Vintage Centuri IRIS Restoration
 

I posted this to inspire me to do it. This old IRIS needs more than a prayer, but I feel I can pull it off. The other one with Black Fins, I restored some years ago. I do not remember its condition then, but wasn’t as bad as olde Red Fin here.
So, I’ll sand, tape, fill, spray until I get it done. But it may take longer than the Redstone. Wish me luck .....

Danny-
You just built a K41 Mercury Redstone.
Restoring a 4FNC Iris is a joke compared to that.
No luck required.

Typo
 

Thanks for the vote of confidence. Does thus mean I shouldn’t do it because it’s a lesser degree of challenge ? Perhaps it’s simply about bringing a rare vintage kit back to life. When you’re disabled, believe me it’s a challenge. Building that Redstone was done during an "up" cycle in my disease. Anyway, the Iris will need very careful attention to protecting the decals, taping , sanding, etc. More to it than you think, at least for me,,, since sanding really hurts my hands.
Sure, I could easily just repaint the whole thing, but I’m talking about fine lines and rough surfaces here. The fins have no sealer, the grain is terrible. Anyway, I’ll do what I can. Remember, I’m older and it’s not so easy anymore.
Of course if you don’t want me to do it.......

I'm sure you can tackle this one in short order.

Well Danny if olde Red Fin comes out looking half as good at the Black Fin IRIS restore that you have in that picture it will look awesome. That’s one thing I see a lot of you guys on the forum are into ... restorations and rescues, something I have never done very much of myself but I can really appreciate these projects.

Yes, I guess I will,,, just how long is the question. Thanks earl....

Thank you Steve. One thing I never did with the black version was add the chrome on the tail section. I thought last night that bare metal foil or similar will look better than painting it. Also It will save all that taping around fins which I dislike unless necessary.
First thing I’m doing is sanding smooth the paint brushed on top of the back. It’s really rough there. Then I’ll Ckear the Decals. Then, I’ll try and mask the white and paint with black. Of course I’ll mask the decals,,, hence the protective clear coat. Here’s what I’ve done thus far, tho it doesn’t look different, and it Looks rough, actually it’s niw smooth,,, you can Feel it ! This is a bit more work than it looks like, Earl ! ☮️ ( after looking at my pics, I see I’ll have White to paint also,,, sheesh). Thank You for your comments. Keep in touch.....
Danny.

Danny,
Why don't you get another set of decals? The restoration would be that much simpler, and would save you a lot of time.
Tango Papa is still doing decals. Tom is a swell guy, also.

Allen

Agree, that one deserves them.

Was it ever flown?

I agree, and understand what you’re saying here. When tango first got started, I donated many decals for him to use. Still, ( ask HARSAS,,,)....I’m Very old school ! The decals on here are unblemished. I can work around them. It’s fun knowing they’re old original silk screen decals, from the day. Also, I love keeping everything original if possible. Lastly, I love the challenge of working around them, and accomplishing all of the above. I also enjoy having an old built kit that some kid I never knew, enjoyed building back then, and now keeping It just as it was . It’s just me, but it’s also part of it’s past, and that’s collectible to me, too. Certain kits I’ve totally restored as you said. This one I’ll try to fix first. I’m just an olde sentiment fool I guess. Thanks...