Another Mopar Off My Bucket List - Barracuda Fastback
It's hard to give an exciting update on the wood. Progress is slow. Very slow. According to the instructions that came with the kit I should be working in an environment that is between 68' and 72'. My basement is a few degrees too cool. I'm not sure if that's the reason why my drying time is so slow or if I've applied the varnish heavier than I should have.
The minimum 8 hour lapse between coats is taking closer to twelve. I've already applied the first two coats and they've dried. My instructions call for sanding prior to the application of the third coat. I've had second thoughts about following these instructions. As much as I want the wood to look good I know that I'll be hauling stuff in the bed. A perfect glass smooth finish is likely to be short lived. After the second coat had dried the finish looked every bit as nice as what I'd hoped to have when I am finished.
If I forgo the sanding I should actually end up with a heavier coating which may be better for me. One of my other concerns is that if the finish is 100% perfect, I'll be afraid of putting any scuffs in it when I haul things. It sounds like I'm just being lazy but I really do doubt I'd want to haul stuff on top of a show finished bed.
Tonight I'll apply a third coat of varnish. I only sanded one of the planks. If the sanded one looks spectacularly better next to the six other boards I may resume the sanding between the rest of the coats on all the boards. If the difference seems minimal I won't.