I am suggesting that we could use this forum to discuss topics to do with the restoration, preservation and ongoing maintenance of veteran vehicles.
I am considering having a go at "traditional coach painting" using a brush. This has a number of desirable features.
It is authentic. Almost all veteran vehicles were painted this way, some parts may have been dip painted and many T Fords were basically hosed with paint.
It avoids the health issues with many modern coatings, especially two pack coatings.
It is less wasteful of resources and better for the environment.
In the UK you can buy coach paint specifically formulated for this very purpose ex stock. However they will not export to Australia due to the issues involved with exporting a liquid product.
The closest products that I can locate in Australia are high gloss sign writing paints, either Vipond or 1Shot.
I was wondering if anyone has any experience brush painting their veteran or any knowledge about the best paint to use or application pointers.
I also dragged out my copy of the "Studebaker Proof Book" which features the 1914 models so was most likely produced in the latter half of 1913. (Some of the factory pictures show 1913 models.)
Under the heading "Twenty-four Paint and Varnish Operations" it has the following:
"The finish on Studebaker cars is most carefully developed. Coat after coat of filler paint is scientifically applied and rubbed before the first coat of color goes on.
Furthermore, it is not necessary to rush Studebaker bodies through the factory. Plenty of time is given for each coat of filler or paint to 'age' on the body before the next coat is applied.
Again we find the advantage of quantity production - expert Studebaker painters are able to concentrate their entire time and attention month after month on Studebaker cars only. No special jobs go through our factory to interfere with the concentrated efforts of our workmen. Their time is spent doing one thing well - that is why our color work is so perfect. In the great Studebaker factories there is ample room to do the paint and varnish work of the car where the light is good, where there is good ventilation and where there is nothing to disturb the workmen.
As a result, varnish work on Studebaker cars comes through in flawless and speckless condition."
There is a photograph of a lady varnishing a closed body with the following caption:
"See the reflection of the painter in the satin-smooth lustre of this Studebaker closed body. This is the twenty-fourth and final operation in finishing a Studebaker body."
There is also a photograph of a row of large ovens with the following caption:
"These are great ovens where Studebaker fenders, hoods, etc.,are enamel-baked for hours. The enamel is literally baked into the steel. It will not crack or check off through the hardest kind of service."