If you strip the paint off a C1...gel coating???

[firstgear]

If you strip the paint off a C1, how important is it that you gel coat the body? I have had two different body shops that have given differing opinions. One said it needed to be done, the other said it wasn't necessary....so what is the opinion among those that have had their cars stripped and painted...what did you do in between the glass and that top coat of paint?????

 

[BarryK]

If you strip the paint off a C1, how important is it that you gel coat the body? I have had two different body shops that have given differing opinions. One said it needed to be done, the other said it wasn't necessary....so what is the opinion among those that have had their cars stripped and painted...what did you do in between the glass and that top coat of paint?????

I don't have a C1 but my '65 C2 is in for a new paint job if it helps. You can see details on threads referring to "Baby".

On my car after being completely stripped down to the 'glass (and any and all bodywork repairs made as required) my guy is using a sealer and than primer than color than clear. No gelcoat. I asked him about gelcoat a few days ago actually and he said it isn't needed.
I don't pretend to know anything about the painting process and different painters or shops may have different opinions but I trust my guys judgement so if he says no gelcoat is needed than so be it

 

[Tom Bryant]

GM didn't do it when they made them. If you have any areas where there are errant strands of glass sticking up just brush on a little resin and sand it smooth. That's all I have ever done.

 

[61 Silver]

If you strip the paint off a C1, how important is it that you gel coat the body? I have had two different body shops that have given differing opinions. One said it needed to be done, the other said it wasn't necessary....so what is the opinion among those that have had their cars stripped and painted...what did you do in between the glass and that top coat of paint?????

Firstgear

I would check other postings on the method for prep work needed after stripping the paint from a Corvette. I have just stripped my 65 for the second time because of something telegraphing up from under the lacquer. I am not sure if it was caused by the strip or some other contaminate prior to lacquer, but it is not going to happen again! I now have over 80 hours of stripping, block sanding and cleaning but the car looks great and is in the booth ready for paint. I am a DIY type person and like to do as much of the work myself, this is half of the fun for me the other is driving, but once per car is enough.
This was a major lesson on planning and research.
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/showthread.php?t=61062

 

[studiog]

The gel coating issue has been discussed at length on this forum and if you do a search you will probably find allot of discussion. I'm certainly not an expert and I didn't stay at a Holiday Inn EXPRESS (thanks Barry) last night but I think you will find that the consensus is to seal the bare fiberglass in some manner whether it be gel coat, epoxy sealer, urethane sealer, or a 2K primer surfacer. The gel coating seems to be the most work and may not offer the optimum results. There are many knowledgeable people on this forum that I'm sure will respond shortly. Good luck.

 

[61 Silver]

studiog



The next time that you stay at a Holiday Inn, please let me know! I most definitely need some brain help.



Ray

 

[BarryK]

I didn't stay at a Holiday Inn last night

i thought it was Holiday Inn Express.....

 

[studiog]

studiog



The next time that you stay at a Holiday Inn, please let me know! I most definitely need some brain help.



Ray

If it really did any good I should stay there every night :L

Glad to hear you're getting ready to paint!

 

[BarryK]

if it helped, I'd move in permanantly!