Mach 1 Pinstripes & Paint

[Lonestar]

Hello all,

The tinware phase of my Mach 1 replica project has arrived. I've blasted many layers of old paint from the tank, and some filler, and shot it with etching primer to prevent rust.

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I'm not sure which model this tank came from, but it has the right style and should do nicely once the dents are filled and it's refinished. On that topic,

- Does anyone know the correct widths of the red pinstripe on the tool boxes, and the yellow pinstripe on the tank?

- What's the best way to apply pinstripes, apart from having a professional do it? (The project has a budget, plus I like doing as much as possible myself - it's educational, builds character, etc.) Pinstripe tape? Painting a broad stripe, then masking off the pinstripe while applying the main color(s)? Other clever ideas?

- What's a good match for the silver? The main difference in the paints I've looked at has been the grain size, with some being very fine and others maybe halfway to a metalflake - where was the original paint in this range?

Cheers,

Dave

[Rick]

I have a Mach1 tank with it's original paint- the yellow pinstripe varies from around 2.5mm to 3mm, or .098" to .118". My toolboxes are the same sheet metal but from a different model- the pinstripe looks similar to a Mach1 size, and it's narrower, around 2mm.
I'm not much of a painter, so can't help with technique- the pinstriping looks hand done to me.
Rick

[Lonestar]

Rick,

Thanks - that's valuable information!

I've been thinking about investing in a Beugler striper (http://www.beugler.com/kits.html), but have decided against it. There's a greater initial investment, and paint is unforgiving if you mess it up as I'm quite likely to do on the first try. So I've ordered some red and yellow pinstriping tape sold for RC airplanes. It's only a couple of thousandths thick and is claimed to form curves easily.

On the silver, I've now sprayed samples of 7 different rattle can paints (Krylon, Duplicolor, Rustoleum etc.). I'm leaning towards Rustoleum Silver Metallic (#7271830), which is bright with a visible metallic grain. No doubt this sort of paint is less durable than a true automotive finish, but no matter as I plan to clear coat over it with two-pack polyurethane.

Cheers,

Dave