I’ve also been busy prepping the Rapier hood and trunk lid for epoxy primer. The parts were sandblasted a while back, and once I started sanding out the course blasted surface, I quickly realized why I’ll never use sand on body panels again. Baking soda blasting, though more expensive, saves a bunch of additional prep time and eliminated a ton of unnecessary sanding. Both the hood and trunk lid needed minor lead filling, and once that was completed, I gave them both a phosphate coating and a nice thick blanket of epoxy primer. Next, I think I’ll focus my time on repairing the door.

Oh, I added the Lucas Fault Diagnosis service Manual to the manual page, so check that out too…

And so the work continues on the little Rapier. With the axle out, I was able to get a better look at the underside of the rear pan. Unfortunately, I was disapointed with what I found…

 SPRAY FOAM!!!!

That’s right, Spray foam! Seems that a previous owner had some rust issues and felt that this was the most econonical way to resolve it. A little spray foam, a little fiberglass, with a quick coat of paint… perfect! (well, maybe not so perfect) Unfortunately, the foam trapped additional moisture in the panel and the rust only accelerated. After pulling out the foam and trimming back the rotten panel, there wasnt much of the rear quarter left to “repair”.
Things arent looking good for the Rapier…