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Alabama Bugeye

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Rut

Rut

Obi Wan
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I'm in the process of buying a '60 Bugeye and hope to have it home next week. Can anyone in Alabama give me some pointers for stripping the car? Is it best to dip, strip, media blast, or soda blast and who does such work? Like everyone, I'd like to do it right the first time and I don't know the pros and cons of either. I have a few tools, lg air compressor, lg workshop, etc. and would like suggestions as to hand tools. I've never done body work so it's pretty difficult for me to get a feel for what I need. I've done wood working in the past and done mechanical work on Triumphs in the 60s and 70s, but that's about it. I did some welding 35+ years ago and have access to equipment as well as a cutting torch. I ordered Terry Horler's book on Sprite and Midget restorations and it should be in mid week. Thanks for everyones help, Rut
 
That book on Spridget Restorations will give you the basics. Time for lots of questions and this is the place to get the answers.
 
I had my 58 Austin media blasted and it was perfect. No leaching chemicals to haunt your paint for years to come, no sand distorted panels, and the stripper followed up by coating the entire thing in epoxy primer. It was like starting with a brand new shell. Expensive, yes. Better than the alternatives, yes. Would I ever do it any other way now, NO!

Glen Byrns
 
Thanks, I need to rephrase my first post! I need help from everyone, but my thinking is that the 'local' folks would know the 'local' places to get this car stripped. As to how, what method, etc., I REALLY want everyones input! Thanks and sorry for the poorly written post! Rut
 
Rut:

I think that Jack had Agatha stripped in Bama.

Jack???

Pat
 
I surely did, Shaneyfelt Painting and Sandblasting, 209 Hamer Road, Owens Cross Roads, Al,

256 725 3121

This is the same place that Tony uses as well, We have been happy with his work.
 
And Tony Barnhill (who might be too shy to leap in) is a Moss (and most everything else) supplier. He is in Gurley, 'Bama. He feeds many addictions and can get you any part you need. He also frequents these boards.
 
& I'll be driving through T'town Friday morning on my way to N'Awlins. I'll help you any way I can but don't know any shops there in T-town...Kenny Pinkerton who frequents th MG & Pub Forums might have contacts as he's in your neck of the woods...

If you want to drive up to Shaneyfelt's in Owens Crossroads, you can see my '63 Midget tub there for paint; he's finishing up an MGA today & I think doing some touchup work to Jack Laird's Bugeye Wed-Fri.
 
Another option you might consider is doing it yourself, probably with tools you already own.

If you have a small random orbit sander you've got an excellent tool for stripping. I use a 4" round hook and loop type pad on a Porter Cable sander. You can get all of the large panels and quite close to ridges and valleys, which may require a little hand sanding. Try a few different abrasive grits, but focus on the 80-120 range. Use it dry to avoid mess. Do not allow the metal to become hot.

There will still be a few areas to do by hand such as where frame members meet at a 90 degree angle. A set (1/4" - 1") of cheap chisels come in handy for these corners to remove the gunk and if they have a decent edge you can actually pare the paint right off without damaging the metal underneath.

There are some step by step photos on my website https://www.raysmg.com under the "Spridget Project" link and then the "Bodywork (Jun-Aug)" link.

You can easily do a quarter panel in an hour...the whole car in a couple days.

I have a compressor and sand blast equipment and there's a professional media (all types) blaster less than two miles from my house, BUT, this is a job I wanted to do myself and after experimentation, the sander was the best tool for me.

Ray

P1010004.jpg
 
Thanks to everyone for their input...very valuable info! I will be in N AL later this week and I'll check out Shaneyfield's. Tony, did you ever have MGs for sale along hwy 72? I remember driving from H'ville to S'boro and seeing a few over the years.

Ray, that looks really good...I want to get my hands dirty and learn as much about body work and painting as possible. I don't know if I'll have what it takes and always want to be prepared for plan 'B'.

I remember using special sockets and wrenches on my TR3...is this still the case and where do you get them? Thanks again, Rut
 
Never had any on the highway - I know the place you spoke of...he had a GT & an old roadster out there...I ended up with both of them.

don't believe your Bugeye will require special tools - normal sockets/wrenches.
 
Rut said:
I remember using special sockets and wrenches on my TR3...is this still the case and where do you get them? Thanks again, Rut
Click to expand...

Pretty much everything on a Sprite is standard SAE. No metric, and I'm pretty sure the only Whitworth is on the carbs (mixture nut), but I could be wrong.
 
Shock filler plugs are whitworth, and the fitting on the fuel pump... and I'm sure there are a few more.

But... normal SAE and a small adjustable wrench will do you fine.
 
Nothing special really needed.
 
About the only thing I can think of in the way of tools that may not be in your normal box is a 1 7/8" 6 point socket for the rear axle nuts.
Jeff
 
Looks like I'm good to go on the tools...adjustable where whitworth is required, I've got a large socket set I use on farm equipment. I've got an old timing light, gear pullers, 20 ton press, sanders and polishers, etc., hope I remember how to use them! Thanks again, Rut
 
Yes, the Jupiter area...
 
Yep, I feel the same way about Bugsy as well. Engineering Challenges

"I tan i epi tas"
 
Rut said:
Yes, the Jupiter area...
Click to expand...

Actually, I'll bet it is in Tequesta, isn't it? And the guy you bought it from is named Richard, right? That car is right down the street from me!!! I posted a couple of videos on this car some time back when it first appeared in the 'hood! Small world!! I was gonna try and buy it, but wife said more than two (it would have been the third) Spridgets in the yard was too many! Glad a forum member picked it up. What are your plans for it (ps I'm the guy he had to get the title from for you!!) When you come to pick it up, ask Richards' dad where the guy with the other BE in the neighborhood is (only 4 houses away from where you are picking it up!) and stop by for a beer!! /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/cheers.gif /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/thumbsup.gif

Here's the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHLp1CAzG_s
 
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