Hello folks. I currently own a 1989 Maui Blue Pontiac Formula with the original paint. I am interested in repainting the entire car to Nassau Blue. Can anyone offer advice/tips or point me in the right direction as to where to start or how to go about prepping the car? I have never painted a car before. The car itself is in real good condition. Minimal rust and minor pebble size dents here and there.

Thanks again to anyone who has the time to help me out.

 

Welcome to TGO!!
Enjoy the site--ALWAYS something to learn, or toss in your !!

Body work is a slow process, & prep is the biggest part.

Sand around the rust spots to evaluate how bad it is. Ppl with experince can help you in that area, & post pics of questionable areas.

Use sanding blocks for autos, where you can.
Use painters tape to cover body lines & ridges that are supposed to be there-- you don't want to sand then away or make low spots in the ridges or corners---I found that out the hard way!!

I don't know what grits to tell you to start using.
Post a couple pics of your project, & the gurus can advise.
Look thru some of the threads related to " paint ".
Fueledsoul has some detailed pics in his " engine bay " thread, and some work he's doing on some doors in another.

Good luck & update as you go!!

 

Practice, practice , practice. Get an instruction video (HotRod magazine has a good one)., go to junk yard, get some old sheetmetal, and Practice!

 

This may not answer your questions but it will give you some idea of what the process looks like. Here's the link =
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/bo...nt-photos.html (Prep. to paint photos)

Materials cost $1,500.00 including all new weatherstripping and miscellaneous parts and pieces .Then there's what I payed my friend ( pro.painter) to do the job with me helping were I could and costing me another $1,500.00 in labor = about $3,000.00 total for Base/Clear coat with the best PPG has to offer including PPG red pearl additive. The car was on its way to the junk yard. I took a chance and payed $500.00 for it. Needed a fuel pump ,water pump , power steering unit ,new steering column/ VATS module , some of the interior ,etc.( I did not know all that when I bought it.All I new was I wanted to save it) . Runs like a champ now.Five years of hard but fulfilling work so far.

 

This link may help you

http://www.autobody101.com/forums/index.php