Blue Ribbon 4x4 Build Thread

Where's all the blue????

 

I wasn’t done
Still, blue is on the list. There are a few projects on horizon!

 

I have some paint testing to do still, and a small pair of game changers before I tackle this.

 

Getting this pigment stuff down after a new understanding about the stuff. Laying a clear base over black base. The clear is mixed with a small amount of pigment. The desired color is achieved by multiple coats. With this project, I’ll be doing one coat with pigment.
The first project will be the mirrors and a two tone paint


1st coat of clear intercoat mixed with pigment.



Two coats



Three coats.

 

Quick wet sand before work. Gonna start practicing the two tone.

 

Masking and practicing the hard line to black fade. Next up is one coat metallic blue pearl, then clear.

 

Practicing, practicing…
I think I went a little too much on the pigment. That cheek transition should be more black- like the top of the head. It’s so easy to put too much. I need to triple check with a paint light every coat to get what I’m going for.

 

Oooh!!!!

The top and chin look really good. That one cheek does look a little off. But again, this is why you were practicing.

Just incredible! Enjoy watching the things you do.

 

Thanks Robert! I seriously appreciate the compliments and criticism! Really trying to smooth out the transition so it’s not so blotchy.

 

Cruising all over this weekend.

 

Holy hell, White Knuckle slider to the rescue. I parked at a parking spot that was tight to a post. Forgot all about it and pulled out right against it, slider took 100% of the damage.

 

Glad the truck is okay. Props to the sliders

 

Man, the sound it makes is still the same. I thought my doors were toast.

 

Paint. Again.
Got two different blue pearls to try to match the Blue Ribbon.
I had an old planer shield I painted to get a good view on something contoured. Starting with a base coat of Blue Ribbon, I suspended a plank across the surface about an inch. This gave me a much more uniform blend once I sprayed the black on top.
Each side got a light coat of opposing blues, then a full coat of clear.
The result is extremely close to what I want. The Blue Ribbon blends to black evenly, and the blue pearl only shows through in the bright sun. It’s hard as hell to show in pictures.

 

that looks really good

 

Thanks Niko! Gonna tackle the hood soon!

 

You will definitely loose some of the in cab volume.
The drone is completely gone, but unfortunately so is some of the interior volume.

Also I had mine installed on a dumped tailpipe, it was significantly more drone-y then when I switched to a factory length tailpipe. Just an FYI.

 

Yep, it’s exactly as you described. But stomping on the pedal it’s louder and has better tone than the TRD. I have a factory length tailpipe, but heard that if I want it dumped, the resonator needs to be elongated.

 

that is correct.

 

Come do mine lol it needs it bad

 

I wanna go that route. You happen to know the final length? I may have to call Keith to get that measurement to do it myself.

 

That would definitely require a trip charge, sir. I’ve seen you paint your wheels, you have experience dude!

 

I think it’s like 28 or 30 inches. I know Kieth has said it on here before.

 

Ok I might do a deep dive

 

Thats nothing compared to your work

 

Thank you for saying that. This is my biggest paint project yet. I’m gonna start with a custom job on the mirrors. Practice, practice.

 

Its gonna look great man i can't wait to see it

 

My steering feels a little loose. Took it to a mechanic and got confirmation that the outer tie rods have lots of play, so ordered the coachbuilder outer tie rod kit.

 

Paint them blue once received?