Paint
All cars here are painted disassembled, simply because that is the way they were originally done, and I feel this is the proper way to re-create the original look of the details of the paint job. We use the latest Primer/Surfacer, Sealers, along with the best quality base/clear topcoats on the exterior. There is no sense in using anything less for materials, since most of the cost to do this is in the labor to get it here, the material cost, while considerable, is still only a small part of a job like this.
After the bodywork is done, and the Frame/Firewall/Dash area is stripped, then we paint the frame and firewall first. This project was a frame on restoration, in a frame off, we would be doing this on the rotisserie. I actually have a "painting frame" that we set those cars on, to paint the shell. But that was beyond the scope of this project.
New seam sealer has been applied, and it's ready for the epoxy paint/primer system we use for virtually everything that is black under the hood and on the frame. It's a really tough, gloss controllable product, with excellent coverage. The firewall/cowl area will be painted with a 60% gloss, the frame with a 20% gloss.
This pic was taken right after the application of the paint, as it dries, the gloss difference show up. We concentrated on the big areas here, later on we go back with the detail gun and paint in all the holes, and inside the frame.
Now it is time to paint the dash, with the proper lacquer paint. I prefer lacquer for these area's because it maintains the crips edges and lines of the dash. Two glosses are applied, as was done at the factory. Zero gloss on the top, and semi gloss on the face. The blend line is right in the middle, under the dash pad.
This particular picture was obviously taken after we painted the floor, but it was actually painted before that took place.
And then the jambing process begins.
After everything is jammed, it's off to the paint booth.
underhood is taken care of first.
Then we get into the shell in one booth, and the parts in the other. I am lucky to have two complete brand new state of the art paint booths at my disposal.
Here's Donny applying the fist coat of the diplomat blue base.
And then on the body shell.
In the other booth, I am busy painting the front clip parts and doors.
Donny has made some nice progress while I was away.
And then it's time for a good bake..
After that, all the small removable parts are painted.
And back to the shop we go..