I think I'm going to strip and repaint my car in the next month or so. I have a couple test cars to play with to perfect my techniques.

What's the minimum specs for a compressor, ie HP, PSi, gallons, etc? How about spray guns? Any suggestions on brand/model?

I think I'm going with arena red, any suggestions on paint and primer brands and types?

Anyone know of any paintbooth rental space in the Indy area?

 

The question is how much do you think you are going to spend to do this all of yourself....I have seen it all to many times, where first timers try to paint their entire cars and do nothing but screw them up, and then bring them to us and ask,,,CAN YOU FIX THIS...? MY suggestion is start out by first going to a local paint supply store in you area and ask how much a complete system would cost you..thats, all the hardeners, reducers, activators, base, clear, primer, sandpaper, filler, masking tape, masking plastic, masking paper, etc.....This all adds up very quickly....And you need to decide on a paint brand also or find out what is even available in your area... I myself use PPG and Sikkens.....

First try to do a fender and see how it goes for you before you even think about touching your car and painting it, and in addition there usually is no need to strip the paint to the bare metal, unless your car is really really screwed up....Done five completes so far this summer, without any stripping and had nothing but smiles from the costumers....Stripping is a HUGE mess and is not as easy as most think, I would have the body plastic beaded before I would try stripping it with that ****, especially an entire car....!

DAmian

 

compressor...at least 25 gal tank! i use one that is very low hp but is a great big motor! i recommend a compressor that is a belt drive if possible..direct drive doesnt last as long.

gun- you can buy a variety of guns, i use an HVLP or high volume low pressure, also known as a top loader where the cup sits ontop of the gun. This reduces overspray and wasted paint. You can spend upwards of $600.00 on a good gun, but i use a $100.00 gun sold at KOI paintstore, MAC tools sells one almost exactly the same if you have access to a mac truck.

Primer, body work supplies.. evercoat primer, filler, metal glaze(spot putty that doesnt shrink down), etc....

Paint- Dupont chromabase which is base/clear paint- very easy to spray especially RED!!!

 

All good points...
A 2 stage compressor is best though...And last alot longer, also one with cast iron heads are best....

DAmian

 

Lead Foot,

That has to be the finest '84 944 I've ever come across. Great job!! I'm sooo jealous!!

 

THank YOU much, Im trying to make it even better yet...

DAmian

 

what color is it, Lead Foot?

 

LM3V with a little bit of pearl in it.....

DAmian

 

DAmian, what exactly would you consider "really messed up" when you say the car only needs to be stripped when really messed up?

XS Boost, did you strip your car? do you need any sort of negative pressure chamber? how do you keep dust off of the wet paint? if you don't strip it, what do you need to do to keep it from flaking off later?

 

Here is a great link for paint and body. I've been reading it for 6 months in preparation for doing my car.

AutoBodyStore.com Shop Talk

Try the Classroom for specific info on everything you wanted to know about painting your car.

 

the best thing to stick paint to is paint...especially the original..say the car is nice, just needs knicks etc. fixed, sand them out, primer paint and done...if the car has been sprayed once, or a pack of wild animals have been terrorizing the finish, then youll need to strip it down to the original primer.wouldnt recommend much past this unless you like spending more on primers-ie etching primer- to stick to bare metal.(only important in large areas)

sand the car down w/ some 180 grit sandpaper, do your body work and prime w/ some EURETHANE primer-, i use hi fill mostly, and then block to assure smoothness...- guide coat w/ black spray paint between blocking-primering to assure staightness(fogging area w/ paint to create a spotted surface so when you sand it down you can see the low spots)

i put up alot of plastic on the walls, it is static and attracts dust to it and away from the car.

 

oh, and final sand before paint w/ 500 wet/dry.

 

I don't know too much about painting, but I know that you should get a good respirator.

 

Well, how about this...I don't know if the car has ever been sprayed before. It looks like it MIGHT have happened, but the paint is pretty thin, so I have absolutely no idea. Also, the nose of my car is all pitted from the gravel they put on the roads to keep traction in the winter...is that alright or would I need to sand/prime that part?

Finally, if I do it your way, and the paint falls off, can I sue you? :P just kiddin....

 

what do you do to panels thet come in with a "gel" coat on them? do i just scuff it and paint or what?