If you need any info about Ranalah drop me a message. My dad worked for Ranalah gates since the 70’s. I have stacks of old tooling, ex Ranalah machines, catalogues etc dating back to the 50’s. I run my own ironwork business now and even worked for Ranalah during school holidays and also into splittys. Ranalah engineering, gates etc moved from Brighton to Malmesbury many yrs ago. But after some time it all went back down to Brighton with the exception of the gate business. Which was eventually sold on. I even had one of their old blue vans…. I still have their old overalls, remains of robots they had in the 80’s.. it was really nice watching your video, brought back a lot of memories
Hi Dom, as a retired signwriter myself I enjoyed watching you working on the van and think you are making a good job. One tip I would give you is you should have used white chalk on the back of your template instead of charcoal. The chalk will give you lines you will be able to see more clearly, save the charcoal for working on white or pale colour backgrounds. Don't be embarrassed about using a template, you want both sides to match and the template is the way to go.
Absolutely the right decision to paint it square. Somehow it gives it an oldy worldy streamlined look which associate with the roaring twenties/thirties etc. Great job.
I would leave the front as it is and I agree leave the front doors blank too, the job you have done so far is amazing though-can’t wait to see it finished!
Everything has a life and needs saving. Of course it’s not financially viable or worth the amount of time it will cost you, BUT Dom, we all do stuff cos we can. It deserves to survive and be raced at Goodwood. I think you should name it Steve, (Austin). You can rebuild him. Even the theme music will work……….. Good luck mate. W
Hi Dom, I used to work with a guy (Eddy Blackshaw) who painted our narrow boats. He was a former coach/sign writer for British Rail.Well watching him work was a treat, he would use paper templates for the sign writing but he would run a pricker (wheel with spikes ) around the outlines, and then once the paper was taped in position he would pounce chalk on it to leave the outlines as a series of dust dots. He then painted without any further outlines in pencil etc. A real joy to see Eddy at work. He was also a talented natural history artist in watercolours. Thanks for the videos that you produce.
You may have cheated Dom, but that looks fantastic! If you are going to do anything on the front, I would do it on the roof. I am looking forward to seeing more on the Porsche!
Halfway through the video and I wanted to post the same. For hours and hours. It's magic! What about the Ranalah shield with the diagonal letters on the back. Not in the middle but off-centre. And to go bold: remove the big VW logo on the front and apply the shield logo there as well.
Hey Dom, i think the writing looked great! :) Two things i do when 'cheating' at signwriting are i use compressed charcoal instead of normal as it takes so much better and doesn't rub off with your sleeve! when the paints dry you then clean it off, and a trick i used in scenic art was using wallpaper paste as a kind of 'mask' - blob, spatter or wipe where necessary (and let dry) and the paint on top will come off again in a pretty authentic way when dry - kinda like rust underneath. Not that you needed either tip for what you done, looked bloody great!
its so good to see old school sign writing.none of these computer generated signs you see today,stick on and done,i,m a signwriter of many years and have seen a massive decline in old time signs,but is making a comeback thankfully,keep up the good work dom,lovely seeing old time crafts been applied.
Computer or no computer, that lettering came out great. To me it doesn't matter how you accomplished the job, it's the outcome, and it looks fantastic.
While my preference would be for a gleaming bus that looks a week old, I have to say you did a marvelous job on the lettering. It looks truly authentic. I don't think the technique is cheating even though it's less impressive to observe or contemplate than doing it freehand. We simply can't acquire every skill on earth, nice though that might be. Even your method would be completely beyond me, I can promise you.
I'm in the less is more camp. I think you've nailed the patina motif. No apologies required, with your eclectic interests and skills, it's impossible to be master of all of them. Step back and look at what you've achieved to date.
I did that when I had a van for my printing business in the '70s (Ford Transit, the original classic) - it had 3 on one side and 5 on the other .... but just one van - making the business look bigger than it was 😀
Great video Dom and superb work on the 'aged' lettering. Personally I would leave the front and the doors alone or the van could end up looking too busy, which might detract from the beautiful artwork on the side panels.
Great stuff. Hope you are feeling better soon. As for the bus, I remember seeing the old commercial VW buses in Germany with a wrap across, tinted sun vizor with a company logo painted on. Just a thought and maybe a bit 'Dave and Tracy' from Essex (I am from Essex) but.....
Dom, We all think you are doing a Brilliant job! You are the creative Artist / Builder , we all just set back and watch you ROCK ! Cheers From California 😎
I’m not usually a fan of Rat rod look but the Bus looks great and please do the roof for the front sign👍🏻. Very impressed with the look and a great job . I’m usually into all things shiny but old .. Hope the headache disappeared and your trip wasn’t too bad .
That looks FANTASTIC!! I have a '61 panel, and I would LOVE to have signage painted on its sides. You did a marvelous job! I only wish I had such ability. That is EXACTLY what I've wanted on my bus since I purchased it in 1992. Lovely work.
Don't put yourself down Dom, I've people that do sign writing full time as a job do the same thing as you did. That van looks incredible, if it was me I'd write the Ranalah name above the windscreen, the VW logo would take away from the sign. I have been watching that programme where they repair and fix up old warbirds, they were using an excuse for an English wheel, I nearly cried as I think somebody built it out of scrap metal, it definitely wasn't a Ranalah, they definitely one. 👍
The sign writing looks awesome Dom. Great work Less is more so I say nothing on the front. Their old location and a period phone number would look good on the doors.
Brilliant Sign-writing Dom ! Being a Set-Designer DOES help though ! I think some-thing on the doors would be acceptable ! Usually you would find an Address and Telephone number. The number should probably be in the form of something like, .... Whitehall 1212, .... not the full international code, which is obviously TOO late for the date-style of the bus ! Ranalah on the front Visor perhaps ? Stay safe, keep your hands clean ! Stu xx
Dom the van looks really cool am sure Joby would be proud of what you achieved Joby has been sign writing for years and in my opinion the master of his craft the fairground rides confirm this brilliant ❤
Love what you've done so far - the other side should be a mirror image. Block letters for the rear panel will look fine, but I'd be wary of "over egging the pudding" by doing the doors or the front. Do mockups on the computer and see what you think then.
Dom the sign writing has transformed the bus into something really quite special. I love what you've done. I think that more writing on the doors and the front would look brilliant. Something like Paul at T2D has done on the front of his latest bus, across the VW badge looks brilliant. Up to you, it's your bus and I love it!
Hey Dom, how about a drawing of the ranalah machine on the other side? Personally I thought it would have looked cool with the writing tilted at an angle but on reflection the way you've done it looks just the ticket! Don't feel phony about using a template... it's what they're there for! Congrats on a smashing job there Dom. It looks a beaut! Wonder what your bestie HJ thinks of your efforts.
Well done, Dom, the writing looks brilliant. I think the Ranala logo would look best under the window. As for ideas on the rest of your bus. How about advertising yourself and what you do on the rear panel.⚒️🏴
Your rough job is my perfect effort fella! How about doing the Ranalah in block capitals in reverse above the front screen like ambulances do so the person in front can read it in their rear view mirror? Do the other side the same as the one you’ve just done. And maybe a small image of a Ranalah wheel with the name in block capitals again on the back door panels with the website painted like new beside it as though it has been added years later! 😅
Hello Dom, when you letter Ranala on the front, sign it backwards. That way when someone in front of you looks in the rear view, they can read it normally.. Thanks, have a great week. Love your show
You could have used a pounce wheel and chalk bag to get a better outline of the logo, either way you did a excellent job and made do with what you had on hand. You achieved a fantastic looking product in the end.
Come on Dom.... the old girl looks fantastic. You have got that paint spot on correct. I know a repair shop lady who will be well impressed. Give yourself a big pat on the back Dom ..Cheers
The point of painting is getting it on the surface, straight, level with correct spelling. I applaud your direct approach. .. maybe you could place the ranallah as a background to the lettering in a yellow orange kind of color..as if the letters were painted right on top of the machine...and add "Fleet Markings" along the quarter panels , etc... nice bus too.
Hi Dom sign writing looks really good I think possibly just both sides is enough , don't forget back then they would be paying by the letter so they would not have gone mad , hope cold clears up soon .
Ranalah across the tip of the roof, above the windscreen(s), would looks like a racecar's windscreen banner and also stop it looking squashed-up against the big white VW badge, so that's my vote for signing the front end!
I would fancy the “Dons ameliorator” logo at the end of your videos on the front doors … not too large …nicely subtle & similarly aged … perhaps decals …
Looks Brilliant!!! I've watched many a sign writer use templates for the initial layout .... I don't think you were "cheaing" None of us have anything we can complain about .. we are here watching you instead of doing something for ourselves! I think maybe Ranalah above the windshield. Also, perhaps an angled Ranalah Ltd across the rear doors, with a silhouette/drawing of the Ranalah wheel machine below it ... Thanks for sharing 🇨🇦
If you need any info about Ranalah drop me a message. My dad worked for Ranalah gates since the 70’s. I have stacks of old tooling, ex Ranalah machines, catalogues etc dating back to the 50’s. I run my own ironwork business now and even worked for Ranalah during school holidays and also into splittys. Ranalah engineering, gates etc moved from Brighton to Malmesbury many yrs ago. But after some time it all went back down to Brighton with the exception of the gate business. Which was eventually sold on. I even had one of their old blue vans…. I still have their old overalls, remains of robots they had in the 80’s.. it was really nice watching your video, brought back a lot of memories
No way!! Seriously?! Would you send me an email? Domchinea@gmail.com thank you!!
@@DominicChineas yep will do. I’ll message tomorrow
Cor blimey, there's an interesting chapter to the story. Can't wait to see what happens :) (also the van looks fab!)
I want this guy to feature in a video!
Oh this has a special episode written all over it. Please get this guy on your channel to talk about and show us his memorabilia 👍
Hi Dom, as a retired signwriter myself I enjoyed watching you working on the van and think you are making a good job. One tip I would give you is you should have used white chalk on the back of your template instead of charcoal. The chalk will give you lines you will be able to see more clearly, save the charcoal for working on white or pale colour backgrounds. Don't be embarrassed about using a template, you want both sides to match and the template is the way to go.
Dom doesn't owe anybody an apology. It's his VW and he knows his skill level. I think the lettering turn out brilliantly...
Can't believe I've just spent the last few minutes absorbed in a video about 'watching paint dry' 😂😂😂😂
Great job with the signwriting and weathering! Agreeing with a number of comments here saying "less is more", you don't want it looking too busy.
Absolutely the right decision to paint it square. Somehow it gives it an oldy worldy streamlined look which associate with the roaring twenties/thirties etc. Great job.
Excellent work.
Paint an old fashioned telephone on the doors, then an old fashioned area code eg BRI (for Brighton) 1212...👍.
Pretty much my thought. What's missing are any contact details.
Looks fantastic! Great skills.
I vote for: Same on the other side, simple on the rear door. Nothing on the front doors or front. "Less in more."
picture of a ranalah wheeling machine on the doors, perfect
I would leave the front as it is and I agree leave the front doors blank too, the job you have done so far is amazing though-can’t wait to see it finished!
Everything has a life and needs saving. Of course it’s not financially viable or worth the amount of time it will cost you, BUT Dom, we all do stuff cos we can. It deserves to survive and be raced at Goodwood. I think you should name it Steve, (Austin). You can rebuild him. Even the theme music will work……….. Good luck mate. W
Hi Dom, I used to work with a guy (Eddy Blackshaw) who painted our narrow boats. He was a former coach/sign writer for British Rail.Well watching him work was a treat, he would use paper templates for the sign writing but he would run a pricker (wheel with spikes ) around the outlines, and then once the paper was taped in position he would pounce chalk on it to leave the outlines as a series of dust dots. He then painted without any further outlines in pencil etc. A real joy to see Eddy at work. He was also a talented natural history artist in watercolours. Thanks for the videos that you produce.
Dominic seems to think that’s cheating. I thought that was a weird thing to say, really enjoyed the video otherwise.
Great work Dom, I agree with the other comments of less is more! Keeping it simple, imo, will catch the eye more!
You may have cheated Dom, but that looks fantastic! If you are going to do anything on the front, I would do it on the roof. I am looking forward to seeing more on the Porsche!
Thank you, there will be a Porsche update soon, the panels have arrived!
I could watch the pro's for hours, love this Dom. Less is more.
Halfway through the video and I wanted to post the same. For hours and hours. It's magic! What about the Ranalah shield with the diagonal letters on the back. Not in the middle but off-centre. And to go bold: remove the big VW logo on the front and apply the shield logo there as well.
Dom less is more, don't ruin it, with too much......
I really love your metal work videos (bring back the Porsche) but thought this film was just incredible. Love the ‘do anything’ attitude!
The Porsche will be back soon I am just waiting on some panels to arrive!
Dom, you are so good at other things, so not to worry about the signage
Hey Dom, i think the writing looked great! :) Two things i do when 'cheating' at signwriting are i use compressed charcoal instead of normal as it takes so much better and doesn't rub off with your sleeve! when the paints dry you then clean it off, and a trick i used in scenic art was using wallpaper paste as a kind of 'mask' - blob, spatter or wipe where necessary (and let dry) and the paint on top will come off again in a pretty authentic way when dry - kinda like rust underneath. Not that you needed either tip for what you done, looked bloody great!
its so good to see old school sign writing.none of these computer generated signs you see today,stick on and done,i,m a signwriter of many years and have seen a massive decline in old time signs,but is making a comeback thankfully,keep up the good work dom,lovely seeing old time crafts been applied.
Computer or no computer, that lettering came out great. To me it doesn't matter how you accomplished the job, it's the outcome, and it looks fantastic.
Yes! Thank you!
While my preference would be for a gleaming bus that looks a week old, I have to say you did a marvelous job on the lettering. It looks truly authentic. I don't think the technique is cheating even though it's less impressive to observe or contemplate than doing it freehand. We simply can't acquire every skill on earth, nice though that might be. Even your method would be completely beyond me, I can promise you.
I'm in the less is more camp. I think you've nailed the patina motif. No apologies required, with your eclectic interests and skills, it's impossible to be master of all of them. Step back and look at what you've achieved to date.
On the door you could put a ‘Fleet Number” inside a circle. Worked for a company that did that
I did that when I had a van for my printing business in the '70s (Ford Transit, the original classic) - it had 3 on one side and 5 on the other .... but just one van - making the business look bigger than it was 😀
You are not only an excellent engineer but also an artist! Great writing on the „wall“😀
Great video Dom and superb work on the 'aged' lettering. Personally I would leave the front and the doors alone or the van could end up looking too busy, which might detract from the beautiful artwork on the side panels.
Great stuff. Hope you are feeling better soon. As for the bus, I remember seeing the old commercial VW buses in Germany with a wrap across, tinted sun vizor with a company logo painted on. Just a thought and maybe a bit 'Dave and Tracy' from Essex (I am from Essex) but.....
Dom,
We all think you are doing a Brilliant job! You are the creative Artist / Builder , we all just set back and watch you ROCK !
Cheers From California 😎
Wow, thank you!
I agree a wheeling machine on the doors .
Nothing to apologise for in that sign writing Dom. An excellent video once more. The length and content are spot on. 😊❤
I’m not usually a fan of Rat rod look but the Bus looks great and please do the roof for the front sign👍🏻. Very impressed with the look and a great job . I’m usually into all things shiny
but old .. Hope the headache disappeared and your trip wasn’t too bad .
Hello Dom, a great video & you did a great job of the sign writing. Have a great week at the repair shop & I hope you feel better soon 👍
I do not see that as cheating. Especially where it has all the rusted spots. great video Dom!
That looked great and no need to apologise whatsoever. Well done!!
Just given the thumbs up on the Ranallah logo for the doors comment.
All the best!!
Really enjoyed that, nice job Dom.
Had my dose of flu last week… thanks for hanging in there to put this together! I enjoy all of your projects and side adventures👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👍👍👍
That looks FANTASTIC!! I have a '61 panel, and I would LOVE to have signage painted on its sides. You did a marvelous job! I only wish I had such ability. That is EXACTLY what I've wanted on my bus since I purchased it in 1992. Lovely work.
Thanks so much! Time to sign yourself up for a course with joby and give it a go!
You are a RENAISSANCE man for sure….skilled in many disciplines👍👍🙂…it looks fantastic!
Thanks 👍
What about an outline of the shape of the wheeling machine? Maybe on the boot or front doors? Love the way this is evolving Dom👌
The signwriting looks great Dom, it looks the part as you intended.
Why Not put a wheeling machine logo on the side doors either way your sign writing looks so cool
I was going to say the same thing!
My thought too @charlenetaylor5548
Totally agree, would look great!!
Don't put yourself down Dom, I've people that do sign writing full time as a job do the same thing as you did. That van looks incredible, if it was me I'd write the Ranalah name above the windscreen, the VW logo would take away from the sign. I have been watching that programme where they repair and fix up old warbirds, they were using an excuse for an English wheel, I nearly cried as I think somebody built it out of scrap metal, it definitely wasn't a Ranalah, they definitely one. 👍
Dont apologise Dom thats a great job well thought out and very well weathered , no one is as good as the Joby the master
Just clocked you on The Repair Shop, fantastic, well done. 👏
The sign writing looks awesome Dom. Great work
Less is more so I say nothing on the front. Their old location and a period phone number would look good on the doors.
Bangin! Looks pretty used, and on par with the patina. Clever clogs. Nice one!
Thank you! Cheers!
Signwriting and lettering was brilliant, really matches the patina of the vehicle
I am actually in awe of how you managed to create this effect and how good it looks so far! It really sets tge van off now!
Brilliant Sign-writing Dom !
Being a Set-Designer DOES help though !
I think some-thing on the doors would be acceptable ! Usually you would find an Address and Telephone number. The number should probably be in the form of something like, .... Whitehall 1212, .... not the full international code, which is obviously TOO late for the date-style of the bus !
Ranalah on the front Visor perhaps ?
Stay safe, keep your hands clean !
Stu xx
Absolutely this. No outlines of wheeling machines, that will look awful and out-of-period.
You could try a fine scotch brite and soapy water if you want to age the writing more. What you have done you should be proud of, it's great.
Dom the van looks really cool am sure Joby would be proud of what you achieved Joby has been sign writing for years and in my opinion the master of his craft the fairground rides confirm this brilliant ❤
Looks great mate. Brilliant work. A wheeling machine on the door could look good but already looking great
Thanks 👍
Love what you've done so far - the other side should be a mirror image. Block letters for the rear panel will look fine, but I'd be wary of "over egging the pudding" by doing the doors or the front. Do mockups on the computer and see what you think then.
Dom the sign writing has transformed the bus into something really quite special. I love what you've done. I think that more writing on the doors and the front would look brilliant. Something like Paul at T2D has done on the front of his latest bus, across the VW badge looks brilliant. Up to you, it's your bus and I love it!
Hey Dom, how about a drawing of the ranalah machine on the other side?
Personally I thought it would have looked cool with the writing tilted at an angle but on reflection the way you've done it looks just the ticket! Don't feel phony about using a template... it's what they're there for! Congrats on a smashing job there Dom. It looks a beaut! Wonder what your bestie HJ thinks of your efforts.
less is more so I'd leave the sign writing as you have done it. Looks perfect to me!
Well done, Dom, the writing looks brilliant. I think the Ranala logo would look best under the window.
As for ideas on the rest of your bus. How about advertising yourself and what you do on the rear panel.⚒️🏴
Your rough job is my perfect effort fella!
How about doing the Ranalah in block capitals in reverse above the front screen like ambulances do so the person in front can read it in their rear view mirror? Do the other side the same as the one you’ve just done. And maybe a small image of a Ranalah wheel with the name in block capitals again on the back door panels with the website painted like new beside it as though it has been added years later! 😅
Maybe some artwork that references themes of the sorts of things the wheel can be used to make. Looks fantastic so far.
Looks very authentic Dom. Nice job. Wheeling machine on the doors would look fab!
Hello Dom, when you letter Ranala on the front, sign it backwards. That way when someone in front of you looks in the rear view, they can read it normally..
Thanks, have a great week. Love your show
Excellent job could watch you sign write for hours looking fantastic well done you talented man
You could have used a pounce wheel and chalk bag to get a better outline of the logo, either way you did a excellent job and made do with what you had on hand. You achieved a fantastic looking product in the end.
My wheels are all at the repair shop! I did say that but it must be on the cutting room floor haha
That looks fantastic! Really good job.
I like the idea of Ranalah just above the windscreen , that would look cool👍
This content is great and really therapeutic to watch. No need to apologise for using a stencil - your work is truly impressive.
Great job Dom. The ageing has really made that work stand out (wrong word but you know what I mean!)
The low rider look detracts from everything you have there.... I do like your techniques and admire your talents! Best to you, Rick
Fun video Thanks, Mr.Chinea
Brilliant job Dom, good job John wasn't there distracting you 😂, You could of pleased everyone and done each side different 😃,
Come on Dom.... the old girl looks fantastic. You have got that paint
spot on correct. I know a repair shop lady who will be well impressed.
Give yourself a big pat on the back Dom ..Cheers
Looks awesome so far. I sold my ‘57 California split to fund a house deposit, I’m living vicariously through these episodes. 👏🏻
Great stuff! Your sign writing is epic. I wish I could control a brush like you!
Brilliant Dom ! Don't put yourself down !
The point of painting is getting it on the surface, straight, level with correct spelling. I applaud your direct approach. .. maybe you could place the ranallah as a background to the lettering in a yellow orange kind of color..as if the letters were painted right on top of the machine...and add "Fleet Markings" along the quarter panels , etc... nice bus too.
Looking good Dom.
It's all down to practice practice practice as with most skills. Still looks cool
This looks amazing! I really like that you left the bus in its worn and aged condition. The sign writing as you have done it adds loads of character.
Love how it's turned out my personal preference is to do the otherside weather it and leave it
Dom, that looks absolutely brilliant! Well done.
Looks brilliant Dom,
The shape of a wheeling machine on the door would be nice!
Look awesome! Great work Dom 😎
It looks good Dom, get better soon, love the videos!
Hi Dom sign writing looks really good I think possibly just both sides is enough , don't forget back then they would be paying by the letter so they would not have gone mad , hope cold clears up soon .
I’ll tell you what Dom I absolutely love what you’ve done…that looks bloody amazing!! ❤
Thank you!
Turned out very well 👍🏻
"Going to go over that.?" Now there's a complement. Looking great, wish I could do it that good.
Ranalah across the tip of the roof, above the windscreen(s), would looks like a racecar's windscreen banner and also stop it looking squashed-up against the big white VW badge, so that's my vote for signing the front end!
I'd leave it just like that , it looks like its been there for years , less is more imo 👍
I would fancy the “Dons ameliorator” logo at the end of your videos on the front doors … not too large …nicely subtle & similarly aged … perhaps decals …
I was a bit sceptical when you told us what you intended to do Dom. No need to worry, it looks fantastic!
Top job Dom, top Job.. 👏😁 its needs parking outside my workshop door. 😉👍
Dom that is fantastic.I'm impressed.Very cool
Fantastic result! Keep to the sides. That looks credible.
Wow that looks really nice. Dont apologize to anyone.
The logo looks amazing! I wouldn't be able to tell it is not original. Great job mate!
That’s so kind thank you
Dom, it looks totally authentic! I think it takes a lot of skill to get exactly that weathered look. You nailed it! Cheers from Oregon
Looks amazing Dom. Well done. Hope to cold clears soon. 😊
Looks Brilliant!!! I've watched many a sign writer use templates for the initial layout .... I don't think you were "cheaing"
None of us have anything we can complain about .. we are here watching you instead of doing something for ourselves!
I think maybe Ranalah above the windshield.
Also, perhaps an angled Ranalah Ltd across the rear doors, with a silhouette/drawing of the Ranalah wheel machine below it ...
Thanks for sharing 🇨🇦
Hi Dom if you get the other side as good as the first one it will be the business well done.
You are so good at what you do,