42 Pilot Model HUP Project

[RHClarke]

A banner day today - I had the cab front, floor plates, nose/front clip, side pillars, bush guard, grill, bumper, and fuel tanks sandblasted. The chap who does this work has a great set up - drive in, drop the goodies and drive out. Turn around time was less than a full day. Sure, it cost more to have a pro do the dirty deed, but in the end, the reduced cost in sweat, toil and tears makes it worth the cost.

While the kit was being denuded, I peeled the skin of one of the side panels just to determine the extent of rust damage. It was not a pleasant sight, but on the bright side I get the feeling that my welding ability (no skill) will improve over this coming long, bleak, cold winter.

Photos:
1- Side panels - one stripped
2- Rust! Bottom of the pax side panel near the wheel well
3- More Rust! Bottom of the pax side panel nearest the rear door

[RHClarke]

With the sandblasted items back at the barn, painting was the order of the day. Fortunately, it was another nice day. It started off a bit cool (7oC), but it warmed up by noon to 17oC with a good breeze to keep the bugs at bay. Using a HVLP spray gun, the first coat was applied by 9:30 AM. The second coat was applied after lunch. The aggressive media used by the sandblaster left the metal with a rough texture, but the primer coats took some of the roughness down. The final coat of green paint should even things out, but that is a task for another day in the future.

Photos:
1 - Before shot 1
2 - Before shot 2
3 - After shot 1
4 - After shot 2

[Phil Waterman]

Looks like you have been making real progress. With a lot more part replication, look forward to seeing the finish product.

Cheers Phil