Topic: prepping car for painting
in Forum: C3 Body
Already a Member?
Click Here to Login
Not yet a Member?
Click Here to Register for Free!
Lifetime MemberHi All,
I'm going to prep my 76 Vette for painting. I would like someone to tell me how should I go about it? What type of sand paper? How far down should I sand it? Is there some type of filler I should use? I don't have any holes or cracks other than the paint is faded and some cracks in the paint. Could someone give me a detailed way of doing this. Thanks
SPONSOR AD:: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)
Former Member
Send PM
Mounds View, MN - USA
Joined: 5/24/2007
Posts: 1031
Vette(s): 70 LT1 coupe, 69 350 HP coupe, 69 390HP 427 coupe, 71 LS5 convert, 85 coupe, 93 coupe
It would take a book to cover properly, but the basics are as follows.
If there are cracks, plan on removing every bit of exterior paint. People have equal luck with media blasting, chemical stripping, or sanding. I prefer sanding. I start with 80 grit on a DA. Be very careful as you get through the paint so you don't take off fiberglass. Use 220 for edges and details, and to clean up that last bit of paint. Then clean thoroughly, mask, and paint with a good wet coat of etching epoxy primer. Follow with several coats of high-build primer/surfacer, and block about a million times. When you are sure it is good enough, mist on a guide coat and do it again.
Then you are ready for paint.
Larry
If there are cracks, plan on removing every bit of exterior paint. People have equal luck with media blasting, chemical stripping, or sanding. I prefer sanding. I start with 80 grit on a DA. Be very careful as you get through the paint so you don't take off fiberglass. Use 220 for edges and details, and to clean up that last bit of paint. Then clean thoroughly, mask, and paint with a good wet coat of etching epoxy primer. Follow with several coats of high-build primer/surfacer, and block about a million times. When you are sure it is good enough, mist on a guide coat and do it again.
Then you are ready for paint.
Larry
Here's some good reading material, as larry said you could read lots of books.
ebo
ebo
Presently the color of the car is maroon. I want to change to black.
Thanks! I will try this procedure. I know this will take alot of time..But, in the end it will be well worth it!
look at this site (prep is covered under the classroom heading)
http://www.autobodystore.com/strip_&_paint.shtml
Annicorvette
Lifetime member # 35 
in Forum: C3 Body
SPONSOR AD: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)