|
Post by diverdon on Jun 30, 2014 13:32:42 GMT -8
I looked at it fairly closely and there doesn't even seem to be a primer underneath the separate colors. In many places the pain has scratched off to review a galvanized tank underneath.
Does that sound like a back yard mechanic at work? Or 70's factory?
Don
|
|
|
Post by diverdon on Jun 30, 2014 13:33:35 GMT -8
Double post
|
|
|
Post by nikeajax on Jun 30, 2014 13:39:11 GMT -8
How easy does it scratch off? Sometimes they used paint with a built in primer... But I would imagine someone who knew what they were doing would have primed it, either gray or iron-oxide red.
Jaybird
|
|
|
Post by diverdon on Jun 30, 2014 13:45:06 GMT -8
In spots where its already scratched off its fairly easy. A fingernail is all that needed to peel more off.
|
|
|
Post by nikeajax on Jun 30, 2014 14:39:06 GMT -8
Oh man, nasty! Yep, that was half-@$$ed: things need primer if you want them to last. I would take the paint off if you want to use this tank: it's going to go from geepers that's swell, to lookin' like ca-ca in no time, but that's just me. I don't think it would be hard to recreate though: I'd start with primer, then white. Next mask off the stars, you can probably find those as stickers at a craft store, then the top of the tank, then paint that. As for the stripes, hose look really easy, just stripes of masking tape...
Jaybird
|
|
|
Post by nikeajax on Jun 30, 2014 16:41:03 GMT -8
I just thought I'd mention something if you want to paint things: start with a "tack coat". This is a fine misting of paint, you're not trying to "pull a gloss" yet... let that sit for a few minutes, about five. The HUGE mistake people make while painting is too heavy of an application; they put it on like they're shooting a flame thrower, saturating the paint and it runs and does all sorts of icky things, with the end result being a poor job. The best way to paint is to get about six to eight inches away moving in a back-and-forth motion: the trick here is to let up, stop spraying, after each stroke, and keep the nozzle MOVING--NEVER hover over a spot! This take a bit of practice, but once you have it, you can learn to load the paint, which is what I meant by pulling a gloss: give it a few coats, waiting about 1/2 between coats. This is why I can say I know what I'm talking about: Jaybird
|
|
|
Post by SeaRat on Jun 30, 2014 16:45:20 GMT -8
Don,
Because this tank is galvanized beneath, and because of the unique paint job that probably cannot easily be duplicated, I'd keep this tank as it is. Diving it won't be a problem because the metal is protected by the galvanized coating, and it will be a conversation piece. Simply enjoy it, but get it hydroed first.
John
|
|
|
Post by diverdon on Jun 30, 2014 17:20:15 GMT -8
Jaybird, nice car. I hope to catch a ride in it someday and yeah, spray painting is tricky. I spray painted my house and learned the hard way, really. But I think I'll take Johns advice and use it as is. At least this summer. There's a grand in it so I can take a short dive before I have to send it out for hydro. Getting air fills is tough around here so I'll use what I can get. Don
|
|
|
Post by diverdon on Jul 24, 2014 10:06:18 GMT -8
I'm stoked that my (now favorite) tank came back from hydro and it passed with flying colors! Thats right, 50 stars It a US Divers 72 cu with a 1971 BOD. I would have guessed '76 or even '75 but no, the original hydro is '71. Feast thine eyes
|
|
|
Post by nikeajax on Jul 24, 2014 11:22:13 GMT -8
Very cool sir, you should stand out even further than with just a DH... Man, that tank reminds me of having one of these: I got it for Christmas, and two of my brothers too it up on the roof that morning and killed it, @#$%&$#!!!!!! My wife totally loves that story Jaybird
|
|
|
Post by diverdon on Jul 24, 2014 11:26:05 GMT -8
I had one like the one in the middle pic. Not too sure about the other two. They're kinda kreepee
|
|
|
Post by tomcatpc on Aug 1, 2014 11:39:21 GMT -8
"Easy Diver" LOL!!
That is one of the things I remember about being 5 in 1976...Everything was Red, White and Blue, from the "Freedom Train" to everything else. And to top it off, I was well aware that my family was from England...LOL! Mark
|
|
|
Post by diverdon on Aug 1, 2014 12:06:00 GMT -8
Hey Mark, you're back! Check in at the Legends thread. You need to make an appearance.
|
|
|
Post by nikeajax on Aug 1, 2014 12:36:19 GMT -8
AWWWWW-geez Mark, you jus' hadda go there din'cha: Well okay Mr. Smartguy, do ya remember "Easy Reader" Morgan Freeman on The Electric Company! Being dyslexic in the 1970's means you probably watched that show... Jaybird
|
|
|
Post by tomcatpc on Aug 1, 2014 13:40:41 GMT -8
Yeah...I'm back, after what has come to be a dreadful Summer, which have included a minor heart attack, attempts to find a decent job, Dad's death, and well that is it for now... Grateful that the "Dunkirk Spirit" is in full force right now!!!
I will not be at Portage Quarry this year, due to no spare cash and two, I'm going with the Wife to Wisc. to visit her family. But the trip will not be in vain as she has a friend who just so happens to have three Aqua-Lung tanks that he no longer wants and is going to give them to me. If just one passes hydro...then I have my very own Scuba tank!! Which for me will be a big #$$%^ deal LOL!!!
I never really got into "The Electric Company", I recall seeing it, but just never was a loyal watcher LOL! Mark
|
|