After the new layer of surface foam is
installed, it is hand sanded to remove any slight
imperfections in the surface. Each piece is
inspected several times before the new vinyl
is applied.
George now sets the pods into the Thermo
Vacuum forming machine on special supports constructed
for these parts. They must be held up from the
surface so the hot vinyl can mold itself completely
around the item.
After the vinyl is applied it is allowed
to cool for several minutes and then the pieces
are trimmed from the machine. The final gluing
of the edges and hand finishing comes next.
The excess vinyl is trimmed from the edges
and hand stretched and glued into position.
As we mentioned earlier, it's a labor intensive
process but the finished product is worth the
effort.
Now George starts to prepare
the surface of the center section. The plate
has been removed and the cut out radio opening
repaired. Once the new vinyl surface is installed
the damage and repair will completely disappear.
In order for the vacuum process to work
on a solid object, tiny holes are drilled along
the contoured surface edges. This will allow
the vinyl to vacuum form down into each sharp
angle and rounded contour. Once resurfaced,
the holes disappear.
Once the entire surface is sanded and all
repairs finished and inspected, a light coat
of glue is applied to this fiberglass center
section. Care must be taken to keep the glue
even on the surface because any bump will show
under the new vinyl.
Click Here to go to BEEN THERE,
WON THAT!, Part One. Click Here to go to BEEN THERE,
WON THAT!, Part Three. Click Here to go to the magazine
articles listing.
