I Gave My Abandoned Audi A $50 Paint Job

In this video I set about bringing the paintwork on my abandoned Audi back to life. I bought myself a kit for around $50 dollars (£40) to help rectify the really dull paint and to paint the horrendous rust and gouges on the rear bumper.
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[@NotEconomicallyViable]

Lots of people saying I should have used some rust converter, which makes sense. But in previous videos people have told me painting over rust converter should be avoided. Thoughts?

[@markbos4]

Painting over surface rust just isn't gonna work. Sand it down to bare metal, or use rust converter. Rust converter works, just let it dry enough. Then primer it and spray paint over it, it worked for me. Enjoy the great, best sounding V6 diesel! Good luck with your channel.

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

I sanded it down to bare metal, just didn’t do the rust converter part. It’s gonna come back no matter what - it’s a 00’s Audi after all lol. Cheers mate

[@rkan2]

@@NotEconomicallyViable When painting on rust, you should at least use a rust primer. When sanding down to bare betal, you really want to have the surface as dry as possible with some heat source on the metal. (Or paint in a dry environment.)

[@pjmccracken]

For surface attack with wire wheel and/or flap disc on grinder, apply bilt hamber deox gel cover with cling film and leave for 12 - 24 hours, clean off the residue thoroughly and ensure surface is clean, then apply bilt hamber hydrate 80, allow to dry and apply second coat, once dry sand very lightly to remove brush strokes, apply several coats of 2k primer, wet sand, apply tack coat of base coat, then apply several more coats of base coat, wet sand lightly, apply several coats of quality clear, wet sand lightly, attack with cutting compound and finally finishing compound. A lot of work but you will end up with a very nice finish. Please find somewhere to do this work indoors you'll fight a losing battle trying to do it outdoors. Also forgot to say if rust has left heavy pitting you will need to use some fine filler before applying the primer or else it will look crap no matter what you do. The bilt hamber products are pricey but excellent. Never use POR15 anywhere on your car. It's crap as numerous people have discovered.

[@mattlawton4715]

@@markbos4 it dosnt convert it just seals it

[@anticlutch]

Well done, massive improvement. Just a comment regarding technique - putting dots of product onto the panel and running your machine over it creates a lot of slinging, which requires lots of unnecessary cleanup (e.g. windows, trim, nice classic cars next to you). It's cleaner and less wasteful of product to put 4-5 medium coin-sized dots onto the pad itself, smear that over the panel with the machine off, then with the pad making full contact with the panel, turning the machine on at low then gradually working your way up to your desired speed. Also a good idea to blow out the pads with compressed air 1-2 times per panel (if possible) and to never place pads/cloths on the ground as they pick up dirt and grime in an instant and will act as sandpaper if used on your paint afterwards.

[@GT380man]

+1 to all you said. You know much more than I do. One other thing to add, if you use soft cloths as final polishing off, for goodness sake, keep them in their own “good rag bag”. They otherwise pick up every bit of grit and muck from a workshop and then abrade your lovely finishes! I’m an old bike guy, so please don’t ask me how I know 😮

[@paulbillingham4594]

Amazing results. I saw a video of how to blend rattle can paint by folding a piece of paper in a big teardrop shape, so the wide bit becomes the edge you want to blend. It works. I have watched most of your videos and admire what you have done. I work on the same estate. Thanks for posting.

[@1965Karmann]

I'm doing some very similar fettling to my 2004 Audi A4 convertible. Picked it up cheap last year as someone else's unstarted project. "Less offensive" is a great description of the achievable finish without spending big money and it's all good. Keep up with your honest approach and expectations. You have another subscriber 👍

[@diydetail8916]

Congrats on your new job!

[@robc5955]

That’s incredible, great balance of input both financial and effort v outcome, love those shape a6 you now have a nice car.

[@danieleaton1399]

Glad to see you back really enjoyed the update and for a rattle can job that's good Claudia is really coming along 👏

[@MiracleMitch]

Nice detailing / repair video on a budget, after watching the expensive process on an 80s Rover 827i being prepared for sale on a classic car site. Subbies have tripled in a matter of weeks which is great. More people watching your entertaining projects which means the content is appealing. Keep it up and bring back the Merc as soon as you can 😏😁

[@johnlad1481]

What a difference she looks much better all you need now is a set of decent alloy wheels 👍

[@pierdmereu1300]

when you polish read the meguairs ultimate compund label. use on small areas , clean and move on. never put polish products on an entire door/hood like that and work for 20min and let the polish product to just sit and wait for you. put on the disc, work clean and repet. take your time on smal areas you will get better results. red the products label specs. but congrats on the work. and after ultimate compund you need to start over with ultimate polish and after use a wax to protect the polish

[@Lot76CARS]

Given the cost, that’s a brilliant result.. what a turnaround from that barely running wreck with lightweight front wings😂 well done Nico!

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

Cheers bud 🙌🏻

[@mattlawton4715]

@@NotEconomicallyViable that blemish is a hole behind the trim you see one on each side I would pull that bit of trim sort it out before it gets bigger.

[@markmarot9026]

Grate job! Looks, as you said, quite repectable. I have one the same colour, just different interior. I really enjoy driving a 20 year old car in good condition. Actually its a way better feeling than driving something expensive. I did get compliments about the car too. Love it

[@itsmephil2255]

I totally needed a N.E.V. video today And so glad this 1 came out Awesome job Nino, considering the conditions you were working with

[@paultaylor9652]

Lovely Jubbly, a big 👍from me matey and its coming along nicely.

[@gleng6812]

Cracking Result! Given how good it's come out might be nice content to rattle can those wheels dark Silver.

[@simonwebster6855]

Well done always enjoy your content

[@mattsperber9009]

Where have you been? I've been looking forward to more of your videos, I've watched all of them already. Are you done with the videos?

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

I haven’t gone anywhere bud. Just very difficult to get videos out right now because I’m an evening and weekend warrior as I do this around my full-time job. But it’s dark at 4pm and the weekends have been terrible weather.

[@paulking5665]

@@NotEconomicallyViable I think it's time to give up that day job and concentrate on old, rusty bangers! 😅

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

Haha that’s the plan at some point 😉

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

Hi Matt, was is you that very generously sent me $50 via PayPal yesterday??

[@danielsellers8538]

Well done Nino for your first attempt why didn’t you use rust restorer and clean area with alcohol wipes,,

[@beansandsausages]

Cool video man, and an astonishing result for the cost, well done !

[@PandzaMan]

Loving this channel! Just what the average Joe who owns a car is looking for. I’m waiting for you now to fix up the wheels and polish the rear light clusters, and treat some of the faded plastics… job done, brilliant 😉 👍

[@DavidLangfield]

Well done mate. Looks a load better now. Keep up the good work. Cheers for now.

[@martinnicholls1871]

Another great video Mate, You might make your money back on this one !!! 😂😂

[@philmoore71]

i do like your series... & yes i was wondering where you were.... tks

[@LibertineScene]

Make a hoodie please (I'll buy one!) Keep up the good work :)

[@andyday3571]

Oxidation is a chemical process that causes vehicle paint to break down over time from exposure to heat and oxygen. It is essentially a form of corrosion in which paint loses its oil content, and as a result, dries out. This process is gradual, but the effects can be severe. As paint oxidizes, it becomes duller.5 Nov 2020

[@menorthedge]

Clean the wheel too that make it stand out

[@kevinjackson7340]

brush some rust eater on the scabby bits on arches until you`re ready to tackle them.

[@simonlyons295]

Thanks

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

Thank you so much, Simon 👍👍

[@begachka]

In real terms it's worth more than £500. Audis become interesting once they're older and the masses have lost interest and are busy with the recent models. Even looking at the prices of old Skoda Octavias, now this has been serviced, it's probably as good or better. It might not fetch a lot but being an estate and fairly economical it could easily be somebody's workhorse (or yours) for years to come.

[@igormac88]

how audi managed to make alloys that look like wheel covers? LOL

[@ncninety]

Doing it at work! Last time the wife had to bail you out on the paint!

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

😂😅

[@jasonhobbs5611]

Well done mate, you should of used a clay bar on the car before polishing it would of made a difference for sure. But still 💯 better looking no more 🤮🤣

[@tonivai1]

Did you solve w124 ce stalling issue?

[@In_memory_of_Dad]

So i guess you forget you weren't allowed to show your customer cars??? 😂

[@NorthernWheels]

saying hes not allowed to show the cars, proceeds to show the cars later...

[@francishagen8508]

What happened to the Mercedes?

[@jouleskelvin]

Have a brewski on me.

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

Thank you so much, Joules 🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@arts6535]

I was waiting for your video impatiently .l binge watched all your videos from the very first one . Paint in audi it's perfect 👌 for a novice . Anyway it will be covered in mud and dirt and no-one will tell the difference... Try T-Cut in that window . Any news on the merc ? 5 stars ⭐ for you. Well done .

[@munirtchaitchian5280]

Make sure you blow out the pad with compressed air between passes.

[@dzsemadhs1816]

Those type and age of car it should be build from Aluminium

[@CleanCarsCulture]

Great video Nino! Paint came out amazing considering 😁 Those waterfall blemishes formed after rain ran down rust that has formed under the chrome trim, and they will come back unless the rust is repaired.

[@davidorama6690]

I don’t know what I think this but i thought you were a teacher?

[@CastroS14]

Hey I just want to say CONGRATULATIONS on the job , hope it goes well . Nice one on the bumper, I had faith in you , to get that done . Keep the good content going bud .

[@josephjohnstone7667]

Bloody hell! The difference between the polished side of the bonnet and the non polished is incredible! Congratulations on getting the engine sorted! 🎉

[@yhshah21]

Mate that was so good you was better of doing the whole bumper 😂😅

[@mcplindgren]

Cracking job on the paintwork there! Just goes to show with a few quid and a 'I can do it' attitude, you can transform anything 🙂 keep them coming 👍🏻

[@martinburbridge7545]

Looking at this video I'm going to treat myself to a machine polisher for a Christmas present to myself to then machine polish my 20 year old car as you have some good results 😉

[@waynelittle5583]

Really should be proud of that great job nothing better than driving something that's not economically viable I drive a w reg vauxhall astra mk4 estate 1.6 8v hydrolic lifters tick more than a clock but there getting done after Xmas the last owner didn't clean it for 7 years roof has black dots inground in the paint work the bonnet has deep scratches going through to bare metal front bumper is broken just replaced both headlights I'm going to get her looking great again because I love that ol' girl 👊

[@ferithedataguy]

What a transformation! Well done!

[@GT380man]

In a while, if the company has any sense, they’ll invite you to do non critical work around the workshop and eventually on lower skilled basic prep work, which you’d learn from & I have a hunch, you’d enjoy hugely. I think you’ve got decent basic technique for a recent starter who’s pretty much self taught. Most of us have been mucking around with various vehicles for decades. I’m coming up on fifty years. I’m still not brilliant at anything except machine & hand polishing metals and I’m a devil for detail. So I fix old lock sets and bike instruments. I can’t paint & I can just about rebuild motors, but none of the engineering. Fettle carburettors & old ignition systems, respoke wheels and replace bearings. Engineering, welding, pro painting, seats, there are so many brilliant pro/am fellas especially in the Midlands, they are so much better than I’ll ever be. Owning & fettling old motorcycles and cars is a joy (& a pain, wouldn’t be without the bikes, tools and basic workshop). Good luck to you, sir!

[@lauraiss1027]

I've done this like 8 times. The problem will be clear coating/lacquer. It looks like shop painted, then if clear is enough it will end up shiny, then after ~2-3 years clear will crack and at the end it will look like shit. I promise you that. Tried different clears, on my audi A4, on my VW Vento, on my Corolla, every time same shit. Clear coating in cans is rubbish, they all end up cracking in 3 years. Tried polishing, tried thinning with acetone, tried many different brands. It never works, not a single time. Initial result is excellent, give it 2-3 years and it shittens up. I am not sure if I ever do this again, I'd apply clear coat at all.

[@Danny1282]

Looking great 👍 try and get hub nut to take it for a spin

[@GeorgeEI7KO]

Nice work nino. She looks respectable now.

[@jouleskelvin]

Nice job! Keep it alive. Audi paint is pretty resilient. Your efforts show. 👍

[@martinpettitt7847]

Nice work car looks great 👍

[@simonbailey2151]

Holy moly, that back bumper came up nicely. Top work fella.

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

Cheers bud

[@motorwolfe]

very nice results for a quick & dirty touch-up and paint rescue. that longroof is looking sharp!

[@ryanharriss7950]

It should be called Bob, the builder's car. Identifying as a woman.

[@patrykzmuda674]

First of all spray can dosent have a lot of hardender most of the time it is like a rubber this is why it is dog shit second of all u should had use sand paper on primer so u dont have wack/orange peel that is what i got taught by doing it with a painter troughe the few cars that i owned it is probably looking way off but hey it is cheap car do your experiments have fun enjoy it!

[@longclaw5711]

that so funny when you said that you cant show any of the cars in the garage and you just showed all of it lol

[@peterdashper2251]

Is it your work place the same place as Hub nut visited?

[@davidorama6690]

Thanks! Love your enthusiasm!

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

David, thanks so much for your support

[@terrywilkins5266]

Absolutely love your channel. You certainly make me chuckle when you don't know what something is and call it a "thingy" and all the time I'm shouting it's a whatever lol. Can't wait for your continuing work on the Mercedes.

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

😁

[@ronmeyler4148]

Just a small token of appreciation. My 2002 Audi A6 3.0l petrol avant quattro 1 of only 19 still on the road in the uk has been in my ownership for 12 years is still a constant expense. But I wouldn’t sell it because it is isn’t ECONOMICALLY VIABLE. Have a drink on me 👍.

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

That’s incredibly generous of you! That’s a really rare car you’ve got there. Glad you’re keeping her going 👏🏻👏🏻

[@rastaboy6626]

amazing video as always

[@menorthedge]

£360 Rd Tax wow

[@davec1942]

I've just subscribed and going through your videos, great work. Just wondering why this video and the hour long finale on this car are not in the audi playlist on your page, in fact they don't appear at all under any heading, this just happened to pop up on my feed....might want to check it out your end. Keep it up, cheers.

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

Thanks for letting me know - I’ve just fixed that 👍🏻

[@JohnnyGetsCash]

Good work. Who doesn't love a quick rattle can freshen up?!

[@jasonhobbs5611]

I need 1 some of your merchandise do you do hoodies I'd buy a hoodie because all my cars are uneconomical to repair lol but I love them 🤣

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

Hahaha I feel your pain! Hoodies here: my-store-cc81dd-2.creator-spring.com/listing/not-economically-viable-hoodie

[@Parknest]

That is a massive improvement. It just goes to show that this stuff is DIY-able. There has been some helpful advice elsewhere in the comments but you can tackle those things at your leisure. My own bodywork skills are at the same level so you're not the only one who is challenged in these areas.

[@johnmorrison9072]

Where is the panel prep to get all the grease and gunk off, so the paint will stick I do enjoy your videos keep it up buddy

[@inkmebaby703]

Finally new video 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@GT380man]

I love your content but more than that, your directness and modesty. When you get a result, it’s fun to see your delight.

[@paulconner9354]

Nice job mate. I would say those blemish runs on the rear quarters are definitely rust residue coming from under the silver trim so have a look under there for corrosion before its too late. There’s always something about breathing life back to old cars even if they are not considered worth it by most people. I like Audis especially around the 90s, 00s era. I have a 2007 RS4 convertible which has cost me a fortune in replacement parts but as it’s the last manual V8 Audi produced I’m somewhat inclined to keep Hold of it as it’s a great well built car.

[@johnmorrison9072]

I hope you users clay bar before polishing but what a result

[@Brigitte.286]

I no u dumb it down but what u do takes a lot of intelligence, l love ur can do attitude & enjoyment at making more work for yourself. U really r a gifted jack of all trades. An ease & pleasure to watch, l binged whole audi. Love totally finished pic

[@jamesmorton-m6tzo396]

I have a MK4 Golf GTI and its also a 52 plate, and its a suffering from all the same exterior issues, waterfall corrosion and rotting wheel arches.....VAG cars for you i guess...i also HATE body work stuff so i am going to be doing that last

[@CMcGuckin]

Amazing work Nico. Have been waiting to see the Audi spring back to life and glad the bushings cause any issues on the suspension. I've painted a few bits before but always make a mess. I've learned a few things today thanks to you.

[@isaacallen7102]

Your videos help keep me motivated in trying to learn and rebuild my vw’s💯

[@acelectricalsecurity]

At least it parks like a modern Audi, parked as if it's been nicked and dumped 😂😂

[@allseeingeye1]

Thanks 4 showing us the other cars in the garage

[@lukaweixler]

I was so happy when i seen an Audi notification from you😮

[@craigfoulds3766]

Thanks

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

Craig, appreciate that so much 🙏🏻

[@kanjoracer4914]

Enjoying the series on the A6

[@ALINUED]

Bro adding vids once in a year 😂

[@Ja5onB0urn3]

Welcome back bud. 👍

[@dreammaker730]

Brilliant job.

[@andyedwards8117]

I was starting to get a bit worried about you...no video for a while. What's the story with the Merc? How about making your own wiring harness? By the way, I used to work in the paint shop at Lotus 30 years ago and what I saw you doing with paint made me squirm...too cold, too windy but it turned out OK. Pure luck I guess. Love the channel and your addictive enthusiasm.

[@SamTheSum]

The lack of ough:)

[@HarryLunney]

Can you please send me links to this kit you bought yourself? Love your content and I'm looking forward to seeing how you get on with the Audi RS.

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

Harry, so sorry, I didn't get the notification and I've only just seen your message. The paint kit was from eBay: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/175212389115?var=474415432886 Can't find the links for the other items, I'm afraid

[@shire_boy1]

Well in bud, we all gotta learn somewhere cars looking brilliant... You should refurbish the wheels next can even do the old card trick and stick them between the wheel rim and tyre 👍

[@andrewnewton5893]

Easily added value just by tidying it up and giving a polish

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

Also just less embarrassing to drive around in lol

[@miguelf7717]

You should wear a mask at least like the ones from the pandemic.

[@unmountablebootvolume]

@@ShainAndrews so your lungs won't end up the same color as your car.

[@miguelf7717]

@@ShainAndrews For the paint particles.

[@Pittigpiertje]

could have used a filler spray as first layer of primer to cover the gouches

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

Didn’t even know that existed until reading this lol. Will bear in mind for the next time 👍🏻

[@Pittigpiertje]

@@NotEconomicallyViable we learn as we go! Your video is very motivating, time to put the rattle can to my '07 A6!

[@lexyk6574]

I despise cleaning cars, machine polishes whole estate car. Lovely work buddy.

[@strategicthinker8899]

Could've used some putty and mask better, I mean you have the masking paper already. Yeah, sand the rust, then wire wheel, put rust converter on, some zinc paint, some putty to lever it out and sand and THEN paint.

[@Notgerman702]

Great video, I would suggest you watching @ChrisFix’s tutorials while working on cars,as he is really good at it.