‘64 Splitty

Interesting that when professionals paint narrowboats (completely different system) they use 3-4-5 coats of zinc primer and regard it as THE main protective coating.

Back more on topic. At this time of year. In your cold garage. Cold air can't support much moisture. Warm air entering a cold space cools and dumps it's moisture on cold things... like steel. Your warm wet breath adds to it. So... You really need your room up at 20 degs (other opinions are available) and to give your steel time to also warm up before you paint to avoid trapping moisture under the paint. So says the guy who restored and rattle canned a whole van outside through the winter! But who later painted in a stinking hot paint shop. I don't know how the driveway one faired as a result. I did heat the panels as best I could with a hot air gun but they cool down al instantly outside. Thought I might drive out any moisture which would blow away. lol.

 

My feeling and experience is if it’s made of metal it’s going to rust and if you want to run an old motor be prepared to do a bit of remedial work quite often!

The biggest part of the bus is still there after 59 years so it’s not done too bad.

 

One of the best bits of this bus is the roof and gutters were excellent, thought I’d paint it while it’s on the rotisserie for easy access.
Isolator coat then 2 coats of primer with plenty of flatting today ready for colour tomorrow.

 

SHINEY

 

Back on its wheels, not as straight forward as it could have been, several broken bolts drilled and re tapped , ground down, chiselled , sworn at etc



Cab prepped and primed

 

I’m sure I had ceiling tiles like this in my bedroom in the 70s , along with nylon curtains and bed sheets! Only a small fire risk

 

Happy with that



I’d hoped the fuel tank would be useable but



Then I poked my finger through it

 

A little blob of JB Weld that'll be good as new.

 

Amazing work. I’m in awe. Really enjoyed the read and the pictures. That’s a great premises you've got got there too.

 

Looking brilliant Dunc!
I’m thinking about going to take a look at this ratty old split.





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Looks pretty cool to me

 

New tank with a coat of rustoleum



Engine bay painted



and put the two together

 

Good to get it in one colour even if it’s only primer, now I can decide how many imperfections are too many!

 

Yeh I’ve seen those , super cool