The bit I pay for - PAINT!

[Sparky]

I may know my way around a spanner, but I know sod all about making cars look pretty. On Trevsked's recommendation, my Esprit is with a guy called Andy, in Halifax, West Yorkshire, getting a long overdue makeover. I've heard very good things about Andy, so I'm confident she'll come back very pretty. Been there for 2 weeks now, and probably a little over a week to go before I get her back! Some pics so far:

[Simon350S]

What's he done with the wing?

Hopefully when you get her back he'll have matched the colour up a little better

[red vtec]

Is that the spray booth?

will look nice when finished.

[Dave Freeman]

Oh SPARKY, that means I will have to polish mine again, that will be 2 off us with shinny rides, looking good, is it staying red or what - black would be nice.

Will you do the wheels as well.

Looking forward to seeing it in the flesh.

Dave

[Choppa]

Gary, it's going to look so good when it's finished.

[Sparky]

Boys, I can't wait! Wheels are getting a bit of a seeing to as well, car will stay red, and the wing stays on.

New rear light clusters and door handles. Deck glass removed to paint the black, repair to that awful N/S door - this guy's good!

I'd especially like to thank Trevor for making me part with yet more cash.

[esprit s2]

Gonna look good Sparky!

Is it going to be expensive or is it reasonably priced?

[Bibs]

About time too! Look forward to seeing it done mate

[rogerch]

What's he done with the wing?

I think my line comes next

Looking good, hope you're happy when you get it back, less the wing of course!

Oh and you don't have to do the rear deck black, I elected not to black mine in, I didn't put the glass back in straight away just in case ther was too much reflectionor glare, but there wasn't so it's back on now and the whole of the rear deck is red. (looks better IMO)

[Bibs]

Roger - Are you trying to create hundreds of clones of your car?

[Simon350S]

Don't forget the deck pimples Bibs

Edited March 12, 2010 by Simon350S

[ramjet]

Wings are good! Wings are cool! Things with wings fly. Take it off and who knows???

[Trevsked]

Sparky,

Think nothing of it. Believe it or not it give me great pleasure seeing you part with your money.

Looking forward to seeing more pics and hopefully the finished item soon.

Trevor.

[Sparky]

Cheers guys. Roger, I like the black deck and the wing stays so yar boo sucks. I only did it for you.

I think it's a very reasonable price, but I'll hold fire until the job's done and proper photos published, to allow a nice objective view.

[SJB]

Best you buy some polish Sparky and learn how to use it

[Sparky]

Wot - you driving a red S4 now??

You know me so well...

[Simon350S]

Sarah, I though you said Sparky needs to buy some Polish and learn how to use them!

It's cheap labour for sure but a little extreme me thinks

[rocket63]

Well the Polish can run Watford Exotics whilst the trolley, dollies

[Sparky]

Anyway, suppose I should buy a Boxster now I'm cabin crew.

Andy's just informed me she's all masked up, and paint goes on tomorrow!

[Advantage]

Let's hope he uses a brand new brush.

[Simon350S]

Don't you hate it when the bristles come off though, spoils the finish

[red vtec]

We could have done it at Dave Freemans the other week with an old broom Brush on Paint

Edited March 12, 2010 by red vtec

[Sparky]

Don't you philistines know nuffin? It's all rollers now.

[freshcut]

And here I always thought a well applied "Rattle Can" paint job just couldn't be beat! Looks like lots of prep taking place. I'm sure it'll look like new once its finished.

[andy001]

Boys, I can't wait! Wheels are getting a bit of a seeing to as well, car will stay red, and the wing stays on.

New rear light clusters and door handles. Deck glass removed to paint the black, repair to that awful N/S door - this guy's good!

I'd especially like to thank Trevor for making me part with yet more cash.

hi everybody, im andy fieldhouse im the guy who gary has put his faith in to restore his esprit. after working for several main dealership bodyshops and accident repair centres over the last 25 years i have set up my own worksop in halifax, and i am offering refinishing services to people with fiberglass bodied cars, as this is my speciality, having worked for many years on renault alpines, espace, ect. the secret to a perfect respray is detail and this takes time, if you are told you can have your car back within 7 days then its been rushed and it won't last the test of time. if anyone wants any advice about paint or bodywork, just send me a message, im here to help. anyway im sure gary's esprit will look fantastic. heres a couple of pics of previous jobs.