Opening the new shop come January 1st - Gonzo Hydrographics - We'll dip your Sh*t!!

[DrGonzo]

http://hydro.gonzoinc.com/GonzoInc_Hydro_Logo.png

I'm getting ready to open the doors to the new shop come January 1st. I have spent the last couple of months getting the shop wired in, new equipment bought/built/installed/etc. It has been a ton of work trying to get all of this done during my free time so that I could open the doors come the New Year. Some of you have seen all that I have been doing on Facebook so you know what I have accomplished. I have a nice setup now to start turning out parts. I hope to be able to take multiple orders and still be able to turn them around in about two weeks. Seeing as I do still work a full time job M-F this new set-up and equipment should allow me to knock these things out and still have some free time...LOL

I will start to take orders the first week of the new year. Keep an eye on the Facebook page for details and check our some of the new patterns I now have. I will be updating the patterns as new ones come in from my vendor. I'll also post each and every part I do on Facebook so that you can see everything that I do.

http://www.facebook.com/gonzohydrographics

Be sure to check out the photos of the past parts I have done and like the page to follow all the new stuff I am working on.

I have updated the website with the new patterns and I finally got the contact form working "As it has been broken for about a year now :p " I plan to add a FAQ section to the website as I know alot of people have the same questions regarding the paint, durability, etc. So I'll be consolidating them all and adding them to the FAQ in the future.

http://hydro.gonzoinc.com/

Let me know if you have any questions.

[green-lantern]

Congrats Greg! I hope it goes great. I'm trying to think what I want dipped lol

[dbest671]

Heading your way... would like carbon fiber poopsenders - the ULTIMATE gag gift - SWEET revenge at its finest (http://www.poopsenders.com/)

[DrGonzo]

I knew I was going to get shit for the title....LMAO!!!

[Boomer3000]

Just in time for the red car! Can't wait!!!

[green-lantern]

Heading your way... would like carbon fiber poopsenders - the ULTIMATE gag gift - SWEET revenge at its finest (http://www.poopsenders.com/)

:lol:

[DrGonzo]

Some photos of the parts that were dipped this last weekend testing everything out. None of these parts have been cleared yet. These are directly from the dip tank and washed.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/t31.0-8/p600x600/1412554_740157662743038_8863331575995301125_o.jpg

https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/t31.0-8/p600x600/10854422_740157669409704_8404955352131711570_o.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/t31.0-8/p600x600/10861023_740157672743037_8509419953761499956_o.jpg

I'm working on a wood grain valve cover right now. I'm waiting on more film to show up so I can finish it off. The wood grain I used the first time did not work so well. I think the film got exposed to too much humidity as it had serious issue adhering to the valve cover when I tried to dip it.....:(

[Boomer3000]

What's the biggest part you can do?

[DrGonzo]

I can do parts up to like 28" x 20". So pretty much my tank is set to do smaller things like plenums, valve covers and plastics. Largest part I have done in my tank so far is a 3S plenum as you need the extra space to float the film in order for it to wrap around the part when it's dipped.

I never intend to get into big stuff like wheels and dashes as it gets complicated and very expensive at that point. Not only just to do the part, but shipping and prep. Plus the cost of a tank that size gets into the $7-10k range...O.o

[Boomer3000]

Holy balls lol. Alright well guess I can just stick to smaller parts ;)

Deff will be sending parts you're way

[DrGonzo]

Yeah...LOL.

I built my own tank as there is not a tank supplier locally and shipping a tank would have been 1/4 of the price of the tank itself!

Plus I don't have the room for an 8' or 10' tank along with the cost of draining it and refilling it once or twice a week!

[CoopKill]

WOW you are getting good at getting the film to go on straight! God job man.

[DrGonzo]

Yeah, Practice makes perfect! :p

[J-Groove]

.... Yes, this is awesome!

-John

[DrGonzo]

I got some fun stuff in the mail today. Small order of some of the new films to play with.....:p

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/1654269_741309222627882_3743091520241306904_n.jpg? oh=a9d29a0a55730598ed5b0966b52f21c0&oe=55106EDB&__gda__=1430586514_8c8e880094a514ff5a3c5c3aa86dba4 0\

Included is the new Circuit Board pattern..:D

https://scontent-a-mia.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/p720x720/10849852_741309645961173_7141281368612974927_n.jpg ?oh=69f08dc769eee7504de49d60944533cf&oe=5544A0D2

[R/T93]

What kind of blacks can you get. Any with pearl in it? Thinking about doing my intake pipes and manifold and valve cover in a pearl white.

[DrGonzo]

All of the films are just colored inks. No pearls, metallic, etc. Those effects are done with the base coat and clear coat used so assuming you mean what black patterns I can get?

Patterns are listed here: Gonzo Hydrographics Patterns (http://hydro.gonzoinc.com/patterns.php)

I still have a bunch to add to the site just trying to find time to get them all updated. You should be able to tell which are black ink and which are not but just let me know if you have any questions on one.

An N/A intake pipe I could probably do no problem, TT pipes probably not... A lot of those pipes have various bends and such so trying to get a full dip on a multiple curve pipe is a nightmare!!

[Toni]

Ohhhh I like that circuit print!!!

[DrGonzo]

I had a feeling you would appreciate that pattern Toni!! ;)

[DrGonzo]

This weekend I'll be working on a set of timing belt covers in the circuit print and sticker bomb graphics....:p

[Toni]

Would love to see how it looks. Tough to get an idea of scale from the image.

How well does this work on dome shapes? Does everything get distorted?

[DrGonzo]

Well I didn't get to dip the timing belt covers in the circuit board like I had planned on. Covers must have had silicone on them at one point so the paint had issues. So I need to strip and re-prep them appropriately. but I did get a plug covered dipped....:)

https://scontent-b-mia.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/q86/s720x720/10500311_743380202420784_8188720564249123224_n.jpg ?oh=5d8054eac255618ce35b16ee068ea611&oe=55022634

I also got to test out the rest of the patterns that I got in:

Honda valve cover done in Sticker Bomb
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/s720x720/11715_743364795755658_1312346677955056309_n.jpg?oh =7a391759def6056bc6e8d6a8075bc3ec&oe=54FD9307&__gda__=1426771453_808bf200e2ae76ccba41eb5a4280f7e a

Welding helmet in Red Boa
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/s720x720/10524318_743392599086211_2476631088299261906_n.jpg ?oh=e47e35cb3363c2fd27393cd2334fc436&oe=550C708A&__gda__=1425996652_0c921e6572ccf72ef2db0ba26d8f568 b

Stealth Valve cover done in light wood grain
https://scontent-b-mia.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/s720x720/10421406_743388119086659_8662343848846632182_n.jpg ?oh=9f17ad208bf3de731b02e479bb418cf3&oe=553FEE79

I'm not sure on the wood grain. It has some issues that I think are due to the film. It has spotty voids in it almost like air bubbles or something. So I'm going to contact my film vendor and see what they say about it.

[VANCE]

I will definitely be sending you my stuff. interested to see a fix version of the wood grain, too many people have carbon accents Im thinking it would look cool to have a red car super low woodgrain calipers pop the hood and wood grain plenum valve covers and timing covers. what do you think?

[j2k4]

Pretty wild, Greg. :)

I see your caliper pics; what sort of heat resistance has this stuff got?

[DrGonzo]

I use a high temp paint for all engine and brake components. The paint is rated up to 550 degrees. My calipers have been dipped or over a year now and no issues beyond the normal wear of hitting them when taking wheels on/off.

I may not be doing calipers for a couple reasons. First they would require a rebuild as I have to strip them down to nothing and I don't want to get into that.

Second, due to the shape they have pockets in them that hold air when being dipped which creates voids in the patterns. The back side of the calipers has legs that connect the two pieces together. In order to get a good dip on the front of the caliper, the pattern stretches really bad on those legs and I hate the way it comes out. I have been trying to figure out a method of dipping them all the way but have had no luck so far. Even the ones I have on my car have the pattern stretch on those leg pieces. Even though you don't see it unless the wheel is off, I still don't like it.

[j2k4]

Ah - understood.

[j2k4]

Y'know, I can't believe I'm gonna be the first to suggest - per your thread title - you call your new venture 'DIPSHIT'. :p

[jba3]

Very cool! Congrats on the new business, if I get my car running and tuned this is definitely something I'd look into. I'm thinking fuse box covers, etc.

[Boomer3000]

Love the Ninja performance cover..... Was wondering, would it be possible to get black and white digital camo?

[DrGonzo]

My patterns are listed here: http://hydro.gonzoinc.com/patterns.php

There are a couple options for the black/white camo. I have some more patterns to upload but I think that is all of the camo.

[DrGonzo]

I just got this bad boy cleared and it looks soo good I'm afraid to use it...LOL

https://scontent-a-atl.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/p526x296/10378093_745532195538918_1960781105730153868_n.jpg ?oh=cc7a35f2bfb5c0c8633b2a518735e122&oe=5506DF94

I also got one of Stealthlabels calipers done. One more to go.

https://scontent-a-atl.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/s720x720/10857944_10153363168189186_1380131794205809634_n.j pg?oh=a9effc574e2336a5c287ba72d561e95d&oe=5542B3C1

Attached is a pic of the issue I run into with the brake calipers. The legs used to attach the two pieces always end up getting pattern stretch on them. I have tried so many different ways and this is the best the come out as. It is just due to the shape of them and is one of the reasons I want to steer away from doing calipers, plus I don;t want to have to deal with rebuilding them all since I have to strip them all the way down first in order to dip them.

7531

[DrGonzo]

I got the final cut/polish done on some parts today. I got the Welding mask all re-assembled and the door trim pieces intalled. Working on the next round of parts to dip this weekend.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/q84/s720x720/10858354_746033318822139_2836851877321011670_n.jpg ?oh=6b0e30109b7bc3b0eaad9fd0805ea874&oe=550C8EC3&__gda__=1429705042_ad2fe9aa80f670a240ee1440a417a8d 3

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https://scontent-b-atl.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/q85/s720x720/10801771_746033248822146_7437810735874808982_n.jpg ?oh=fdc63babc145ec43ad5c5ac321ac97d2&oe=55074DEC

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/r180/s720x720/1507850_746033245488813_5182156943620630300_n.jpg? oh=bafb7a1cf22b0bdfdb849611afeeffd7&oe=55398BBA&__gda__=1426002219_d26bd57df94b64328cc20ee2599ded2 d

[familyMAN]

Amazing work!

[DrGonzo]

So towards the end of the week I'll be doing powder coating also. I just got my over rewired and all situated. Was having issues with the light and temp control which ended up being a loose connection....

I'll mainly be doing smaller stuff, Largest part I can do is a valve cover or intake plenum. I'm mainly wanting to stick with small parts like brackets and stuff as I can turn and burn them really fast to keep costs down for everyone. I got a semi-local supplier so I can get custom colors in a day or so. I'll be working on getting some sample parts done this weekend and will post up results.

[Boomer3000]

Will you do AR-15 parts for dipping?

[DrGonzo]

Not going to mess with gun parts as there are federal restrictions against changing a guns appearance and only licensed dealers are allowed to do that per ATF ruling 2009-1 of the Gun Control
Act. An individual can do it all they want, but a business must be licensed.

[Boomer3000]

Well shit

[DrGonzo]

So here is the fun stuff I got to work on today. Mirror black powder coating.... Stuff is Awesome!!

Cooking up some fun!!
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/s720x720/10350997_750176371741167_8753056789067326198_n.jpg ?oh=4e19236e11e5d20d53ca5d9165a4cee1&oe=5542A7AC&__gda__=1426171210_8d46c855d27027be297e88694b4c740 e

Fresh from the oven!
https://scontent-a-mia.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/s720x720/10885269_750176345074503_1697827340953741255_n.jpg ?oh=3cd2a112456d5741f96d71ecf793e012&oe=55475250

Some of the parts I got done today...
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/q81/s720x720/10888743_750176375074500_4871258268216526704_n.jpg ?oh=0b79d610b161d3caa1c2e88a4a11e554&oe=55428544&__gda__=1430093013_26cc995e592016f64304cdd6139e0dc a

[DrGonzo]

I didn't get a lot of work done today. Had to install a new kitchen faucet, new dishwasher, got my extension cord reel mounted in the shop and prepping to get my Rapid Air system in the garage installed. I'll be firing up the Hydro tank tomorrow to finish off the last couple of things I have here that need to be done. So I only had time to finish up the alternator and coat a lower intake plenum.

This alternator was something I had sitting around for a couple years as a spare. I got new bushings and rectifier from Rock Auto some time ago on clearance and found out now they are the wrong damn ones!! So I just put it back togetehr with what I had. It worked last I checked so no reason it shouldn't still work...

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/s720x720/10898067_10153388974974186_1659281587106801629_n.j pg?oh=985a3bae8c104242f1e2da3466b144e8&oe=552DDA7E&__gda__=1429992833_d453232d33dbddac83eb31512a0e8bb 9
https://scontent-b-mia.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/q83/s720x720/10891573_10153388975029186_6135392369625665225_n.j pg?oh=decb7d6696994ec834dcf95140d6515d&oe=5539CF68

I coated the nuts and bolts also for a nice clean look
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/q89/s720x720/10454464_10153388975044186_532938354405888788_n.jp g?oh=4bdd6c50a4f6a011fccebb30b8592d7e&oe=553E08D5&__gda__=1426246170_41a93b0556b51524f2ed5d891aa2adc c

All back together and look bad ass!!
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/q86/s720x720/10396293_10153388975264186_2979356162432249107_n.j pg?oh=9f48496b63855ca4d80f59830bfe3d17&oe=54FF0801&__gda__=1429762306_67f7f2bb577a3daff051c336a517c36 f

https://scontent-a-mia.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/q85/s720x720/10388655_10153388975374186_7736400569476400675_n.j pg?oh=c8a4d1fc3352aa5f96f43837902098b6&oe=54FCE777

I didn't coat the pulley as I want to replace it with a stock sized aluminum one sometime down the road.

Here is the lower plenum right out of the oven
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/q83/s720x720/10410992_10153388975409186_3014203065615544998_n.j pg?oh=1eca6ede14aaf016bb33e39138477e66&oe=552BD6D5&__gda__=1425797207_6b0c101da2213c1b6b0f187d724c86d 9

There are a few minor spots on the underside that I couldn't get to coat as the crevices was too deep "Faraday effect" and the coat was getting too thick to continue trying anymore than I did. I almost though it was going to run on me in the oven but the powder held and no runs that I can see. All in all I'm very happy with it. :)

[Granny]

I can't wait until I can get you to do some parts for me!
I just love the breaks!
But first things first...I have to have a running car..LOL

[DrGonzo]

I got my new banner in the mail the other day....:p

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/q90/s720x720/10924628_760777067347764_8337615788768614907_n.jpg ?oh=c7edce94c7f321f9708f1195b5bd293d&oe=55338B66&__gda__=1429900144_ec320345623e2dfdf9fdd8cc2c99dec 6

Working on some more parts tomorrow. Some powder coating and clear coat polishing for some hydro dipped parts.

I spent most of tonight boxing up parts and printing shipping labels, invoices, etc. Time for a beer and a movie...LOL

[DrGonzo]

Just a teaser pic of a project I have been working on. I got a set of cheap RT tails from the junk yard and decided to see how they looked with the large area of the lens carbon fiber. I didn't want it to be too obvious so I added in an inner tinted coat before the clear coat. This blackened out the lens and the CF pattern really well.

I only have the one side done as the other side I had an accident with a rather large thumb print on the pattern when I was rinsing it off after dipping...LMAO So once I get enough parts to dip and fire the tank back up I'll get the other side knocked out.

https://scontent-b-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/s720x720/10885262_762338000525004_1962122666336965051_n.jpg ?oh=a6bc53e252d1e562296341cbde9cc6ae&oe=55399170

I have some more parts to show off here soon. I need to finish some clear coating and cut/polish before I post pics of them...:p

[Boomer3000]

Interested to see this with the Led mod...

[DrGonzo]

So here is some of the fun stuff I was working on today...

Timing belt covers and plug cover dipped in Fang Skull pattern
http://scontent-a-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/s720x720/1510483_10153476402334186_8114442031781671342_n.jp g?oh=2a3a2a7784e60353d93bb91cf46324ee&oe=5561B15B

Blue Burning skulls pattern
http://scontent-a-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/q81/r270/s720x720/10407092_10153476401974186_7523360467618811364_n.j pg?oh=0c37754dfd3432f5098a3d20b45cc917&oe=555E1DDE

Getting ready to dip a plug cover
http://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/q82/r270/s720x720/10403385_10153476402009186_5816340865235375918_n.j pg?oh=8012d91335c7bcc58036cf88d2287b01&oe=556CCA90&__gda__=1428806051_55b31466a408257d6ef34f4ca067053 1

Fang skull parts next to the burning blue skulls. I really love how vibrant the blue is considering the part was base coated white. This films ink really comes out well.
http://scontent-b-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/r180/s720x720/10290194_10153476402329186_5375022623604669182_n.j pg?oh=11d7efe9c2424d8a22d66e36e87c6d61&oe=556CD774

Taping up an intake manifold. Manifold only gets the top portion dipped as the pattern will not wrap all the way around. So I tape off the sides and back at the cast line for a nice clean edge.
http://scontent-b-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/q82/s720x720/10433108_10153476402224186_4609517679943192065_n.j pg?oh=cb1f4e08395b952cc978901034453e9b&oe=55306FB3

And after the dip, Sorry for the bad photo....
http://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/q81/s720x720/10383586_10153476402344186_7703893032287371497_n.j pg?oh=ee346356c0359b4442e42e8ce5c1b7b9&oe=552CA3B0&__gda__=1429330998_ea002d832ac5caced756d27c4f28d91 c

Last part being dipped for the day. then time to drain, flush and scrub the tank. :p
http://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/q84/s720x720/1484415_10153476402049186_1309145227312270895_n.jp g?oh=d669b5f30b54b53df52ce98f463d4fe8&oe=552163FB&__gda__=1429323883_81684ebc48c21ba9da1239c8c5a7944 4

I think I may try doing the fang skull and burning blue with a silver base coat next time to see what kind of effect I can get with it.

I also got the other carbon fiber R/T brake light re-dipped. So I'll get that one finished up this week along with the rest of these parts.

[DrGonzo]

Not every part I dip comes out perfect, but I do have tricks up my sleeve to make sure what you get is perfect...:p

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10418972_766525950106209_6261210787189390780_n.png ?oh=d86e37fca63dd1e910eabcbff5202399&oe=5565878A&__gda__=1433038339_a75d670943dc78d89c631606be19eba 2

[DrGonzo]

So here is an update on a customers intake manifold dipped in the black carbon fiber. Clear coat is sprayed, next comes the heat treatment. I like to heat treat parts painted in the ceramic paints as it hardens the paint and helps set the cure to make it better chemical resistant than standard paint. The full cure happens when the part is installed and the regular engine heating/cooling will fully cure it.

The lettering is already back-filled so I just need to sand down the raised parts.

https://scontent-a-mia.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/p180x540/10373803_766633756762095_7093006146863027351_n.jpg ?oh=e76cfc4b7a68f9938c19e38b0ff63ba5&oe=5528D88D

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/p180x540/10885030_766633760095428_8946961468445010525_n.jpg ?oh=a6b7d748c226ff4c3e29b24f407c782e&oe=555C10FB&__gda__=1432802118_f6cb321ae2c2cc6dc58e1d7d4e0b0e2 8

[DrGonzo]

I got the plenum cured and the lettering sanded down tonight. I'm surprised I was able to as I was home sick due to a sore throat and during the day I pulled a muscle in my back picking up clothes off the floor, which really sucked sine I had been coughing all day..... Heating pad and Advil seemed to help enough I could get out to the shop to work a little. Now all I have left on this piece is cut and polish then ship it back to the customer.

http://scontent-a-mia.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/q81/s720x720/10947321_767079726717498_8114020736547338613_n.jpg ?oh=7c9dac91e075d0759fcee33c086dc9fe&oe=5523F9A0
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[green-lantern]

That looks really good!

[Z16A]

Sent in my 2g VR4 calipers. I asked for red calipers and black mitsubishi lettering, cant wait to see the finish product!

[DrGonzo]

I think you may have mis-understood the message about doing multiple colors:


I won't be able to do a two-tone powder coating. when the powder is baked in the oven the powder turns to liquid and flows, so if the body is red and the lettering is black, the black will run down and mix with the red and it will not look good. Something like that I would coat the body in red and the lettering would need to be hand painted not powder coated. Usually what we do is coat the body and sand the lettering down so they look like this:

http://jns.jimnshar.com/0e580a90.jpg

I don't do the hand painting of the lettering. I only sand down the lettering as show in the pic from the message quoted above.

[Z16A]

I did get it, just thought that you would be doing the black lettering by hand aswell! So I have to paint the black lettering, what paint do you recommend?

[DrGonzo]

For the lettering I would just get one of those brake caliper paint kits they sell at like Autozone and paint the lettering on. You have to sue a high temp paint and that is the only thing I can think of that is readily available.

[DrGonzo]

Here are some of the parts I got finished up this weekend. Most will be for sale here soon

So whenever I get a new pattern in I need to test it out to see how the film reacts. I do couple tests with just the film and then I do a test dip with these special shapes. here is a small collection of the patterns I have done. I'm getting ready to clear coat them all to be used at shows and such.

https://scontent-a-atl.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/r270/p180x540/10959533_773907666034704_7908542177079335088_n.jpg ?oh=4dba6f1f8a92a3affddb1a36126254e5&oe=555EB53D


Blue flame skulls set - I really love the bright colors on this pattern. Would look great on a white car.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/r270/p180x540/604152_773907599368044_3901144192554878968_n.jpg?o h=bf288820558c7a300484d926df8d7dc4&oe=55599881&__gda__=1433000457_178a5a03d2d8b10fc72d3aca1936a86 e


Fang skulls set - I think this is my favorite right now and I will most likely be doing a set in this pattern for myself.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/r270/p180x540/10955720_773907679368036_4244863045857488746_n.jpg ?oh=eea89667c9a1143bbb0089e6c51d199d&oe=55676054&__gda__=1433130651_151cc4e7270f824affa02a6449565c2 a


Red Boa set - So I realized on this one I have too many parts sitting around. i ended up dipping two front covers instead of a timing belt set...LOL So I have to do a set of rears next time I fire up the tank...:p
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/r270/p180x540/10451908_773907672701370_7354244632599252379_n.jpg ?oh=81a7ec0ebf1fa2ec6005a7c5ba890d26&oe=554B26BE&__gda__=1433125233_af9103cc0c5d83c129a6de5f743eca2 d

This is the other R/T tail light that I had to re-dip. I used a new clear coat on this along with all of the above parts and this stuff is amazing. I don't even have to cut/polish this clear. It is crystal clear and goes on very smooth. 15 min dust time and 1.5 hour touch dry with a 24 hour buff wait. it is a high VOC clear at 4.2 compared to my last 2.1 VOC and I wonder if that is what makes it so much better. Glad my shop is not in Cali as I could never use this stuff due to the high VOC...lol
https://scontent-b-atl.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/p180x540/10959531_773907589368045_3341345644833128307_n.jpg ?oh=ace1b7e2b37be6938deeeb0c3085a460&oe=555F6DEF

[DrGonzo]

Was a busy night. I had over 30 parts to clear coat and ran out of room on my drying rack. So I had to hang parts all over my parts rack to final cure...LOL Going to need to build a larger drying rack! :p

http://scontent-b-atl.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/s720x720/10991208_777759985649472_854943382745233411_n.jpg? oh=3cb7ab172def36a8e6df8a300a6d370d&oe=554EA9E4

http://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/s720x720/10991309_777759988982805_2434254920676242443_n.jpg ?oh=463987154130982a8d827294c7dc589c&oe=558DDB42&__gda__=1432452772_4680162a51b468f28a66e5c462098e5 f

http://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/s720x720/10959378_777759968982807_3408422205111105524_n.jpg ?oh=582e812dba46a2047583804693524724&oe=554F1F4A&__gda__=1431262586_ab3e418d315d4752349e081ffa19f6b c

http://scontent-a-atl.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/s720x720/10991315_777760012316136_7364375604119689747_n.jpg ?oh=2deb11b6485569e27aeee1d4d479c07b&oe=55660185

[duke3k]

Those look like well done pieces , pretty busy you were - looks like you've got it figured out Greg.

So.... how much to carbon fiber pattern a TechWorks ECS case? Top and bottom. quote for qty 1 & qty 10.

[DrGonzo]

PMing you Duke, Sorry I missed your post...:(

Next round of parts in the works. These just came out of the blasting cabinet and are prepping for either powder cost or hydro dipping. Ice storm and cold is slowing things down a little but I'm pushing through it. My back is killing me from leaning over the blast cabinet for hours on end. I still have more to go in this run of parts!


https://scontent-atl.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/p180x540/10320496_782183815207089_9095479853506341208_n.jpg ?oh=862c9c0370c2bdcabcc609cd52dc29f4&oe=555AE508

[duke3k]

Gonzo,

No worries... I got your PM. The controller enclosures are ABS. Here's a link to manufacturer: Unibox Plastic Wall Mount Enclosures (http://www.uniboxinfo.com/wallmount.html)

Regarding the suggestion: "and you wanted to go withstanding that uses a whitish back ground cost is cheaper"... Yes that sounds fine...

Are the pattern costs the same regardless of which is used? The circuit pattern would be kinda appropriate. ;-)



7749

[DrGonzo]

Pricing is the same no matter what pattern you get. I'll work some numbers and shoot them over to you soon.

[CoopKill]

I'ma gonna leave this baddassery right here :suspect:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5wWPDPDKQQ

[CoopKill]

Oh, and Paisley FTW!

[DrGonzo]

Too bad my tank is not big enough to do wheels....:(

I really need to find out what natural pine pattern they are using. The one my vendor carriers is not good and I refuse to use it anymore.

[CoreyB]

Here are some of the parts I got finished up this weekend. Most will be for sale here soon

So whenever I get a new pattern in I need to test it out to see how the film reacts. I do couple tests with just the film and then I do a test dip with these special shapes. here is a small collection of the patterns I have done. I'm getting ready to clear coat them all to be used at shows and such.

https://scontent-a-atl.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/r270/p180x540/10959533_773907666034704_7908542177079335088_n.jpg ?oh=4dba6f1f8a92a3affddb1a36126254e5&oe=555EB53D


Blue flame skulls set - I really love the bright colors on this pattern. Would look great on a white car.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/r270/p180x540/604152_773907599368044_3901144192554878968_n.jpg?o h=bf288820558c7a300484d926df8d7dc4&oe=55599881&__gda__=1433000457_178a5a03d2d8b10fc72d3aca1936a86 e


Fang skulls set - I think this is my favorite right now and I will most likely be doing a set in this pattern for myself.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/r270/p180x540/10955720_773907679368036_4244863045857488746_n.jpg ?oh=eea89667c9a1143bbb0089e6c51d199d&oe=55676054&__gda__=1433130651_151cc4e7270f824affa02a6449565c2 a


Red Boa set - So I realized on this one I have too many parts sitting around. i ended up dipping two front covers instead of a timing belt set...LOL So I have to do a set of rears next time I fire up the tank...:p
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/r270/p180x540/10451908_773907672701370_7354244632599252379_n.jpg ?oh=81a7ec0ebf1fa2ec6005a7c5ba890d26&oe=554B26BE&__gda__=1433125233_af9103cc0c5d83c129a6de5f743eca2 d

This is the other R/T tail light that I had to re-dip. I used a new clear coat on this along with all of the above parts and this stuff is amazing. I don't even have to cut/polish this clear. It is crystal clear and goes on very smooth. 15 min dust time and 1.5 hour touch dry with a 24 hour buff wait. it is a high VOC clear at 4.2 compared to my last 2.1 VOC and I wonder if that is what makes it so much better. Glad my shop is not in Cali as I could never use this stuff due to the high VOC...lol
https://scontent-b-atl.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/p180x540/10959531_773907589368045_3341345644833128307_n.jpg ?oh=ace1b7e2b37be6938deeeb0c3085a460&oe=555F6DEF

Mind sharing with me what clear that is? Looks damn nice for not even being cut and polished. I have been using PPG, but I do entire cars. I am happy with the PPG (I get the mid grade stuff, they have a more expensive clear I havent used) always willing to try something else though.

[DrGonzo]

The new clear is from a company called Speedokote. it's the SMR-135

SMR-135 Speedo-Line High Production Clear 3/4 Gallon - Speedokote LLC (http://www.speedokote.com/smr-135-speedo-line-high-production-clear-3-4-gallon/)

They specialize in mobile refinishing products which is perfect for me as they have a fast cure rate to help keep contamination down. I have a custom built small paint booth here to do the parts that I do, but it would not work well for something like a high end clear like PPG or something as I would always get dust or crap in it due to the slower cure time. So far this is the best stuff I have found by far. Cost is also a big thing. If I went with a higher end clear my prices would jump up significantly so I needed something good, fast and cheap. This clear does not fall into the pick 2 category..LOL

As for how it would do painting an entire car, IDK. I only deal with smaller parts and such. Most of my parts will never go through the daily abuse that a cars exterior paint goes through, UV, Abrasion, Etc so I can't say how it will hold up but it is a 2K automotive clear.

The most extreme portion of what I do is heat tolerance for engine parts such as intakes and valve covers. Talking with some other professionals that do this type of work they stated any acrylic urethane automotive clear would work as they really only need to withstand temps up to like 275 or so degrees. Intakes and Valve covers should never reach that type of temp as at that point you would have most likely damaged some portion of the engine. now I'm not referring to water temp, but part temp. A valve cover mounted on an engine that gets to 275+ degrees means that the block would most likely have a core temp upwards of 325-350 degrees in order to transfer that type of heat through the heads into the valve cover. Again this is all in theory and I have cycled some parts with this clear through by oven to test it out and had no issues withstanding the 275 mark without pulling or flaking.

[CoopKill]

Yeah that is the best wood grain I have seen.

[DrGonzo]

So it's been a while since I have updated this thread, No I have not gone anywhere and yes the shop is doing great! I'm usually working 2-3 orders per week now which is just how I like it considering I am doing this in my free time after work and on weekends. I am able to pop in here sometimes throughout the day and have been meaning to update this thread but I get home, start working in the shop, at 9pm I stop, come in for dinner and a movie and go to bed...LOL

Powder coating service has really taken off. I think I do more brake calipers and rebuilds now than anything else...LOL I also started taking some international orders which is great to know the work has spread overseas also.. O.o

So I'm really stoked about everything and so glad for all the great members of the platform. I'll currently prepping for National Gathering as I am a sponsor and will have a booth set up with as much stuff as I can get done in time for the event to show off.

I also noticed that a bunch of the images in this thread has disappeared... IDK what the hell is up with Facebook and their images links. All the images are still available on the Hydro Facebook page and you can access them here along with seeing all of the other work I have done

https://www.facebook.com/gonzohydrographics/photos_stream

[green-lantern]

That blue tho!......

Looks fantastic Greg, Can you do fuse boxes? I think it might be cool to do a semi transparent on the fuse boxes so it's still possible to read them.

[DrGonzo]

For the fuse box, I have to tape off the lower portion where that seam is on the side in order to dip it. Tried may ways to get it to look right doing the whole thing and it never came out right as the side always end up stretching. So taping it off allow me to only have to worry about the top/side section. I just finished one and you can see it somewhat in this pic

http://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/p180x540/13270_815494218542715_1360727065005940180_n.jpg?oh =755c2b1515af67789af4280d6a524a77&oe=55E51B9E

Not really possible to do a semi transparent. Some patterns like this silver/black CF have only about a 5% transparent level in the film, the rest is all the pattern itself. On the A/C fuse box, I remove the sticker and put it inside the cover so you still have the reference. I can do it on some fuse boxes also, but some are stickers and some are silk screen printed. So I can only do it to the sticker ones. The painted ones I have to sand off to get it smooth for paint.

[Ray]

I was thinking of having this done to my window washer reservoir cap and brake fluid cap, of course "professionally" lol but this will give a good idea for you. Your BadBoyBlack CF looks to me to be the most "Realistic".

I have included pictures of one set that I found for C5 Corvettes that gave me the idea and also my own "invention" just heating some Faux CF on the cap.
Not bad looking but your process would give more glossy realism to the pieces.

Please comment on these ideas and if you have already done some,thanks, Ray


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