| Re: Prep, paint and shoot ...... |
Subject: Re: Prep, paint and shoot ...... by VtVette on 2011/6/5 3:33:14 Hi Tommy, don't know if this post is too late but hopefully this helps: I've painted a dozen C4's (painting my '93 very right now). If masked carefully there is little danger of paint entering the under hood area. For the headlights, I remove the headlight covers (the curved covers that are exposed when the headlights are on) and paint them separate from the car. For the flat covers that are visible when the headlights are down they can be prepped with the body and 2" masking tape can be used to close the gap between the hood and the covers to avoid over spray under the hood. Ideal is to remove the headlights and paint the bezel and cover separate but for cost considerations there is nothing at all wrong with masking the gap. No need to remove the front bumper as long as the painter is diligent in getting any dust/dirt out between the hood and front bumper. There is no point where the front bumper attaches to the body so, there is no concern with paint bridging. For the rear bumper, I would recommend at least loosening all the bolts and pulling the bumper back 3/16" to 1/4" from the body. There is a chance of paint failure where the bumper mounts to the body, if the paint bridges and later cracks. It creates and ideal situation for peeling. It's not worth the risk. As Bill mentioned that failing/peeling clear will definitely have to be removed. This is easier than it sounds however - a DA sander with 180 grit (possibly 220 grit) paper will make quick work of that. I can fully DA a C4 in a few hours. If you can do some of the work yourself you can save $$$ on a paint job. Also, find a paint shop that is willing to work with you. Most paint shops make their money on insurance/collision work. If you can do some of the prep yourself then have them shoot it it works out for everyone. The other option is to go to a local paint supply store and talk to the guys at the counter. Tell them you are looking for a good paint job but don't have tons of $$$ to spend. They probably know of someone who can help you out. It will probably be someone who works at a body shop and does side work on the weekend. Hope this helps, |
