Project Pimp My M

[CZeni]

I offer this URL:

http://gallery.leica-users.org/Project-Pimp-My-M

It shows in a series of photos my refinishing of my M3. The camera wasn't particularly beat up, but it certainly wasn't pristine...I'm still not sure why I did this, but I am pleased with the results.

Thanks,

CZ
NC

 

[back alley]

lookin' good cz!

joe

 

[CZeni]

Looks good.
What paint did you use?

Thanks for the compliments!

The paint is Hammerite 'hammertone' aerosol cans...would have preferred a hammertone that I could airbrush but could not find any...

 

[captainslack]

Hi, Craig!! I was hoping you would post this once you done. It looks great!!! Hope you've got it next time I see you at Southeastern. I'd love to see it in person. 😀

 

[CZeni]

I've used many paints from cans. Did you bake it?

The paint manufacturer specifically recommended against baking the hammertone paint...the effect comes from silicone in the paint which makes the paint form small fisheyes. They warned if you bake the paint that the silicones will pockmark the surface. And they're right 🙂 🙂 🙂

I also found it strips easily to refinish it a second time 🙂

 

[CZeni]

Hi, Craig!! I was hoping you would post this once you done. It looks great!!! Hope you've got it next time I see you at Southeastern. I'd love to see it in person. 😀

You bet and thanks. No way I could resist showing it off a bit 🙂

 

[Tuna]

You are braver than I and it looks like you did a great job - but does it have the air-shocks that make the front end bounce up and down...?

Tuna

 

[aizan]

SWEEEET!! I want to repaint my M2 black someday. How did you strip the chrome?

 

[Dan Chang]

some suspicous......
the top cover is 77xxxxx, but the back plate is the latest one with ASA up to 1300 as well as the body style....

 

[chug]

I love the Green leather you have on it, works really well 🙂 Nice one!

 

[former member]

I was expecting to see hot pink in a low-cut strapless case.

Looks really good.

 

[CZeni]

some suspicous......
the top cover is 77xxxxx, but the back plate is the latest one with ASA up to 1300 as well as the body style....

Don't be surprised that it doesn't match - when I bought the camera the back door covering had been replaced and the speed dial looked very clean. The camera was a bit of a mongrel...if it had been pristine I would not have repainted it.

And thanks for all the compliments. I'm waiting for Tom A to make an M3 Rapidwinder with the air shock option 🙂