How many car models are known to outlive humans? I am not sure of the exact number, but I can bet with my bank account balance that the Toyota Mark II makes that list. The Mark II is one of those cars that just wants to keep running forever. With its reputation for durability and reliability, this timeless classic has earned a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts. However, as years go by, any car will of course show signs of wear and tear. Join us as we take you through the journey of repainting this Mark II and the steps to achieving the ultimate transformation.
The Mark II was brought in by the owner for a full repaint. Upon close inspection, we quickly noticed that paint was wearing off in a number of places and it had a few minor scratches. The last paint job was done in a hush and some areas were not properly painted. The client also wanted the brake calipers to be repainted in black, restoration of the registration plates and headlight restoration as well. In addition to this, we include watermark removal, corrective buffing and BONFIRE package steam detailing for a showroom finish. With scope established, we got down to work.
We started the repair works by sanding down to bare metal all the panels with paint wearing. Some parts with small dings were also filled.
To ensure a smooth finish without any sandpaper marks, we used our little black magic to catch these during the filling and sanding stage
With that done, we primed the surfaces. The primer acts as a crucial bonding agent, providing a smooth surface for the layers of paint to adhere to. Using a high-quality automotive primer, we applied it meticulously ensuring even coverage.
The primed surfaces were sanded down as well as the whole car and then it was back to the spray booth again for the application of primer sealer.
We spend quite a lot of time in these early stages as it is what guarantees a perfect paint job and it involves sanding (lots of it) and filing in any holes/lines in the paint.
The moment to paint the car had arrived. It was time to infuse the Toyota Mark II with its new vibrant color: Acrtic white. But before we do this, we decided to break the car down into panels. We find it a lot easier to paint this way although we have to do it in two steps.
The end results are far much better. We began the application of the base-coat layer ensuring even distribution in 3 layers with the first one being very light.
To protect and enhance the base coat, we turned our attention to application of the clear coat layer. This final step would add depth, gloss, and a protective shield to the paintwork. We use one of the leading base-coat and clear-coat paint combination. This was applied as per manufacturer instructions to ensure even and consistent coating. We applied 3 layers of clear coat and allowed this to flush properly before turning on the baking system at 60C for 40 minutes to ensure it dries off uniformly.
The last steps involved putting the car together and embarking on the detailing process. The upholstery and engine bay were steam detailed. Watermarks on the windows were also removed and corrective buffing done to improve the final appearance.
Are you ready for the results?
Here’s a video from out TikTok channel
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