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The restoration process is progressing
nicely now. X201's "Yellow-bellies" have received their fresh yellow
paint. The last bit of work included stripping the caulk/sealer from
around the frames of the bay windows. After masking the frames and glass,
the primer was roughed-up with 120 grit sandpaper. After blowing the dust
and wiping with a tack cloth, the bay windows were ready to paint.
I chose an Alkyd Enamel Bright Yellow paint by PPG Commercial Performance
Coatings. The part number was ALK-FP801 in a factory pack. This is the
same product as the PPG Tec-Star 200. I also used a Tec-Star 201 hardener.
I chose this paint combination for three reasons. 1. Compatibility with
the Alkyd Metal Primer used on X201. 2. Proven performance of this paint
on Southern X445 owned by John Cudd. X445 has been painted for
approximately 6 years and still looks like new. 3. Price - $56.34 per
gallon including the hardener. Some of the paints I researched were going
to cost in the neighborhood of $150-$250 per gallon. I had originally
hoped to use DuPont Imron or DuPont Centari. The Imron would not work
chemically with the primer used on X201. The Centari (automobile paint)
was going to cost approximately $250 per gallon.
I'd like to thank Denver Moss, friend and fellow volunteer at the Heart of
Dixie RR Museum, for applying the paint. Denver provided the equipment and
the know-how and did an outstanding job. Three coats of yellow were
applied to each bay window, using a total of 1.5 gallons of paint (+
thinner). The finish is deep, rich, and glossy. As you will see in the
photos, there are two dents/creases along one of the bay windows. I
debated filling these with Bondo or putty, but decided that they gave the
car some character. No telling what sort of incident resulted in these
marks! Next comes the red....
Painting the Yellow Belly
Completed Yellow Belly paint
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