painted, and if it wasn't for the chips the paint still looks good. However the paint chips provided a clue to a bigger problem as there were all too neat and too deep, application of a sharp tool to the edges of the chips proved that underneath there is a bonding issue between the primer and body which allows the paint to flake away without much force. This will mean that we have to take the car right back. Paint and primer all need to come off and the body be rekeyed to allow proper adhesion. This will obviously take m ore time and cost more but it will ensure a perfect paint finish once complete.
Also I am taking the opportunity to addressing some rodent damage to the seats. Discussion with a well renowned trimmer identified the fact that although the damage was localised and that repair pieces could be let in the chance if getting an accurate match in colour and texture especially overtime would be challenging. The decision was therefore made to recover both seats in full leather, surprisingly the backs and sides of the original seats is not leather, this will entail having a boss made to imprint the logos into the seats as per the originals.
Body, interior which just leaves the wheels. Fortunately I already have a spare set that have been restored and polished, these will be fitted and the originals will be sent away to be done. Currently talking to a few suppliers who can do the job but retain all the original engraving that most refurbs destroy.
So after 26 years the old girl is finally going to get the make over she deserves, not a cheap task, all estimates have increased but something that is probably justifiable. Hopefully by spring she will be looking better than she was when she left the factory back in 1991.