Use an iPad mini for your Tacoma A/V System!

Well, I got the kits back from the paint shop last night. I had to reject all of them but one. It blows my mind that they even thought that their paint job was going to be acceptable. There were bubbles under the clear coat, contamination under the paint, orange peel on the flat colors, you name it. I honestly could have done a better job with rattle cans. Unbelievable. I told them they need to fix it by the end of this week or they're not getting paid.

I hate to suffer another delay in getting these kits done. I want to get these things finished and sent out as bad as you guys want them. I'll keep you guys updated.

 

Thanks Shane for keeping at it!

 

Time to invest in a mini paint booth.

 

Yeah, I'll likely be doing my own paint from here on out. Already have an airbrush. The only thing I'm not great at yet is glossy paint which I can learn.

Fritz, your kit is the one that passed QC. I'll get it out to you by the end of the week.

 

Wow sweet! That's awesome.

As far as gloss and clear, think of spraying the paint like a layer of bb's. You want to get the layer even and maximize your bb's(but don't want them to dry in the air) once the bb's adhear they kinda melt together. This produces the most even glass like coat. My only advice is practice with your gun until you understand it. (I used to spray in college)

Also use a two stage primer. Way better than rattle can.

Hope that helps.

 

Thanks Fritz!

I'll definitely look into a 2 stage primer. I've been using SEM high build, but it builds up a texture that can be a real pain in the ass to sand out.

 

No worries Shane. Your strive for quality work is greatly appreciated.

That paint booth sounds like a good idea!

 

I really liked BASF products. Check them out. There was alsso a primer with a parrot or something like that on the logo. it was great for plastic parts due to its flexiblity. (i cannot remember the brand)

I am drooling and I want to see pics of the panel haha.

 

Here's a pic! Not the best lighting but it still looks good!

 

SICK!

 

The first 100% ABS-built kit is almost done. Notice the size of the openings *hint hint*

 

lol fml....

 

Are these current kits utilizing ABS?

 

Alex, only part of your kit was made using ABS. The rear supports are made of ABS and will be attached with the same ABS chemical bonding as the kit shown above. It will be just as good of a finished product. Manufacturing with ABS just takes any guess work from the fabrication process. It's really more of an assembly process with some touch-up work which makes for stronger, more uniform kits.

 

Hows that subwoofer console going?

 

Haven't started it yet. Still need to order rear seats for my truck and now I'm leaning toward the Recaro CS for all four seats in the truck. So I just need to save up about $8,000 :3

 

Those are some spensive seats! Haha I can send you some measurments if it helps

 

go on...



So this was a fully printed one?

 

Your attention to detail for rejecting paint defects is impeccable. You don't find that type of quality in most people anymore.

 

No, the tan areas were printed. (the piece that fills the area between the contour of the dash kit and where the iPad sits up against, and the rear supports.

Those were attached to the kit with ABS glue for an ultra strong chemical bond.

The pink stuff you see in that bottle and on the kit is home mad ABS filler. I dissolve the right ratio of ABS : acetone to make a soupy solution that can be painted on with a brush to smooth out surfaces and fill gaps. This also creates a chemical bond between the plastics and plastic particles in the solution as the acetone evaporates and the plastic dries / hardens. It's a pretty awesome process compared to fiberglass / body filler techniques.