Itech 9600 Refurb

[MangoRhinehart]

Hi everyone,

I recently picked up an Itech 9600 that was badly in need of a refurb, but has good bones.

The chin was pretty chipped, but it appears to be only the gel coat. There a couple more chips throughout.

I tried a few methods for getting the screws out. 

They came out using the following methods:

1 x elbow grease (chin strap)

4 x PB Blaster (top snaps, and one cage screw)

4 x Cut/Drilled out with tungsten carbide dremel bit. I tried screw extractors and regular drilling. One of the chin strap screws and post were rust welded into the shell.

I cleaned off the shell with denatured alcohol.

Next step is filling the chips, I will be using some gel coat filler.

[Max27]

awesome! 

[MangoRhinehart]

First sanding completed to prep the shell for filling chips. I used 120 grit to get the old clearcoat off. Basically sanded until it was no longer shiny. I also did a quick sanding on the inside, so I can repaint there as well. Then cleaned with denatured alcohol. 

This also let me check the shell for any potential issues.

[bunnyman666]

Looking good @MangoRhinehart!

[creasecollector]

Looks great so far !!

[MangoRhinehart]

First round of gel coat filler. I will need to work on the chin some more. I am using marine-tek. 2part

[MangoRhinehart]

Sanded the first go of filler. I needed more on the chin and missed some spots. 

The chin now looks like Thanos, but should be good to be sanded down then I can move on to primer.

[MangoRhinehart]

Three rounds of epoxy later on the chin and after sanding.

Next step is a couple of coats of primer

[creasecollector]

Looks great ! Nice job so far.

[MangoRhinehart]

Weather conditions were finally good for primer. Pictures are after the second coat.

[SaveByRichter35]

Wow great job

[MangoRhinehart]

Now im debating on color.

All white?

All black?

Gloss royal blue?

Metal speck blue?

I also picked up a cheap potvin esque vinyl wrap that I am considering throwing on before clear coating.

I think I am going to finish the interior first in plain white then tape it up and do the exterior

[SaveByRichter35]

Interior gloss white, exterior metallic blue.

[southpawtendy48]

I second that. ^^

[SaveByRichter35]

White cage

[MangoRhinehart]

On 9/14/2018 at 9:12 PM, SaveByRichter35 said:

Interior gloss white, exterior metallic blue.

White interior, white cage window. Galaxy Blue color shift paint exterior

stainless cage

[SaveByRichter35]

White cage window with stainless cage?  Hmmmmm.  Hurry and do this because I wanna see this combination.  

[MangoRhinehart]

19 hours ago, SaveByRichter35 said:

White cage window with stainless cage?  Hmmmmm.  Hurry and do this because I wanna see this combination.  

On it! Did quick sanding of primer with 400 grit. Currently painting the inside of the mask.

[MangoRhinehart]

Interior is completed and currently drying from 3 layers of clear coat

[MangoRhinehart]

Cage window is taped up and layers of black are on since the color shift needs a black background.

[SaveByRichter35]

Patiently waiting to see how this comes out.  Great work so far!

[bunnyman666]

3 hours ago, MangoRhinehart said:

Cage window is taped up and layers of black are on since the color shift needs a black background.

Remember with colourshift that less is actually more (fewer coats) with the flop paint. Clear the bejeezus out of that and you’ll have a winner.

Good job thus far!

[MangoRhinehart]

@bunnyman666

Thanks, I did 3 coats of black. l am letting it cure until Saturday before sanding then colorshifting.

[bunnyman666]

2 minutes ago, MangoRhinehart said:

Thanks, I did 3 coats of black. I have to check if I need to sand before hand. But I am letting it cure until Saturday before colorshifting.

Actually- you want LOTS of black and little flop paint. Check your flop after three VERY light coats. You’ll be surprised how well it does. 

If in doubt, try it on something curvy (for the best flop). Do five coats of black, then try two to three coats flop paint. You’ll be surprised how LITTLE flop paint it takes for a dramatic flip/flop effect. The black ACTUALLY plays a HUGE role in the flop.

I’ve done a few...

[MangoRhinehart]

@bunnyman666

Thanks for the advice. The black coat is looking pretty good. Need to sand it a bit prior to the shifty paint. Then I have a 2part urathane for the clear.