Operation Dirty Penny - '75 Merc 240D

[dineno]

Re-prepped the c pillar to a mirror finish today. The hard part about this process is getting both the underlying metal finish and the playing consistent across the car. I might have to switch to brush electro platong if I can't get the technique down. Hoping for good results with this next go at it tonight.

[dineno]

Results were definitely more consistent with last weeks attempt this time around. It looks like I got the technique down. Unfortunately after doing it I found some mild putting in part of the pillar that looks like it was from sand blasting or something so I'll have to sand it down some more and redo it one more time but it looks like to process will work really well for the rest of the car.

I'm going to do the trunk and put it outside for a few weeks and see what it does, if it can withstand rain without getting completely ruined all at once I'll probably be leaving the copper raw. If it gets turns too quickly I might clear coat it.

[MBBelgium]

It's really beautifull! I like the result a lot! :-)

I think clear coating would be better. I'm not sure but I think I read somewhere that steal rusts faster when in touch with cupper. I might be wrong of course....

[mikey G]

It's really beautifull! I like the result a lot! :-)

I think clear coating would be better. I'm not sure but I think I read somewhere that steal rusts faster when in touch with cupper. I might be wrong of course....

Rust isn't going to happen overnight. I believe the look he is going for is "weathered" copper. So it will be alright if left alone for a while to establish a nice patina. That being said regardless of what you decide to do to the finish of the copper, the amount of work your putting into this is going to yield an amazing result. Can't wait for full shots of this thing coppered out!

[dineno]

It's really beautifull! I like the result a lot! :-)

I think clear coating would be better. I'm not sure but I think I read somewhere that steal rusts faster when in touch with cupper. I might be wrong of course....

Rust isn't going to happen overnight. I believe the look he is going for is "weathered" copper. So it will be alright if left alone for a while to establish a nice patina. That being said regardless of what you decide to do to the finish of the copper, the amount of work your putting into this is going to yield an amazing result. Can't wait for full shots of this thing coppered out!

The plating itself should keep the steel from getting the chance to rust for the most part, it's the oxidation of the copper that I'd like to do some tests. I'll probably take my trunk lid or something, plate it, and leave it outside for a few weeks and see what it does especially if it rains or something. If it can hold up to moisture without completely turning to shit overnight I don't mind leaving it raw and letting it slowly weather until I'm happy with the look. The issue I have against clear coat is that orange peel look I'll get if I do gloss and the fake look I'll get if I do matte. I'd really rather the finish look how it does naturally.

[Master__09]

This is amazeballs. Subd.

[LCG]

People like you make me wonder if I work on the wrong cars

subd

[P78]

that looks so good

[dineno]

Redid the A pillar now that I got the technique down. Prepped top of quarter as well for comparison in color. The C pillar has a sloppy layer of clear coat on it in the picture btw. It didn't alter the color, but that raw feeling was definitely lost.

[Dr.AK]

This is completely amazing.

How does that process work? I have no idea about any kind of plating at all, so this seems like a form of witchcraft to me. Stunning. That C-Pillar alone is gorgeous already.

[mikey G]

I see what you mean by the clear messing with the effect. Is there a way to spray the clear and give it a fine sand? Just thinking out loud here, but i'm sure you already have something worked out.

[dineno]

I see what you mean by the clear messing with the effect. Is there a way to spray the clear and give it a fine sand? Just thinking out loud here, but i'm sure you already have something worked out.

That's actually exactly what I'm trying to accomplish now, a light clear coat sanded down with 2000grit. Haven't quite achieved the results I'm looking for with it yet though.

[berkercakmak]

my favourite benz project in all time !

[HotRodMatt]

saw this and immediately thought of your project...

http://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-patina-preserver-aerosol.html

maybe give it a shot after you get the oxidized finish you want?

[mikey G]

That's actually exactly what I'm trying to accomplish now, a light clear coat sanded down with 2000grit. Haven't quite achieved the results I'm looking for with it yet though.

Very cool. Glad to see you taking your time with this. Perfecting the art of plating is definitely a challenge. Glad you are taking the clear/ sanding route as well. Can't wait to see this thing man!!