The baffle parts looked really nice with the Stewart Systems Ekopoxy primer in smoke grey. But, they have a very matte surface with some texture that seems like it would be hard to keep clean. I think they will get filthy with bugs and oil and grease and stuff, so I decided to paint them with a high-temp engine paint. I chose a white gloss paint. I got two rattle cans, one from Duplicolor, and the other Rustoleum. They were indistinguishable after drying on some test pieces, so I ended up using both cans to finish painting all of the baffles. It took three very light coats to get complete coverage and hide the grey primer. Next it’s time to start riveting the baffles together. I was planning to use the squeezer, but saw in some build logs that people often use the C-frame with a 12” long back-rivet set, for these types of rivets. That seems like a slick way to go. I don’t have a 12” back rivet set, unfortunately. Cleaveland sells them, but out of stock. So, scratching my head about that. Anyway, it’s time to go to Colombia for Martin’s wedding, so it will wait until May. Early May is also when the finishing kit is due to arrive.

Time spent: 3hr