Part 2 of “Meet Me In The Back”
Thanks for coming back!
The leaves are falling and the race is on for The Traveling Pheasant to gain as much progress as possible before the winter weather sets in.
Last week was Part 1 of the trailer’s back side refurbishment, where we started sanding the ramp and the side wings. The ramp was just about ready to be primed and the front side of the wings needed a new solution to smooth the layers of old paint for a new paintable surface.
Not Giving Up
Again, the front side of the wings continue to be the problem child. After attempting to smooth the layers of old paint in tight areas, I tried sanding as much as possible then Bondo. Both were failures. This week, I tried a new tactic: paint stripper. After using it on the ramp last week, I was hopeful it would help, but not completely convinced it would.
I painted on the gel and waited for it to do its thing. I have to admit it is fun to watch how it begins to peel while drying.
When the time came to scrape off the film, I was able to remove at least the topcoat of the thick, rubberlike paint I had the same issues with on the back ramp, but it did not remove all the paint. It still needed more work to achieve a smooth area.
I tried another two applications, and I was still having no luck. I will need to look for a different solution and come back to this another day. Frustrated as I am, I do not want it throw in the towel just yet – because, well, I’m just as stubborn as this unmovable paint.
Prime Time
In the meantime, I moved around to touch up the back ramp. I wanted to remove any dirt or new rust build up to get it ready to prime today.
Since the trailer had sat in the elements for a few days from our last working session, there were a few areas that had new rust, which was to be expected, but easily sanded off.
As the wings were still not yet dry, I decided to give some extra love to the ramp handles and hinges. These will need new rubber caps, and in comparison to other parts of the trailer so far, they are the most “rustic looking.” They have seen a lot of rust erosion, but for once, this does not bother me too much! Because of what they are, I am totally fine with them keeping some of that original “horse trailer charm” and cleaning them up just enough to be re-painted.
Watch the video of the painted ramp transformation below:
Lower the Ramp
With the outside of the ramp sanded and ready to go, it’s time to show some love to the inside frame. The wooden part of the ramp itself will be refinished, but the frame will be repainted along with everything else. It was a nice change to have a “smaller” area to work with and to finish within an hour or so!
Again, the feeling of watching the primer coat the newly smoothed surface and standing back to survey your handy work never gets old.
Despite not finding the solution for the front of the wings, I am very happy with how everything turned out today and that the ramp is finally done! Last step: the left barn door.
Ticking another box off the list,
Heather x
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