HOW SWEET IT WAS By: Josh and Bill We had a great time attending this years PCA Hershey Porsche Swap Meet! Our day began early...04:30 early! It was a struggle to drag ourselves through the gates to wait in line, as someone (I won't mention his name - but his initials are Bruce) forgot to pre-register us. Following registration, setting up tents, wiping down cars, and displaying literature, we were ready for a nap; and the sun hadn't risen yet! Speaking of the sun; when it did rise, what a beautiful day it became! Two, of our balding crew members, went home with an annual dose of vitamin D in the form of bright red foreheads (I won't mention them by name, but one has the initials Bruce)! 1
We were, again, able to bring two cars that are currently in the restoration process this year. First, the Hess Custom, an '83 Racing Yellow 911 that belongs to our friends Terry & Dinah. Second, was an Ivory White '73 911 Targa, belonging to Bill & Anja. Bill was able to make it to the show and seemed to enjoy telling interested spectators the history of his families beautiful car. He also reminded people that they could, look - but not touch! It was great seeing hundreds of vendors from all over the country, such as, DC Automotive, AASE, Weekend Rides, Stoddard, and lets not forget our friends from the north, Restoration Design! It's always a pleasure chatting with vendors we purchase from, and to hear about new and upcoming parts. We will cross our fingers for as beautiful a weekend next year, and will definitely remember to pack sunscreen! 2
TAKE IT OFF, TAKE IT ALL OFF! At this point in time, hopefully, readers of the eletter are understanding that a New Coat of Paint on your Porsche is not a restoration!!! At least NOT in CPR world. So, what are the first steps in revitalizing or restoring your Porsche? To do it correctly, it all has to come off! All the mechanicals, the interior, the electrical stuff. Most important, all the old paint, bondo, primer, everything, right back down to bare metal!! Once dis-assembled, we follow several steps. The main body section is put on a rotisserie and subjected to pressure blasting using a recycled glass medium. Glass is more expensive than sand, but is better for the environment, operator health, and a reduction in panel heat leading to metal distortion. We do not blast the delicate panels such as the doors, roof, hood and engine cover. Rather, these panels are chemically striped of paint. 3
So why don't we chemically strip the whole body, one may ask? Hand stripping with chemicals is messy, time consuming, and environmentally unfriendly on large projects. Chemical Vat Stripping has been around for years. Most of the larger chemical strippers are a few thousand miles west or south of Maryland. Transportation to and from is a costly process. A more important consideration for us at is, how is all the stripping chemical removed or neutralized in the Porsche unibody construction? And over time, what negative effects does the stripping chemical cause for the longevity of the Porsche restoration? Unless all chemical stripping can be neutralized, CPR does not recommend full body Vat Stripping. There are only a handful of Vat Strippers who have a full dip Neutralizing Solution tank. These strippers are not geographically close to Maryland. For the small Porsche panels, we have found that the firm - Chem Strip Refinishing in Upper Marlboro, Maryland - is a great cost effective alternative to hand stripping. In operation for many years, 4
Chem Strip has expert talents to properly handle the delicate Porsche Panels. Once the paint is removed, the parts are dipped in a rust elimination bath. They do not have a chemical neutralizing tank. Maura and her staff are very knowledgeable and helpful with your projects. You can contact Maura at 301 420 9112. One final word on paint removal on automobiles SODA BLASTING - DON'T GO THERE! Do you have questions about paint removal on your Porsche? Call us at 410 822 8322. WINTER MINOR RESTORATION PROJECTS FINISHING Each Fall, under takes short term restoration Porsche Projects. Drop your Porsche off in the Fall. Pick it up in the spring, ready to go summer cruising. 5
Back this year for a transmission rebuild, Jim's beautiful 1981 Red Targa is detailed and ready to go. Jim had the interior upgraded with re-upholstered front seats last year. First year for Brien's 1982 911 SC. Getting the front seats reupholstered and a few other minor details. 6
First time for Ben's 912, Motor and Transmission renewed. Ben inherited this 912 from his parents and is anxious to get it home. FINALLY, PORSCHE DETAILING AT CPR CLASSIC EAST. After many trial and error attempts to find a good reliable auto detailer that would come and do detail work at our shop in Easton, we have finally found a great group that works totally mobile. Damon's Mobile Detailing has proven to us that a great detail on a Porsche, (or any other vehicle) on a reliable time frame is possible. Damon works on an appointment-only-basis in the Easton, Maryland area. Give us a call at 410 822 8322 to set up and appointment. More on Damon's Mobile Detailing next issue. Until then, thanks for your support: Aaron Alvino, Bill Homnick, Josh Pritchett, Bruce Wakefield. Partners,, 410 822 8322 7