Some advice on refinishing a 66 Tele. - Page 8

BAW4742 · July 2nd, 2008, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PJ

Bruce....sorry if I keep asking the question different ways, but let me make sure I understand the paint - you bought white & yellow pigment (which I assume is a powder) (or is it a liquid)? And you mix it with clear nitro, until you see the tone you're after? Then you use
a power sprayer, like a Wagner, or a conventional compressor-type sprayer? I need to get this down, before tackling a paint job.

Hey PJ - no problem.

The pigments are concentrated liquid (Colortone pigments form StewMac) and I mixed a little of the yellow into about a 1/2 oz of white. I added the yellow a little at a time until it mixed up to the color I wanted.

I mixed it a little more yellow than I thought I needed because it was transparent and going over the white primer. So I figured I would loose some of the tint anyway.

Then I added about half of this mixture to the lacquer. I think I used about 8 oz of lacquer. I didn't use all of because I wanted to keep the lacquer a little transparent.

I shot this on the body with a touch up gun (jamb gun) with a compressor. Just kept building it up slowly to cover the edges solid but still show the grain in the middle of the body.

I let this dry over night. When I checked it the next day there were a few spots on the edges that needed work. I had saved some of the color mixed lacquer so I just loaded up the touch up gun again and shot some more color on the trouble spots.

I let that dry and then put 8 coats of gloss nitro over the color coat. Shot no more than 3 coats a day and waited at least 2 hours between coats.

This is the first time I've tried to mix lacquer like this and I'm really happy about how it turned out. As I said before I was going for more of a creamy color and thought that I got this too yellow at first. But the more I look at it the more I like it.

Sorry if this is a little long. If you have any more questions fire away. I'm far from an expert but I can tell you how I did it.

PJ · July 2nd, 2008, 11:51 PM

Bruce....thanks for that explanation. I've never tackled a body paint job. And, I think the yellow-tone you got is perfect for a '66, because that's what they look like after 40 some years. Mine's pretty yellow, as well. And if it were lighter, it would look like a reissue.

Gareth John · July 8th, 2008, 02:11 AM

Hey, how's the guitar coming along? would love to hear how you're doing. Just checked this at work, Internet's down at my house for a couple of weeks since I changed my phone number.

ajgus · July 8th, 2008, 02:25 AM

Yeah, I'd love to hear an update. I've read a lot of build threads, but this is truelly the coolest one I've seen in a while. I am in awe of the way you've transformed this body. I can't wait to see it joined with a neck. Do you plan on one that is "period correct"? Apologies if this has been covered...Thanks again...

Dean Gray · July 8th, 2008, 03:58 AM

Yeah! I came to get my fix and want the latest pics!!

teleamp · July 8th, 2008, 05:45 AM

Great work Bruce! Congrats to sticking with your original plan of fixing what you broke, I can only imagine the satisfaction of seeing it in like new condition. Forget about relicing the finish to match the neck, in fact I would go ahead and refinish the neck and have a NOS 66 Tele...but it's yours, and a professional could not have done a more convincing or higher quality repair.

Great thread!!!

BAW4742 · July 8th, 2008, 07:10 AM

Thanks for all of the nice comments guys. I am really happy with the way it has turned out.

There is not much to report. I finished spraying the nitro and I'm letting her hang out and cure for a while. I really want to get her back together too but I'm gonna wait to sand it and buff it out. It's only been a little over a week since the last coat went on.

I could post a few pictures of it drying but I don't think that would be all that interesting. Just picture me walking by it her in the the shop every day and staring at it. That's what I've been doing.

jwells393 · July 8th, 2008, 08:59 AM

Quote:

I could post a few pictures of it drying but I don't think that would be all that interesting.

What ................ you think we don't like watching paint dry?

BAW4742 · July 8th, 2008, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwells393

What ................ you think we don't like watching paint dry?

Just for you Jack.........

You'll have to imagine me stopping by 3 or 4 times a day to check it out.

Edutainment · July 8th, 2008, 04:26 PM

That's quite the turn out. That's the last thing I expected at the start of the thread.

PJ · July 8th, 2008, 09:40 PM

Bruce....can't wait to see this one all strung-up! Nicely done. Some woodworking magic, for sure. Hey, a freind of mine asked me to eBay a '66 neckplate for him, so before I put it up there, let me know if you need one. It's a 1618XX series, which he says is from
a '66. I asked him if he had the bridge saddles, and he said he'd have a look.

Gareth John · July 8th, 2008, 11:44 PM

Looking good, can't wait to see it all back together again. You've done what looks to be a really good job, and quite brave with the translucent finish considering the amount of modification. Thanks for the pic, keep us updated!

BAW4742 · July 9th, 2008, 07:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PJ

Bruce....can't wait to see this one all strung-up! Nicely done. Some woodworking magic, for sure. Hey, a freind of mine asked me to eBay a '66 neckplate for him, so before I put it up there, let me know if you need one. It's a 1618XX series, which he says is from
a '66. I asked him if he had the bridge saddles, and he said he'd have a look.

I have the original neck plate but I might be interested in the bridge saddles if they are threaded style.

redddog · July 11th, 2008, 12:44 PM

Get some damned strings on that baby. I can't wait!

BAW4742 · July 12th, 2008, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redddog

Get some damned strings on that baby. I can't wait!

Patience my friend, patience.

mertzy · July 12th, 2008, 10:10 AM

BAW4742,

I have a 1964 Strat that needs a humbucker route repair and some fixing of a Floyd Rose that was once installed (neither hack was done by me but certainly made the guitar more affordable).

Your thread has given me the confidence to go ahead myself so I was wondering why you chose Gorilla Glue as opposed to Titebond?

Also did you have any problems sanding the Gorilla Glue back as it expanded out of the repairs?

Thanks and nice work.

BAW4742 · July 12th, 2008, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mertzy

Your thread has given me the confidence to go ahead myself so I was wondering why you chose Gorilla Glue as opposed to Titebond?

Also did you have any problems sanding the Gorilla Glue back as it expanded out of the repairs?

Thanks and nice work.

I used Gorilla glue because of it's expanding property and it's has excellent holding ability. I made sure the patches fit really tight on the face but I put a VERY slight bevel to the edges to allow them to slip in easier and to allow room for glue. The expansion would help fill any gaps that I couldn't see from the top. I also felt that the poly glue would be a more permanent adhesive than Titebond.

Sanding it was no problem as there wasn't a lot of squeeze out and I cleaned as much of the glue as I could when gluing the patches in.

One thing I would advise. Make sure you plug any holes before gluing up. I forgot to do this and had the glue expand into the control cavity through the wiring shaft and some expanded into the screw holes for the neck. Not a biggie but it made for a little more clean up, scraping and sanding.

I'd be happy to answer other questions. I'm not an expert but I was able to get this done with the help I got here.

Good luck with your project.

BAW4742 · July 15th, 2008, 12:27 PM

Just a note to let ya'll know what's going on.

I'm waiting on some back ordered parts so I can't get her finished quite yet. I wet sanded and buffed the body out and then started some assembly.

Nice clean edges now.

Just to jog your memory here's another before and after.

All in all I am extremely pleased with the outcome to say the least. Another big thanks to all ya'll that helped me along the way. It's been a lot of fun for me and I hope that you've enjoyed viewing progress.

Stay tuned ........... More to come

Buckocaster51 · July 15th, 2008, 01:14 PM

Hubba hubba!

You should be danged proud of what you have done.

jwells393 · July 15th, 2008, 01:25 PM

Excellente .....

... I'm happy to say I was not one of those suggesting he take it to a professional.

http://www.tdpri.com/forum/1223885-post111.html

Nick88 · July 15th, 2008, 01:28 PM

that's an incredible transformation. congrats

Ron Garson · July 15th, 2008, 01:29 PM

That's superb!

ajgus · July 15th, 2008, 01:44 PM

Bruce, refresh my memory...are planning on leaving the finish all fresh & new or are you gonna ding it up a little? Looks AMAZING, btw...

BAW4742 · July 15th, 2008, 02:25 PM

Thanks guys. I am very happy with it.

Jack - Who needs a pro when you have this group?

ajgus - Right now I'm planing to do an old school relic - play the heck out of it. I can't wait to get strings on it and get started.

ajgus · July 15th, 2008, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BAW4742

ajgus - Right now I'm planing to do an old school relic - play the heck out of it.

Amen to that!

July 2nd, 2008, 11:51 PM	#282 (permalink)
PJ Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Philadelphia, PA Posts: 2,077 4 Photos	Bruce....thanks for that explanation. I've never tackled a body paint job. And, I think the yellow-tone you got is perfect for a '66, because that's what they look like after 40 some years. Mine's pretty yellow, as well. And if it were lighter, it would look like a reissue. __________________ PJ "I don't know if it's art, but I like it."

July 8th, 2008, 02:25 AM	#284 (permalink)
ajgus Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: chicago Posts: 2,324	Yeah, I'd love to hear an update. I've read a lot of build threads, but this is truelly the coolest one I've seen in a while. I am in awe of the way you've transformed this body. I can't wait to see it joined with a neck. Do you plan on one that is "period correct"? Apologies if this has been covered...Thanks again... __________________ "If you don't have a toothbrush & you don't have a Telecaster...you're in trouble"- Jim Weider

July 8th, 2008, 03:58 AM	#285 (permalink)
Dean Gray Tele-Meister Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Sydney Australia Posts: 201	Yeah! I came to get my fix and want the latest pics!! __________________ imagination is more important than knowledge...

July 8th, 2008, 04:26 PM	#290 (permalink)
Edutainment Tele-Meister Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Toronto, Canada Age: 17 Posts: 118	That's quite the turn out. That's the last thing I expected at the start of the thread. __________________ "Everybody wants to go to Heaven, but no one wants to die to get there!" -B. B. King

July 8th, 2008, 09:40 PM	#291 (permalink)
PJ Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Philadelphia, PA Posts: 2,077 4 Photos	Bruce....can't wait to see this one all strung-up! Nicely done. Some woodworking magic, for sure. Hey, a freind of mine asked me to eBay a '66 neckplate for him, so before I put it up there, let me know if you need one. It's a 1618XX series, which he says is from a '66. I asked him if he had the bridge saddles, and he said he'd have a look. __________________ PJ "I don't know if it's art, but I like it."

July 8th, 2008, 02:11 AM	#283 (permalink)
Gareth John Tele-Holic Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: England Age: 23 Posts: 626 8 Photos	Hey, how's the guitar coming along? would love to hear how you're doing. Just checked this at work, Internet's down at my house for a couple of weeks since I changed my phone number.

July 8th, 2008, 05:45 AM	#286 (permalink)
teleamp Tele-Holic Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Central TX Age: 49 Posts: 665	Great work Bruce! Congrats to sticking with your original plan of fixing what you broke, I can only imagine the satisfaction of seeing it in like new condition. Forget about relicing the finish to match the neck, in fact I would go ahead and refinish the neck and have a NOS 66 Tele...but it's yours, and a professional could not have done a more convincing or higher quality repair. Great thread!!!

July 8th, 2008, 07:10 AM	#287 (permalink)
BAW4742 Tele-Holic Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Maryland's Eastern Shore Age: 51 Posts: 644	Thanks for all of the nice comments guys. I am really happy with the way it has turned out. There is not much to report. I finished spraying the nitro and I'm letting her hang out and cure for a while. I really want to get her back together too but I'm gonna wait to sand it and buff it out. It's only been a little over a week since the last coat went on. I could post a few pictures of it drying but I don't think that would be all that interesting. Just picture me walking by it her in the the shop every day and staring at it. That's what I've been doing.

July 8th, 2008, 11:44 PM	#292 (permalink)
Gareth John Tele-Holic Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: England Age: 23 Posts: 626 8 Photos	Looking good, can't wait to see it all back together again. You've done what looks to be a really good job, and quite brave with the translucent finish considering the amount of modification. Thanks for the pic, keep us updated!

July 11th, 2008, 12:44 PM	#294 (permalink)
redddog Tele-Meister Join Date: May 2008 Location: Rochester, NY Age: 41 Posts: 163	Get some damned strings on that baby. I can't wait!

July 12th, 2008, 10:10 AM	#296 (permalink)
mertzy TDPRI Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Dumont, NJ Posts: 50	BAW4742, I have a 1964 Strat that needs a humbucker route repair and some fixing of a Floyd Rose that was once installed (neither hack was done by me but certainly made the guitar more affordable). Your thread has given me the confidence to go ahead myself so I was wondering why you chose Gorilla Glue as opposed to Titebond? Also did you have any problems sanding the Gorilla Glue back as it expanded out of the repairs? Thanks and nice work.

July 15th, 2008, 12:27 PM	#298 (permalink)
BAW4742 Tele-Holic Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Maryland's Eastern Shore Age: 51 Posts: 644	Just a note to let ya'll know what's going on. I'm waiting on some back ordered parts so I can't get her finished quite yet. I wet sanded and buffed the body out and then started some assembly. Nice clean edges now. Just to jog your memory here's another before and after. All in all I am extremely pleased with the outcome to say the least. Another big thanks to all ya'll that helped me along the way. It's been a lot of fun for me and I hope that you've enjoyed viewing progress. Stay tuned ........... More to come

July 15th, 2008, 01:14 PM	#299 (permalink)
Buckocaster51 Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Iowa USA Age: 56 Posts: 5,590 1 Photos	Hubba hubba! You should be danged proud of what you have done. __________________ "If you can't say something nice... don't say nothing at all." - Thumper the Rabbit "An awfully lot of time can be wasted waiting for the right time." - Gunsmoke's Doc Adams

July 15th, 2008, 01:25 PM	#300 (permalink)
jwells393 Doctor of Teleocity Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Albuquerque, USA Age: 64 Posts: 12,245 101 Photos	Excellente ..... ... I'm happy to say I was not one of those suggesting he take it to a professional. http://www.tdpri.com/forum/1223885-post111.html __________________ Jack's Disclaimer: When I say something.... always ask yourself ..... "What the hell does he know?" _ Guys - learn to disable the flash on your digital cameras.

July 15th, 2008, 01:28 PM	#301 (permalink)
Nick88 Tele-Meister Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: UK - Brighton Age: 20 Posts: 119	that's an incredible transformation. congrats

July 15th, 2008, 01:29 PM	#302 (permalink)
Ron Garson Tele-Holic Join Date: May 2003 Location: UK Posts: 646 20 Photos	That's superb!

July 15th, 2008, 01:44 PM	#303 (permalink)
ajgus Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: chicago Posts: 2,324	Bruce, refresh my memory...are planning on leaving the finish all fresh & new or are you gonna ding it up a little? Looks AMAZING, btw... __________________ "If you don't have a toothbrush & you don't have a Telecaster...you're in trouble"- Jim Weider

July 15th, 2008, 02:25 PM	#304 (permalink)
BAW4742 Tele-Holic Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Maryland's Eastern Shore Age: 51 Posts: 644	Thanks guys. I am very happy with it. Jack - Who needs a pro when you have this group? ajgus - Right now I'm planing to do an old school relic - play the heck out of it. I can't wait to get strings on it and get started.