The Astroliner

[Atomic77]

Thanks Dale

[OP827]

Michael and you guys rock.

[Atomic77]

Thanks OP. Your build to me is the most mysterious of all... Mostly because I don't understand exactly how it works. But it's a darn fine piece of engineering for sure!

[Atomic77]

Another milestone weekend for the Astroliner! I finally feel like I'm in the home stretch for paint. A hard 16 hours, some 120 grit on an air board, copious guide coat and those final minute highs and lows were massaged right out. The Polyester primer leveled nicely, although I thought I could air board it with 220 but no luck. It sands well but kicks hard like a shell, so it took 120 to get it flat and sweet. The Urethane primer laid out like glass over the top. The extra step of the Polyester was well worth the time it took to perfect it. It ain't for everyone but I guess that's how we roll...

It feels good to be in final primer after what seems like a thousand little steps. But the best part is, no holes and no trim so hopefully that equates to no leaks. It really is like a tough protective shell. Paint is just around the bend... I can almost smell that 60's flake now!

It's been a long journey down the road of fiberglass finishing and caravan customization so I thought I would post a few pictures of the seams being transformed...

[capnTelescope]

Sweeeet! Can't wait to see that smelly flake on it.

[dales133]

Very nice mate....even though youve gone back to the teeeny weeeny pics again

[Atomic77]

Sorry. Tap Talk would only let me do three at a time .

[noseoil]

Michael, looking really nice now. Also looks like there's a bit of over-spray around the shop and coating a "few" things in the area. Can't wait to see the paint job.

One question though, with the shape you have, aren't you concerned about lift at higher speeds? It looks like the sectional view would be an air foil & it might start floating at over 150 mph. Watch out if you go to Bonneville!

[Atomic77]

Actually no, that's not overspray. It's dust. I make loads of it. I usually blow everything down before I leave but I had to hold the heat in for primer. I don't worry about dust on the floor for primer. It all gets water sanded anyway. As far as the shape... The official word from our Aeronautics Engineer on the race team is "no worries!"

[OP827]

Nice, getting close to paint!

[Atomic77]

Well... Lots of work but nothing to see. I remember when I made first dust on this build, how happy I was. Today I finished making dust and trust me I'm even happier. (Body dust anyway.) I sanded every inch with 220 and guide coat to spot any last little imperfections. Then I re-fit the tail lights because getting everything straight on the rear messed up the recesses a bit. Then I put one last coat of urethane primer on to cover any break through areas then sanded every inch with 400. That's a lot of inches let me tell you. But the good news is, I'm ready to paint. Like, mask up the holes, wipe her down and paint. I'm not sure when it will happen with holidays and such but at least she's ready. Lots and lots of work and no good pictures but that's body work for ya I guess. Sorry for the boring progress but that's just how it goes...

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[KCStudly]

I'm starting to feel the same way about pics not showing body work progress, but am a long way off from being ready for paint, so I can certainly understand the pride and relief you are feeling for getting to this stage (and you know what you are doing, so that is a big plus!!!).

Have you settled on the final paint design? Any more hints you can share?

[Atomic77]

Thank you KC. I see tons of good progress and nice craftsmanship in your build. And I know you understand the monotony of the details and all the pieces-parts.

On the paint... All I can say right now KC, is this is a fluid situation! We are constantly brainstorming and playing with ideas. My vision for the Astroliner has always been something "Atomic" or "Space Age." Therefore in the theme of things space ship related I know I want the base coat to be Silver metallic. Then of course I have to have boomerangs somewhere.

The attached picture is a teaser from the rendering that Carrie is working on currently. As always, subject to change of course!

[OP827]

Congrats Michael on huge milestone, you are going for impressive finish, great! Cannot wait to see what you come up with for painting scheme

Where are you with the interior work?

[Atomic77]

Thank you OP. Interesting that you ask because that was the topic of discussion last night for about an hour as we talked about what direction we are going in next. We haven't decided 100% where we will be painting yet and the time frame for paint is up in the air. So until we figure out details, we are going to start working on finishing the interior walls. The wiring is in the walls and ceiling so we can button that up. Right now the interior is pretty bare.

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