USMC case

[SgtM]

Well, I've been busy with everything else BUT this mod. I bought a buffing wheel for my drill to make buffing the panels a little easier, but haven't had a chance to use it yet. Here's the good thing though. I have Friday, Saturday and Sunday off this week, and most of the yard work is done. It would be nice to get the inside of the case painted, and maybe some clear on the top panel. I still need a new video card so when the mod is finally finished, I'll actually have guts to put back in it.

[Commando]

SgtM,

Good to see this project still alive. I've got a tip that I think will really help.

When I started trying to get wicked glossy clearcoat finishes I thought it was the buffing that made you money. It's really not. It's the sanding. Here's the kicker. Sand in the same direction the whole time. This really is huge. Go 1000 grit until when you wipe it dry the whole panel is foggy(no bumps). Then go to 1500, then 2000 real quick. With the 1500 and 2000 just wetsand until the paper glides. It goes really quick. Remember same direction.

If you've done it right, buffing should take 5-10min max. You'll feel that spitshine smooth as soon as you put the buffing compound down.

I realized this a little while back and it makes a HUGE difference.

- sand in the same direction the whole time
- stay with 1000 grit until no more high spots or orange peel
- then go 1500, 2000. this is quick
- then buff

Before this i used to buff and buff and buff and buff and buff. you get the idea and it would just stay foggy. Sand in the same direction(not circles), straight lines and buffing will be wicked cool. You'll put rubbing compound down and it's like magic: Bamm!!! shiny like that.

I hope this helps.

[SgtM]

SgtM,

Good to see this project still alive. I've got a tip that I think will really help.

When I started trying to get wicked glossy clearcoat finishes I thought it was the buffing that made you money. It's really not. It's the sanding. Here's the kicker. Sand in the same direction the whole time. This really is huge. Go 1000 grit until when you wipe it dry the whole panel is foggy(no bumps). Then go to 1500, then 2000 real quick. With the 1500 and 2000 just wetsand until the paper glides. It goes really quick. Remember same direction.

If you've done it right, buffing should take 5-10min max. You'll feel that spitshine smooth as soon as you put the buffing compound down.

I realized this a little while back and it makes a HUGE difference.

- sand in the same direction the whole time
- stay with 1000 grit until no more high spots or orange peel
- then go 1500, 2000. this is quick
- then buff

Before this i used to buff and buff and buff and buff and buff. you get the idea and it would just stay foggy. Sand in the same direction(not circles), straight lines and buffing will be wicked cool. You'll put rubbing compound down and it's like magic: Bamm!!! shiny like that.

I hope this helps.

Thanks for the tip man. I'm going to try that. +rep

[Commando]

No prob.

I really only figured this out a little while back but it was night and day.

[Darth Dad]

We need updates.......

[SgtM]

We need updates.......

Sorry guys. It's getting too cold to paint. Temps have been in the 20's and 30's for the last 2 weeks. Time to break out the space heater for the shop.

[DarthBeavis]

Sorry guys. It's getting too cold to paint. Temps have been in the 20's and 30's for the last 2 weeks. Time to break out the space heater for the shop.

YOu a squid or a marine? Marines do not feel cold.

[SgtM]

YOu a squid or a marine? Marines do not feel cold.

Uh oh.. them's fightin words!

[D1337]

Does that make me an honorary Marine? Since i tend to wear T-shirts and shorts when its snowing.

[SgtM]

I had a little blue paint. So, I decided to start covering the inside of the case. I only had a little, so this is all I got done.

I'm also working on this. It's my family room.