Vinyl Wrap Or Paint

[theduck]

Information from the advert when it was for sale

 

Built by Oliver Way for Amanda Fane Salis in 2008 and competitavely raced by Amanda Since. The cost of the build was in excess of 40k in 2008 that could have bought you a S1 E-type roadster

The quality and level of engineering on this machine speaks for its self and if you google Austin 7 Salamanda you will see it is a well known car with many articles written about it.

The Salamanda Special is based on a 1924 Austin 7 chassis and weighs only 350kg. Unsupercharged but twin carbs, the car is very competative in the right hands.

The bodywork is plywood and built using a laminating technique pioneered in the 1st war on aircraft a wide leather strip running down from the filler cap prevents fuel spills from staining the woodwork or affecting the varnish. Inside, the aluminium bracing hints at airship construction.

The headlamps are authentic Marchal items and contribute to the Salamanda Special's frontal expression. I particularly liked the wire bracing for the mudgaurds, just like a string bag biplane.

Another wonderful feature was the fly screen, made not of modern perspex but out of mesh. The cockpit is so snug, to get in and out, you have to remove the steering wheel. The shut lines and hinges on the bonnet tell their own tale.

 

The engine size is 747cc and gearbox are as high spec as one can make an A7 with new performance pheonix crank, custom high compression pistons, pheonix rods, special camshaft, cylinder head, larger vales and springs etc. The gearbox is 3 speed closer ratio than standard and the rear axle a lower ratio for sprints and hill climbs. It has been used at Prescott, Wiscombe Park, Mallory, Goodwood and Donnington in a relay race amongst other venues.

[Guest mark little]

Got the bonnet back, very pleased with it, the lad that did the wrapping also told me what to look for when buying wrap, peel the backing off and it should be covered in tiny hexagons, this allows for the easy dispersal of the air bubbles and controlled stretching when going around awkward shapes. And now with some luck pictures!

[chris n]

Pros and cons to both paint and wrapping.

If it was me painting the car I would go with top shelf 2K primers, basecoat and HS clear then after a couple of days with the clear fully dry I

would flat the whole car down and then flow coat it for a top durable shine

[Guest mcramsay]

I think I have decided that wrapping is a bit of a half hearted approach on a car I have put a lot of time money and effort in to. I think I will polish the aluminium and go to iva prior to paint. Then strip it down and have it painted professionally afterwards. At least then if I have iva issues I won't be worrying about chipping fresh paint if I need any additional work