Thunderbird Refinishing project complete

[millsart]

Well this isn't exactly a guitar (though a piano does maybe count as a sort of stringed instrument lol)

Anyways, as much as I loved the feel of the 88 key hammer action SL990, its 90's styled graphics and battleship grey sheet metal just always seems a bit ugly.

So the natural thing to do is paint it and I thought I'd share a few snapshots of the process.

First had to open up the case and discount the buttons and wheels, remove the end caps and then take out the whole keyboard assembly

 

[millsart]

Re: Thunderbird Refinishing project complete

Then it was onto painting and I thought a bright safety red would be a nice color choice

 

[millsart]

Re: Thunderbird Refinishing project complete

Once all put back together I figured being just all plain red was a little boring so when in doubt, add chrome. I picked up some vintage Ford Thunderbird emblems ('56 I think) to spice it up a little. The Mark VII is actually from a mid 80's Lincoln model from Australia but I felt it added a little something as well.

Getting rid of the wobby X-brace stand I had and getting a nice keyboard platform finished the project as its not only super stable but also has room for my feet, not to mention looking a bit more like vintage Rhodes legs.

 

[subanots]

Re: Thunderbird Refinishing project complete

cool! looks great!

the emblems were a great touch.

 

[astrozombie]

Re: Thunderbird Refinishing project complete

that turned out great.

i wish i could do that.

 

[Ayrton]

Re: Thunderbird Refinishing project complete

Great!

 

[millsart]

Re: Thunderbird Refinishing project complete

that turned out great.

i wish i could do that.

Really is very easy, just give it a try. Modern spray cans have very good nozzles these days and if you take your time you can get very professional results. You can even get true nitro finishes from places like Reranch including clear coats. As long as you work slowly and do lots of layers and good prep work you can get a showroom finish using just spray cans in your garage with no special equipment needed.

 

[scottish]

Re: Thunderbird Refinishing project complete

thats an awesome job man. good idea too, i wouldnt have thought to do that.

 

[ImmortalSix]

Re: Thunderbird Refinishing project complete

sweet project man!

 

[beandip]

Re: Thunderbird Refinishing project complete

Grrr...I see no clear coat to make it shiny...

But awesome work man. Those badges were a great touch.

 

[Lazarus1140]

Re: Thunderbird Refinishing project complete

Very cool ..... what a transformation!

 

[Jet-Jaguar]

Re: Thunderbird Refinishing project complete

Is it weird that I thought of Jack White's Airline?

 

[j9fd3s]

Re: Thunderbird Refinishing project complete

much better! again you have good results

 

[astrozombie]

Re: Thunderbird Refinishing project complete

Grrr...I see no clear coat to make it shiny...

But awesome work man. Those badges were a great touch.

i think it would have been a nice touch. but then again hey, its probably amazing in person. :bling:

 

[millsart]

Re: Thunderbird Refinishing project complete

Grrr...I see no clear coat to make it shiny...

But awesome work man. Those badges were a great touch.

I actually thought about doing a clear coat, as I certainly have enough of it laying around, however, I thought the slightly less "showroom" natural luster suited it a bit better overall.

Going for a bit of a retro look and feel, with the vintage badges and stuff, I felt a super polished mirror like finish would sort of clash.



Thanks for all the nice comments everyone