Today I did something to my car (volume 2)

Brake pad wear warning light came on yesterday, out of the blue. Checked fluid level and it was good, then checked the pads and still brand new (having changed all four calipers, brake fluid, pads and handbrake cable in the last 2 months I assumed as much but just wanted to be sure). So assumed it was the sensor itself. Realised I haven't changed it, ever. New one got and replaced. So hopefully will sort it out.

Took the opportunity to drop the bumper and remove the headlights to replace some of the angel eye bulbs that have been gone for a couple of weeks. Got that done and all good. Then, with the bumper off I decided the time had come to tackle a job I've been putting off for some time. Bumper respray.

Not done, but started.

Lately the bumper has been looking very poorly and it seems to "foul" easier than other cars I've owned. Today I found out why. At some point someone must have decided to spray the bumper to cover up stone chips, but whomever done the "respray" needs a kick to the trixie trollox. The lazy so and so seems to have just scuffed the original paint and then primed, painted and lacquered over it, and not sanded back.

Layers upon layers of primer, lacquer, paint. Got so bad that after 2 hours of sanding I was not even down through the "new" stuff. So time for drastic action. Nitromors.

Slathered the bumper in it, waited 10 minutes, it was working so gave it another coating. Waited another 45 minutes and got to scrapping (plastic scrapper so as not to damage bumper, but needed metal ones for some parts). Took about 2 - 2.5 hours but got all the heavy stuff off. Then sanded some areas and the remaining pieces of paint came off easily. Got tired, and dark, so after about 5 hours I called it a day. Will finish sanding tomorrow check for any defects, then lay down the primer coats. Will leave the painting for the weekend, with top coat layers Monday through Wednesday. So will update as I get a little further on.

All sanded down (have one or two fiddly spots I need to address with a dremel and sanding head), washed, dried, ready for tack wipe then primer, tomorrow.

Was slogging away then realised I bought an orbital sander last year for this very purpose. Found it, and hello easy street. Cut the sanding process down by at least 60%.

Once that was done then it was onto hand sanding with 400 grit, 800 grit, 1200 grit, 1500 grit and finally 2000. Alternating directions to eliminate any scratches left by the initial sanding.

My first time doing something this large so its trial and error, but going well enough. The painting will be the real test.

Thanks. Over 50 years of stuff covering every square inch of all three walls. Each time I move house I got a bigger garage yet I still manage to fill them, given time. Make me wonder how I managed with the 8x4 shed I started off with.

BlakeS94 wrote: »

Forgot to take photos, but I recently purchased a mk4 mondeo, !

Welcome to the club, from one newbie to another.

new centre wheel caps

Need them myself.