The 40 Ford's onwer, Leonard, came out to lend a hand with the color-sanding process (speaking of which, I have no idea why it's even called "Color-sanding', as no color is sanded, only clear....and the major part of the process is buffing, not sanding)...
Tools of the trade...
A newer tool in the process are these "Hook-it" (velcro-backed) sanding pads meant to attach to a Velcro backing disc in the DA or Palm-sander. They also work brilliantly on a rubber sanding block, or by hand.
Leonard took one side, while I went down the other, first with 1000 on any bits of dirt, runs or heavy peel, then 1500 and finally 3000. Once the sanding was done, I followed up with the polisher -
....while Leonard went on to some other items that required attention.
Such as attempting to fit a vent glass in it's frame (note the fender he had just completed in 3000 grit)
Measuring out chrome strips to add a "deluxe" touch to the dash....
...and attempting to place an order for some parts missing from the inventory (or so he said as I had my suspicion he was texting his sweetie...)
Meanwhile, back at the polishing-party....
Swirl-marks in the truck lid mean were about 3/4 the way done with this panel!
Here's that fender from above - after a first pass with the full-cut compound -
And here it is after a second cut and come clean-up -
Reflections are a good gauge of how much cut is left to be done -
After everything is sanded and cut to this point (still have to do the rest of the roof, front fenders and hood...) the wool pad is exchanged for one of 2 or 3 foam pads in order to do a final cut, a swirl remover and a filler. Total hours to color-sand? Between 25 and 30.....sometimes as high as 40!
