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First I must apologize for the length of this. A long time ago when I started collecting, I don't remember when, I picked up one of these original Mercedes and then later noticed how the paint was cracking. So, after getting to know Keith, I asked him about what it would take to restore it. He took on the project and then he/we found out what a mess it was (see pictures). First of all I could not find, and maybe never had, an original box. So, even though I thought I really packed it well, it really got broken up in shipping it to Keith. However, he did not hesitate and said he could still do it. Now you can see the progress and I'll post other finished pictures as it progresses. I need to also add other comments which I will do and hopefully Keith will add some of his own. This just shows his awesome work and naturally I'm very, very excited to see the finished product and be able to share Keith's work with you all.
The first pictures show how my SSK Mercedes reached Keith. It’s really nice when your dealing with a positive guy and he emails me back “The good news is I can fix it so it will be stronger and invisible.”
Then when he got it disassembled: “Here's the photos of the cracked paint. The bad thing is there's broken hood hinges and the license plate held the back end together, it's broken. The diecast is very brittle on this car, when I ship it back it will be wrapped pretty well, rarely will I ever have parts come off.”
And then I really appreciated his informative updates like, “The only way I can strip the paint without destroying the body is I soaked it in lacquer thinner and had to remove it with a brush. The cracked paint is a result of the diecast cracking and going south on you. The paint was basically holding some of it together. After I stripped the paint, I soda blasted it on low air pressure just to clean the cracks out. The hood never opened on the car since it had the straps glued down to the top and frame. I'm going to have to do some work on the hood sides as you can see. I plan to coat the inside of the body with an epoxy to hold it together and then use a polyester filler on the body. Afterwards priming and block sanding until it's perfect. Here's some photos I just took.”
So far, this has all happened within the last week. My only regret it that now after all having seen his great work and positive attitude, Keith will get so much business from you guys that I won’t be able to get another car redone. Lol. I have though, already talked to him about doing some variations of a 1963 ½ if DM ever does it (Ron?). I would like Keith to do one in burgundy like the one I used to have, one done up as a NASCAR and one as a famous dragster. Here are some other comments to show how bad the SSK was, terrible diecast deterioration: “If it were mine I would save it. I believe that by stripping the old paint and blasting the surface the damage stopped. It's you favorite and a rare car, at least this way you know what you have and it will stay restored for many years. I didn't want to be gloom and doom, only keep you up to date. If you bought another one of these it will be like this one in time. So I definitely would say restore it.” You talk about a lot of work and a positive attitude…..
And, “Hi, I covered the insides of the body with urethane bumper adhesive, it's smooth and you can't see the cracks. The same goes for the outside of the body and then I'll prime it and fill it with polyester filler and prime. I'll send you photos when I get to that point right before the black paint. The car should look awesome when done.”
And, “The car is primered, I blocked sanded it. The first coats of black are on it. Then I'm block sanding and wet sanding them. Afterwards I'm shooting the final coats of black then the clear coats. Final assembly is next."
Keith received this car from me on July 23. One could not ask for a faster response and better communication.
AGAIN, sorry for the length of all of this, I just hope this is interesting to you all as it is pleasing to me.
Right now I can't take on any more work. This the only car I have to do and shelfed all my work. I'm selling my Studebaker and most of the collections of stuff we own and our house is next. I want to move west of the Mississippi and once settled build me a 63 Plymouth or Dodge to race in Nostalgia Super Stock. The plan is a 550 Wedge shifted through a Lenco 4 speed to a Dana 60 rear. No Nitrous, I want to see the low nines. This morning someone stopped by and asked lots of questions and took lots of photos, they have a relative wanting a truck like this. Sixty hours a week working for the past 16 years is enough for me. With Nancy being cancer free and it gave me a new outlook on life. I emptied my bucket list and left a few things in it. Instead of doing it all, I'll enjoy the little left in it more.
Keith, you are a gem of a man. I want to thank you for the wonderful diorama pieces you sent me. Junior stopped by and dropped off the box with them in and they are a treasure. Thank you so much. I will use them on Monday as I will be shooting some product then.
Thank you Keith Scoviak - 1932 SSK Black Prince
Posted - 07/30/2010 : 12:05:16
