So today, I am going to start prepping for paint, I need to go down to the metal, thats how much caked on paint layers there are. So, since I am doing this for myself, and for the first time, I would like to know which method I should use for going to the metal. I have a couple of tools, various sanders, like a radial sander, belt sander, my hands and sand paper. I also have wire sanders. I am trying to figure out the most effective, quickest, and best way to go about doing this. Any help would be appreciated. I am starting with the fenders. Also, how do I go about sanding down the plastic parts? Such as the GFX and Bumpers?

Also, my friend keeps telling me its a Bi*ch to prep for black paint. What makes it such a big deal? Is sanding down to metal and priming it not good enough? Or is he an idiot.

 

Well If it was me I would get a DA sander and go after it with that. And prepping for black i a ***** . Black shows more imperfections in the prep and body than any other color,

 

What would you suggest is the best way to show the least imperfections?

 

Any abrasive strip (sandpaper, DA, blasting) will mark the surface. Key is to get the marks out with finer grades of prep. I DA'ed mine with 80 grit to get to the metal. Fixed all the bad stuff, then DA'ed with 150 and 220 grit. (Car starts looking Delorean-ish at that point!) Avoid too much downward pressure; you're asking for deep scratches. If the paper's not cutting, use a fresh sheet or go back down a grade. Then went to the 2K primer and blocking from there.

Definitely stay away from the belt sander. It will gouge in a heartbeat.

 

If you need to go to the metal, just have the car mediablasted and zink coated. Cost me around $800 to do the whole car.

Then get a gallon or so of filler and fix the body, since you'll probably find out it wasn't straight. Fix every little ding and dent. Guide coat it, long board it, and then maybe if you are really really good you can paint it black.

-- Joe

 

Gahh, so much work. Did you have a shop mediablast it? Or did you do it yourself?

 

Ain't no such thing as a free lunch. Work in ===> quality out.

It's really not so bad, and you'll have so much pride of ownership in the finished product. AND think of the $$ you will save.

 

Put it on the trailer and brought it to the media blast people. Picked it up a week or so later.

http://www.classiccarblasting.com/

-- Joe