MAZDA RX7
The workshop sees the arrival of Mazda RX7 FD3S.
Following previous repairs from other bodyshops the car comes to us needing repair work and a repaint.
First we start by stripping items off the car to complete the repairs and paintwork.
Having been owned for many years by the same client we get a good history of the car and the previous work it has had done in its life (invaluable !). This has included various past body-shops carrying out a repair around the sunroof and a few small paint jobs in various areas of the car. Our first job is to carry out a surgical repair around the sunroof which, after being patched before and now breaking through, left us no choice but to cut areas out and weld in new metal.
Originally only certain areas of the car were to be taken back to bare metal, but, as we start sanding the car tells us the tale of the various paint jobs by revealing the different layers of paint. At this point we stop work to discuss the job with the customer. After a phone call it has been decided to take the whole shell back to bare metal, a great choice as the finish will be far far better, elevate the final result and provide better longevity. As areas are taken back out comes the anti-corrosive primer giving the job the best start possible. A great result when clients ‘do right by the car’. To further improve the final product we get the front and rear screens removed by South Devon Windscreens (very helpful & knowledgeable guys) this means new trims and no nasty paint edges ! Considering its age and history we have only one really tricky repair to contend with on the rear quarter panel and door where a previous company had used a pin puller. Bumpers and other trim now has the many layers of paint removed.
A discussion with the customer has revealed he was never really happy with the way the pop up lights sat on the front of the car. We take the opportunity now to tweak things and get the bumper, wings, bonnet and lights sitting nicer, this will again make a big difference to the finished product.
We now carry out the required filler work, a fine coat of spray filler applied and blocked down ready for primer. Another visit to the booth sees the final primer applied to the shell. The seperate items such as the bumpers, mirrors, spoiler etc now have their final prep completed and visit the booth for the coats of primer.
No matter how many times we do this we still get excited at the next stage…………. Shell going into colour…… the original Montego Blue….. and what a colour ! Panels will now have final prep and visit the booth for the colour to be applied.
Once all the shell and panels have been inspected and we are happy with the results we then move on to reassembly, at this stage items are also cleaned and polished before fitting. Once a final valet, polish and wax has taken place further checks are made before being handed over to the delighted customer for him to enjoy for many years to come.
Click below to take a closer look at this project.
