Once the teardown was complete, the coach was moved to the "super clear" line where it was examined for any paint flaws. These identified, and there weren't many, the spots were sanded and a tape mark placed on the coach. Then the coach was moved into the sanding booth and it was completely sanded (again) with orbital sanders, a process that removes one of the two original coats of clear. Once sanded, the dust is blown off with high pressure air and the coach wiped down with a solvent. It is then taped again for the final clear coats.
Clean and sanded, the coach moved into the final paint booth where the flaws were repainted and two coats of clear applied - the "super clear." After a brief ten minute bake at 180 degrees, the coach moved to the final bake, where it remained for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
In our case, the coach emerged at 2:15 from the "super clear" and went into the final bake. It will stay in the booth overnight and be removed for the final teardown tomorrow morning. I will be there to see the result before it is sent to "final finish" where the awnings, lights, steps, etc. are installed. From there it will be off the Red Bay for "final finish" at the main plant.
One thing I can say for certain - the final finish is spectacular. It is like a mirror. There is no "orange peel" or any other flaws. It is the best finish I have ever seen. What a rush!
The six photos I put up on the Picasa web album show the coach coming out of the booth with its initial clear coat; the sanding and detailing process and finally the rear of the finished coach entering the final bake over. More photos will follow tomorrow - count on it!
Until then, Cheers! John, Suz and Dixie the Wonderdog.
No comments:
Post a Comment