Time to catch up, again. All Grumpy this time.
Saturday
Late start on the van due to adding almost another inch of lift to my wife's Jeep.
First was a trip to the exhaust shop to cure the header to Y-pipe exhaust leak. I had tried to fix this myself, but after rounding a nut off and a 2nd degree burn on my arm from a hot socket I decided to let the pros do it. $110 for new gaskets and studs, after talking down $20. Van is almost too quiet now.
Returning home I had enough time to prep and roll the first coat of paint on the hood (test panel) before heading out to a friends graduation thing. Looked ok. Technique needs work. Forgot to take pics.
Sunday
Got up early to roll a second coat of paint, hoping it will be dry enough in time to go to a Jeep Meet and Greet.
After attending the meet and greet did some pre-paint prep work on the body. Look for the gray primer spots.
There was a rust bubble under the paint on the right rear fender, that revealed this when cleaned.
Since I've fallen in love with the van, I decide to try my first bondo job. Wasn't ready for how fast it sets.
After mixing bondo 4 times I had a surface that I could smooth out and primer.
Monday
Started by removing the roof's gutter covers.
Thunderstorm coming, so it's off for more paid work. Lifetime alignment at Firestone. $159.99 less $25 coupon. Lifetime? How long do I plan on this van lasting? I was allowed to watch and shoot the bull with the technician the whole time.
Storm over and Grumpy able to drive a straight line, back to pre-paint prep. Pulled the rub trim from the drivers door. Leaving adhesive behind.
Maybe this will help.
Not sure if it helped much, still took a lot of effort to get here.
All areas to receive gray paint were cleaned of any rust and primered if needed and wet sanded.
Tuesday
Free AC System check at Merlin. AC System has a decent size leak to be found later.
Was originally planning to get the roof painted, but I needed to go for a walk with my mother in law to help clear some stuff from my head that's been weighing me down for far too long. Best thing I could have done. I love my family!