Prep for Painting

[jpastaman9]

looking for a good source of info on prepping my C4 for painting- it needs a small amount of bodywork but otherwise the body is in great shape.

i would like to replace the trim and weather stripping myself- as well as doing some of the sanding/prep work in my garage. Any information would be great.

i am located in Los Angeles.

feel free to email me-

 

[paintdaddy]

Welcome to the forum.First lets start with what you know and what kinda job you want.Has it been painted before?are the bumpers in good shape?

 

[jpastaman9]

detailed prep ; )

Welcome to the forum.First lets start with what you know and what kinda job you want.Has it been painted before?are the bumpers in good shape?

thanks for the welcome- it has not been repainted- still the factory job- which is faded. i would like to do a very detailed job- i don't plan on removing the body/doors or windows- but i am going to take off all the trim and replace it along with all of the stripping- the interior is all new so i am working my way out.

keeping the colour the same- its a maroon- and the bumpers are perfect- the body is mint- with the exception of a couple of 2" cracks on the rear driver side panel.

ideally i would like to do as much of the prep work as possible and take it to a sprayer to do the actual painting. bring it home and finish of the trim and stripping.

ps... nice pic!!

 

[paintdaddy]

Start with removing all emblems ,weatherstrip and light lenses.anywhere where the paint is cracked or chipped needs to be sanded and primed .Sand the cracks and chips with 180 with a da sander if possible .Then sand around that area with some 320 or finer and prime the areas.When the primer dries ,using a soft sanding block wet sand the car with 400 grit or finer.When finished clean the car with a scotchbright pad ,water and powdered cleanser.If you want to paint the door openings and jambs ,scuff those with a scotch bright pad dry.Basicall thats it .It would be more involved if the paint were cracked all over or if there were many paint jobs but you got it easy.

 

[jpastaman9]

again more thanks!!

for the awesome info- now i will need a legend to understand some of the terms-
When you note "180 with a DA sander", is that a degree of fineness of the sandpaper and a type of sander. as is the 320/400 grit. i will have to check as to whether there are multiple types of grit.

scotchbright pads i know- but when you note powdered cleanser- are you thinking about comet/barkeepers friends type cleansers??- are there better primers than others- also when the cracks have a raised edge-small cracks on the actual panel- do i need to apply some type of sealent "bondo" and sand down- the two cracks are about 1" long and on the rear driver side panel next.

thanks again for all your insights- perhaps i can return the favor when you are shopping a new hi-def home theatre/computer-software- i am much better with those types of technologies than automotive paint ; )

regards- joe

Start with removing all emblems ,weatherstrip and light lenses.anywhere where the paint is cracked or chipped needs to be sanded and primed .Sand the cracks and chips with 180 with a da sander if possible .Then sand around that area with some 320 or finer and prime the areas.When the primer dries ,using a soft sanding block wet sand the car with 400 grit or finer.When finished clean the car with a scotchbright pad ,water and powdered cleanser.If you want to paint the door openings and jambs ,scuff those with a scotch bright pad dry.Basicall thats it .It would be more involved if the paint were cracked all over or if there were many paint jobs but you got it easy.

 

[Ken]

Welcome to the CAC "Noodles" (Just joking, playing on your screen name. )

I moved your post to the General Restoration forum in hopes of getting you more response from across the board, rather than just the C4 section.

Los Angeles? Whereabouts? You should join us at Ricky & Ronnie's Cruise In Diner sometime. Lot's of nice cars. :cool

 

[JonM]

This may help you or confuse you more.

Link 1

Link 2

 

[paintdaddy]

for the awesome info- now i will need a legend to understand some of the terms-
When you note "180 with a DA sander", is that a degree of fineness of the sandpaper and a type of sander. as is the 320/400 grit. i will have to check as to whether there are multiple types of grit.

scotchbright pads i know- but when you note powdered cleanser- are you thinking about comet/barkeepers friends type cleansers??- are there better primers than others- also when the cracks have a raised edge-small cracks on the actual panel- do i need to apply some type of sealent "bondo" and sand down- the two cracks are about 1" long and on the rear driver side panel next.

thanks again for all your insights- perhaps i can return the favor when you are shopping a new hi-def home theatre/computer-software- i am much better with those types of technologies than automotive paint ; )

regards- joe

yes the 180 is a grit of sandpaper and the powdered cleanser is ajax or comet.As far as primers the main thing you want is something that is catalyzed(has a hardener that must be mixed with)When chosing the primer ,you really must first chose the paint system and chose the primers,sealers and clear for that system.Thats my suggestion,some people will mix and match using primers and clears that are either generic or are from another product line.It will usually work ok but its a gamble and if anything goes wrong ,your on your own,no paint company or store will help you .On the cracks ,if there is a raised edge on them ,sand them smooth first then "v" or dish the crack out with a grinder and use a filler to fix the crack.There are a few companies that offer a special filler for this but it requires a special caulk gun.Duramix,Fusor and 3m are all good places for this.The filler is expensive but works well.Your local paint store may have something less expensive that will do the job also.I believe evercoat makes a product also that is readily available from the paint store.hope this helps.