libby the deluxe

chris d · Post by **chris d** » Wed Jan 06, 2016 7:33 pm

this is libbys bottom going to clean all the underseal of treat the surface rust etch prime paint several times then re underseal
watch this space for updates
chris d

ImpManiac · Post by **ImpManiac** » Wed Jan 06, 2016 10:09 pm

Watching...

I have this to do on mine too, although mine also needs rust repairs, sills, etc., etc.

IM

chris d · Post by **chris d** » Thu Feb 04, 2016 5:08 pm

libbys bottom is free of ziebart
surface rust has been treated with wire and polycarbide wheels
then the lower half has been given 2 coates of kurust
the upper half is waiting for the second coat
the ziebart chipped of reasonably easy with a hammer and small chisel
there are still some bits on the rear end to clean
then I can do the small bit off welding to the rear quarters and battery tray
getting there slowly
cheers chris d

The Nun · Post by **The Nun** » Thu Feb 04, 2016 5:36 pm

Ziebart wont chip off its not thick enough its only like a thin black waxy coating, you can remove it with a cloth soaked in white spirits in fact, what youre chipping off is the factory underseal, albeit with a thin coating of Ziebart on top.
If the car was Ziebarted fully the inside of the luggage compartment and engine compartment should also have a coating of the stuff.
It was very good at preventing rust where the actual stuff managed to coat, which sadly wasnt everywhere it was really needed in my case as proven when the outer panels were removed.

tiker · Post by **tiker** » Thu Feb 04, 2016 7:24 pm

Libby looks in very good condition to start with Chris I think you got a good buy there

bks974c · Post by **bks974c** » Thu Feb 04, 2016 9:55 pm

Jealous - nearly rust free.

Scott

chris d · Post by **chris d** » Thu Apr 07, 2016 8:39 am

finished removing the rust and paint from libbys bottom
repaired the rear quarters with steel,long time since I welded anything so
had to use a little filler as well (must practise more).
repaired the boot gutter in the engine bay.
just the inner quarter,small patch to weld in
and make a battery tray,hopefully today
then etch prime this afternoon,if the grand kids don't call in (there the distraction that's slowing me down)
comments good and bad always welcome
cheers chris d

The Nun · Post by **The Nun** » Thu Apr 07, 2016 8:45 am

So much easier to put the car upside down rather than yourself isnt it.

looking good, another top resto on its way.

tiker · Post by **tiker** » Thu Apr 07, 2016 9:43 am

Looks like there's very little welding Chris you'll be losing it if you don't use it ! How's Crusty??? That will really give you something to do

I'm so fed up with welding

ImpManiac · Post by **ImpManiac** » Thu Apr 07, 2016 10:48 pm

Good to see you progressing Libby.

Another solid Imp in the making!

IM

chris d · Post by **chris d** » Wed Jun 01, 2016 7:39 pm

thanks for the comments guys
pete its great not to lye on the floor all day(have enough problems with my back)
since my last post I have etch primed the whole car inside and out
first time using a proper spray gun (so much easier)
flatted the primer a bit
stone chipped her bottom and wheel arches
seam sealed her seams etc
and to day ive given her a coat of hi build primer inside and out
pic for your approval
cheers chris d

bazzateer · Post by **bazzateer** » Wed Jun 01, 2016 8:22 pm

She's looking good Chris

Bobbycham · Post by **Bobbycham** » Wed Jun 01, 2016 9:15 pm

Looking good , Petula should be at stage fairly soon. Good feeling!
Bob

Post by **Lars Hagermark** » Wed Jun 01, 2016 9:57 pm

You, Bobbycham, Noddy and a few other makes visits to this forum way more rewarding and interesting than any other site.

Car is looking nice!!! Libby is going to be a real beauty.

The Nun · Post by **The Nun** » Thu Jun 02, 2016 9:38 am

Its good to see owners now seeing the IMP as worth restoring and doing a proper job with the intention its going to last, the more really nice cars there are out there can only be good for promoting the brand for the future, hopefully it will encourage others to give it a go when they see here what can be achieved if you are prepared to put in the effort and how good the IMP can be these days if restored properly.
Even I have to admit parking next to the old classic Mini you can see the IMPs superior quality in its build and design by comparison, the Mini is really quite crude and very basic in places.

ImpManiac · Post by **ImpManiac** » Thu Jun 02, 2016 4:38 pm

Superb work, Chris!

IM

chris d · Post by **chris d** » Wed Jun 08, 2016 9:01 pm

first coat of 2 pack hi build primer went on ok left a roughish surface
a couple of runs and drips but being a first time painter
I knew it would not be perfect.
dry sanded the whole car down with 600 paper,smoothish finish
panel wipe and tack cloth.
second coat applied and another couple of runs turned up
left to dry for 48 hours
started to dry sand this afternoon and the second coat is dropping of in chunks
the second coat has not stuck to the first coat!!!!!!!!!
is this because I have sanded the first down or because I used panel wipe and tack cloths.
the 2 pack etch is thinned with quality thinners and not gun wash and the
correct amount of hardener is used.the paint and hardedner are made by mipa
and are in date etc
any suggestions
feeling a bit p****d off
chris d

bks974c · Post by **bks974c** » Wed Jun 08, 2016 9:15 pm

Etch primer uses its own Activated thinner its the part that contains the acid etch.

Hope you haven't used cellulose thinner or I recon its back to bare metal.

Scott

The Nun · Post by **The Nun** » Thu Jun 09, 2016 9:31 am

Youre not alone, if you read a few classic car mags of many a car restoration story lots of owners have had disasters when it comes to painting doing it themselves from the paint not going on right to getting moisture under the top coat and it blistering many years afterwards, its very expensive getting the professionals to do it in a booth but when you consider all the possible hassle it might work out more economical in the end than having to do it twice, although I do see the sense of achievement one can get from saying the finished car is all their own work?

tiker · Post by **tiker** » Thu Jun 09, 2016 2:31 pm

Hi Chris I would say 600 grit to re prime is too fine 250 and when spraying first coat a light mist coat to bind it then full coat when mist coat is nearly dry, panel wipe and tack OK have you thought about epoxy instead of etch its waterproof and you can filler on top and everything sticks like s*** to it you can spray wet on wet for about 72 hours

tiker · Post by **tiker** » Thu Jun 09, 2016 2:33 pm

Are you doing solid colour are metallic

chris d · Post by **chris d** » Thu Jun 09, 2016 7:20 pm

after visiting the doctors to get my head examined(true)I called at the paint suppliers
and explained my problems with the hi build primer.
YES I have used the wrong thinners.my fault. period.
because its acrylic paint I needed some different thinners.
oh well lets start again.
back to stripping paint, as if I havnt done it before.
now the top coat comes of with ease because its not stuck to the previous coat of hi build
the other layers are well and truly attached to the car,so do I just remove the top layer
or go back to bare metal.pictured below is 3-4 hours with a sander and wire wheel for the niggly bits
feel free to hurl abuse because I am a plonker.
yes pete I agree with your comments.i had similar comments at the nec about stellas paint
gary still not decided about colour but not metalic
cheers chris d

tiker · Post by **tiker** » Thu Jun 09, 2016 7:35 pm

Hi Chris I feel your dilemma I would flat it of f no need to go right back to bare all over put epoxy primer over its also used as a sealer, it's then waterproof and your ready to shoot hi build over top you can do hi build wet on wet as soon as dry are just flat off smooth and re etch you can etch over paint If its keyed just as good as bare metal

chris d · Post by **chris d** » Fri Jun 10, 2016 6:33 pm

gary
yes valid point
I flatted the o/s windscreen surround and front of the roof
no big clumps of paint coming off
sanded well,nice and smooth
will carry on checking other panels
hopefully its just localised to the rear wing and c pillar
will have a chat with dale on Wednesday and get his thoughts
the painter im using is on holiday
gonna dig stella out on wenesday and check her over for her mot the week after.
so well see what happens
chris d

ImpManiac · Post by **ImpManiac** » Sun Jun 12, 2016 11:44 pm

Live and learn, Chris.

You're not born knowing which paint components are compatible with which. You learn and move on, as you have done. Correct the issues as they arise.

Thank you for sharing your experiences. It gives the rest of us a chance with our own projects!

IM

chris d · Post by **chris d** » Mon Jun 20, 2016 7:47 pm

spoke to dale and pete on Wednesday,they both have experience with painting cars.
conclusion is strip to bare metal.
thankfully its only the exterior I messed up,so managed a couple of hours
on Thursday and Saturday with the polycarbide wheel and wire disk.
should be back in primer by Christmas !!!!!!!
pics as I know you like them
cheers chris d

bazzateer · Post by **bazzateer** » Tue Jun 21, 2016 1:56 pm

You know what they say Chris, when you're going through Hell, just keep going!

ImpManiac · Post by **ImpManiac** » Thu Jun 23, 2016 5:52 pm

I have to say, that is looking really excellent, Chris!

Keep up the great work!

IM

chris d · Post by **chris d** » Thu Oct 06, 2016 5:56 pm

well after fixing a couple of issues with stella to get me to the national,back to libby
her exterior is now in bare metal apart from the front panel.
front will be done when of the frame.
now to etch and hi build again with out any silly mistakes.
pics for your comments

tiker · Post by **tiker** » Thu Oct 06, 2016 6:37 pm

Hi Chris looking good.
How do you keep garage dry have you got heating on to keep damp at bay while prep work and spraying?

ImpManiac · Post by **ImpManiac** » Fri Oct 07, 2016 10:48 am

Superb, Chris!

That really does look good. Keep up the great work.

IM

chris d · Post by **chris d** » Sun Oct 09, 2016 7:05 pm

hi gary
no heating in garage.i got some polysheet dust covers from the paint supplier to cover the stiletto whilst cleaning libby.
just throw one over and attach round bottom with clothes pegs to bottom of cill.the garage roof is triple skinned after the burglary
a couple of years ago,cuts down on condensation but its always been dry normaly
hi paul
it looks good because its the second time iv stripped it bare after my silly cockup with the paint.
nevermind.still on the big learning curve called life.hopefully get her in primer this week.
cheers chris d

chris d · Post by **chris d** » Wed Oct 12, 2016 6:31 pm

good day today
libby is now in etch primer
tomorrow will hopefully put a coat of hi build on her
then I'm back to where we were 3 months ago
gary the first couple of pics are how I keep her rust free and dry
cheers chris d

tiker · Post by **tiker** » Wed Oct 12, 2016 7:30 pm

Hi Chris I see your floor is also very dry my garage floor is Yorkshire stone and always damp but once patch is rolling I'll lay plastic sheeting not much more I can do as it's rented good luck
Have you chosen a colour yet?

ImpManiac · Post by **ImpManiac** » Wed Oct 12, 2016 9:58 pm

Well done, Chris. Excellent work.

IM

chris d · Post by **chris d** » Thu Oct 13, 2016 8:14 pm

even better day today
got libby in hi build primer
so hopefully it will sand ok.
will find out tomorrow when I finish work.
pics for comments good and bad
cheers chris d

chris d · Post by **chris d** » Thu Oct 13, 2016 8:24 pm

hi gary
my garage floor is dry and 6 inch concrete also higher than the surrounding land so no water ingress
I built the base and the garage so seems I did a good job
rented garages are a problem especially with stone floors
laying polythene or visqueen from local builders merchants is better than nothing
colour wise I would like to do it original pinewood green metallic,BUT
I don't want another metallic, there a bitch to sort out body repairs etc
and sue (who the car is for)doesn't like green
so undecided yet
cheers chris d

colimp66 · Post by **colimp66** » Thu Oct 13, 2016 10:31 pm

Nice job Chris. A bit jealous I must say that you have your Imp in primer I'm wishing I had the time to get mine to that point.
Hoping it all goes well for the next stage for you.

Cheers
Col

ImpManiac · Post by **ImpManiac** » Wed Oct 19, 2016 5:43 pm

The car looks superb from your photos, Chris.

IM

chris d · Post by **chris d** » Sat Oct 29, 2016 8:55 pm

cheers colin and I'm
col I'm jealous of your fabrication skills,luckily libby did not need a lot of metalwork.
front panel re-cleaned etch primed and then hi coated.
now to give her a couple more coats of hi build and start sanding by hand.
pics for your comments as always
cheers chris d

617sqn · Post by **617sqn** » Sun Oct 30, 2016 2:13 pm

Very nice work, there. The front bib spoiler is a little excessive for my taste, but each to their own

Andy G.

Stan

chris d · Post by **chris d** » Thu Nov 03, 2016 9:01 am

hi andy
the bib spoiler is adjustable to accomadate the cut down landrover chassis and wheels
that are going under it to make a 4 wheel drive imp.

cheers chris d

chris d · Post by **chris d** » Wed Jan 04, 2017 6:53 pm

happy new year everybody
done a bit more on libby
given her another coat of hi build
cleaned and etch primed a spare window I have
cleaned the door bins and etch them
today I have given the doors a coat of hi build
bonnet and boot to do then I will start to sand it all down by hand
also planning Barnsley start of season run so lots to do.
pics below for your comments
cheers chris d

tiker · Post by **tiker** » Wed Jan 04, 2017 9:26 pm

Hi Chris she's looking really good
Picked a colour yet?

chris d · Post by **chris d** » Thu Jan 05, 2017 9:33 am

hi gary
I want pinewood green sue wants purple
might compromise and do 2 tone green/purple
still a way off yet
cheers chris d

The Nun · Post by **The Nun** » Thu Jan 05, 2017 9:48 am

Your primer looks like a BMW special option available in the matt coat finish on the M range of cars, owners pay a fortune extra for it as it looks cool, I think they say?

John Simister · Post by **John Simister** » Thu Jan 05, 2017 10:33 am

Looking great. Purple is a very Sue colour, I think.

chris d · Post by **chris d** » Thu Jan 12, 2017 7:02 pm

thanks pete and john
the black is hi build primer and my first attempt so quite pleased with the finish
shame i have to sand it off.
yes purple or pink would suit sue.
wet sanded the near side door today,not too impressed with the finish
a bit thin in places and even gone through,so must be high points
will leave it for now and have a word with my painter
the second pic is it wrapped up ready to go upstairs in storage
pics to show my efforts/mistakes
cheers chris d

chris d · Post by **chris d** » Wed Jul 05, 2017 7:55 pm

evening all
6 months since my last update!!!!! where does the time go
the body is ready for the painter now
bonnet boot rear window and trim cross member front grill all etched primed and block sanded
fed up of body work so looking at the wiring harness.
now I hate all things electrickery, remember I had stella on fire a couple of years ago.
so I want to make a new harness and add a couple of extra wires for rev counter etc
talk about in at the deep end.
I have some info from the forum and will ask questions if needed.
I am going to check the strands in a couple of different wire sizes and go from there
so question 1 libby is a 75 so can you still buy the multiplugs for the printed circuit board, wiper motor, and steering colum.
question 2 I would like to renew with thinwall cable any thoughts
will post some pic later
cheers for any help
chris d

Post by **Lars Hagermark** » Wed Jul 05, 2017 8:36 pm

chris d wrote:... so looking at the wiring harness.
now I hate all things electrickery, remember I had stella on fire a couple of years ago.
so I want to make a new harness and add a couple of extra wires for rev counter etc
talk about in at the deep end.
I have some info from the forum and will ask questions if needed.
...
chris d

May I humbly suggest this thread. viewtopic.php?f=9&t=27359
From approx. half-way down the first page and on to page 2 (only three posts) you may find some useful information.