The Final Seven

How to Finish Pressure Treated Wood

CCA (chromated copper arsenate) is used to pressure treat lumber to prevent it from decaying however, this does not prevent the wood from weathering which is why painting or staining is a must. To prevent cracking and splitting, oil or latex stains provide the best results.

1. Apply preservative. After you have completed your project, allow the wood to dry for at least two months. The wood must be very dry to allow the stain or paint to penetrate the pressure treated wood
2.  Sand. Sand the wood by hand to remove any splinters as pressure treated wood tends to have more splintering than non treated wood.
3. Add Fungicide. Pressure treating does not prevent surface infestation of mold and mildew. To prevent these issues, add fungicide to the paint or stain you are going to use.
4. Paint and stain. From this point on, paint or stain the wood as you would ordinary wood by following the directions provided with the product.

Changing Brake Pads on Acura TI

If the breaks are squeaking on your Acura TI, it’s time to replace them. This is a moderately difficult procedure that requires at least a little knowledge about disc breaks. This knowledge can easily be acquired from your local auto-parts store. The specific pads you will need will depend on the year and transmission on your Acura TI.

1. Loosen lug nuts. Put the car in park (1st for manual transmission), make sure the parking break is set, and block the back tires as to prevent the car from rolling. Loosen the lug nuts on the front tires.
2. Jack the car up. Use a floor jack to jack up the front end of the car and place jack stands on both sides of the car under the front axel. Completely remove the lug nuts.
3. Pivot caliper. Use a ratchet and metric socket to remover the lower caliper mounting bolt allowing the caliper to pivot up over the brake pads and caliper mounts. Tie the caliper up out of the way.
4. Remove pads. Remove the pads and then use a wire brush to clean the surfaces of the caliper and caliper mount.
5. Install new pads. Make sure the wear indicator is located on the upper portion of the inner brake pad.
6. Compress piston. To compress the piston of the caliper, first loosen the bleeder screw on the caliper itself and then compress the piston until there is enough room to move the caliper over the pads, tighten the bleeder screw, and reinstall the caliper.
7. Bleed the brake system. Fill the master cylinder with brake fluid and then have an assistant get into the vehicle and pump the brake pedal five or six times holding it down the final time. Open the bleeder valves by loosening the bleeder screws on both calipers and then close them once air and fluid stop coming out. Repeat this process until there is no more air coming out of the valves.

How to Repair Peeling Clear Coat

Peeling clear coat is not a pretty site. Many things can cause clear coat to peel, such as poor paint materials, poor preparation, and ultraviolet rays from the sun. This is a serious problem not only for aesthetic reasons but because this issue can lead to rust. The best way to repair this is to strip the entire affected panel and repaint however; there is a temporary fix that can last over a year.

1. Scuff the car. Use either a red scuff pad or 400 grit sandpaper to lightly scuff the affected panel removing the clear coat. Be careful not to cut into the base coat.
2. Scuff again. This time use a gray scuff pat or 1000 grit sandpaper to remove the scratches left by the first step. A smooth surface is a must.
3. Protect the car. Protect the areas around the affected panel by using masking tape and clear coat to ensure the areas are completely covered.
4. Spray clear coat. Holding the can about 10 to 12 inches from the car, spray a thin even coat of clear coat starting at the top and working towards the bottom. Apply 3 to 4 coats allowing each coat to dry for about 30 minutes.

How to Paint a Car Without Using an Air Compressor

Don’t feel like you have no hope of painting your vehicle if you don’t own a spray gun or air compressor, as there is another way. Automotive grade paint is now available in aerosol spray cans, which you can purchase at your local auto parts store.

1. Sand the car. Use 120 grit sandpaper either by hand or with a dual action sander to remove all the old paint. The dual action sander will make this task so much easier. Sanding also prepares the surface to be painted by making the surface smooth.
2.  Cover areas. Cover all areas you do not want painted (glass, trim, etc.) with making tape and paper. Make sure to cover all areas.
3. Wipe the car down. Use grease remover to wipe down the entire car to ensure there are no fingerprints or dust particles that can leave imperfections in the finished paint.
4. Spray primer. Spray two thin coats of primer on the entirety of the car and allow each coat to dry at least thirty minutes. Start at the top of the car and work your way down. Hold the can about ten inches from the vehicle as to avoid drips.
5. Paint the car. Use the same method as with the primer to apply the paint except this time you will want to apply at least three or four coats.
6. Apply clear coat. Three coats of clear coat will prevent the new paint from being damaged. Apply using the same method as with the paint and primer.

What Judges Look For in Car Show

Knowing what the judges are looking for before entering your classic car into a classic car show greatly increases your chances of placing. In addition to the specific criterion that has been made clear for your category there are some additional measures you can take and should take to ensure your vehicle winds up in the winner’s circle.

Clean Car

A spotless car should always be a must regardless of the category your car has been entered. No dirt or mud should be visible on the outside and not a spec of dust on the inside.

No Scratches

Touch up any scratches and nicks before even considering entering a car show. A single scratch will distract a judge from the rest of your show car.

Custom Paint

Custom paint will set your car apart from the all the other cars that have been painted to match the original color. Paint it whatever color you like as long as it is custom and original.

New Tires

Tires are one thing most show car owners don’t consider when entering their car. Tires should have minimum wear and should be just as spotless as the rest of the car.

Car Soap

When cleaning a car, it is important to use a soap that will not damage the car. Dish soap, for example, can cause the paint to peel after continued used. To preserve the integrity and look of your vehicle’s paint, be sure to use soap like some of the types described below.

Pinnacle Bodywork Shampoo

Pinnacle Bodywork Shampoo is designed to remove unwanted dirt and sand without scratching the vehicle. IT leaves the car looking very shiny and clean as it even preserves the protective wax while still getting rid of all the girt and grime.

Simple Green Car Wash

Simple Green Car wash soap is based on the Simple Green All-Purpose cleaner in that it is non-toxic and is safe for the environment as it is biodegradable. When mixed with water, this soap forms a foamy substance that removes all of the dirt without leaving streaks or swirls on waxed surfaces.

Homemade Car Soap

Homemade car soap can be just as effective and half the cost of commercial car soaps.  Start off with a vegetable based soap and then add about a half cup of borax to a few gallons of water. Mix the ingredients and you now have a soap that is safe for your vehicles paint and will leaving it spic and span.