Refinishing Tire Tub '65

[Joel T.]

I'm refinishing the tire tub, cover and bracket from my 1965. I had to media blast the cover to remove some old undercoating and spray. While the cover is clean, it is too light in color, basically grey.

I recall someone here outlining how they refinish fiberglass to make it look "original".... if I recall, while the part is basically black, we should be able to see the surface fibers..

Any tips on to get this done???

Thanks!!
Joel

[Joe C.]

Re: Refinishing Tire Tub '65

Joel,

Unfortunately, you have marred the surface of the composite panel with the media. AFAIK, there is only one way to restore the surface, and that is to abrade with wet/dry paper, then polish with compound. Try starting with 600 grit, then 1000, then 1500, finally 2000. Then hand polish with white, polishing compound.
This is the same procedure used to produce the final finish of a quality lacquer paint job.

Joe

[Allan J. Wicklund]

Re: Refinishing Tire Tub '65

I use good old Simomiz paste wax. Clean the Fibreglass and wax away. Looks like new and not toooooo shiny. Al W.

[Bill W.]

Re: Refinishing Tire Tub '65

I would never "blast" any fiberglass that is not painted . You could try rubbing it down with black paint or stain . I always clean the pnls.with solvents,& soap and water .I then oil them with wd40 or 5 weight oil.do it every day for about a week or until it quits soaking in . let it dry few days then buff it off with a towel.works great on tubs and heater boxes.just like the release agent used when new....Bill

[Wayne P.]

Re: Refinishing Tire Tub '65

I would not use black paint. If you have already blasted it and the color is now too light, you can spray with mat finish clear and the color will return and with about the right amount of gloss.

[Barbara S.]

Re: Refinishing Tire Tub '65

I used satin clear on my tub and it looks great. It will definitely darken your tub.