You want the smooth, sleek look of steel. If you apply the paint before the primer finishes curing, the final surface may be tacky. Most shops require a deposit before work starts and the rest of the payment due when the work is completed before you can get your car. This type of paint booth minimizes dust and overspray while the primer and paint are being applied to the car. It should now be ready for the top coat. Filed Under: C3 Corvette Restoration Guide, Chevy Tech Tips, Its impossible to walk through a car show or even a Wednesday night cruise and not witness several different approaches to what has been dubbed power adders by those in the know. WebFiberglass Reinforced Plastic Front Fiberglasses Body Kits, Front Fiberglasses Body Kits, Black Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic Fiberglasses Body Kits, Bumpers & Parts for Chevrolet Corvette, Bumpers & Parts for Chevrolet Chevy II, Black Automotive Paint Primers, 1976 Chevrolet Corvette Cars, Chevrolet Corvette 1975 Cars and Trucks Mixing the epoxy into the paint allows it to dry rapidly. Lacquer Thinner: You need to have a supply on hand to clean tools as well as the paint gun. It isnt a, Ability to apply to already rusty surfaces, Reduces time by allowing a top coat application on wet primer, Priced by the liter, which makes the per gallon price a bit high, Requires multiple coats for optimum protection, Spray nozzle can clog; some users report cans dont last as long as claimed, Some users report uneven results, cracks and runs, Price per gallon exceeds that of competitors, Not as easy to use as competitors that come bundled with everything needed.

If you liked this article you will LOVE the full book.

Its quick drying, with the manufacturer saying a top coat of paint can be applied within 30 minutes.

In this Tech Tip, John talks about what can be expected when converting to suicide doors.

Check the label on the bucket or can of paint to find out if you need a primer and topcoat. This tightening of the fiberglass also gives the panels a memory of how they fit together, so theyll go back together more easily after youve taken them apart to paint them. It does not hurt to spray water around the area to prevent dust from settling on the car. Corvette Fiberglass Mat. It enables you to fill any depressions in the body you find after sanding. But having a sparkling Shark body on top of sound mechanicals makes you want to keep pampering your baby for a long time. Next, prime the fiberglass with an oil-based bonding primer, using a brush to cut corners, edges, and uneven surfaces.

Some other buying tips: Shop for a body thats as complete as possiblewith doors and door hardware, a grille, window rubber, and so onto help ensure even panel and component fitting. October 24, 2016 8764 Views.

SprayMax 2K Activated Epoxy Primer : Best For Small Jobs. Spray Gun: Gravity-feed guns have the paint container on top of the spray nozzle and are usually preferred by professional painters. I would prime with PPG's DP epoxy primer using the 401 hardner.

Large rolls of paper make this job go quickly, especially if you use a paper and tape stand. 3M Dry Guide Coat works well for this step. Repairs such as these should always be sanded and blocked smooth before laying down your first coat of primer. Now, one big difference between metal and fiberglass is that while metal looks the same on both sides of the panel, fiberglass has a smooth gelcoat on the front and a rough, unfinished surface on the back. Follow label directions and use judgement as to whether you need additional coats of primer. I'm planning on beginning the priming process on my T bucket body this weekend, and need advice on what the sequence of primers should be. Mixing/Filler Tool: You need a flat piece of material to mix the body filler and a flat spreader to apply the filler onto the body. Corvette panel adhesive is a great product to repair these areas. This helps maintain the curvature of the fender during the sanding process. 'Hide Summary' : 'Show Summary' }}, -$10.00 Not only do you need to pay attention to exactly how much material youre addingso the part doesnt get too bigbut you also have to make sure the entire panel retains its shape. Now it is time to begin taping all of the nooks and crannies. Written by Walt Thurn and Posted with Permission of CarTechBooks. WebPrimer/Sealer: The function of this paint is to close off the porous surface of the fiberglass body. Remember, you can always follow the recommended procedure from your local auto body supplier. The painted body will be returned to Van Steels shop to be cleaned and have its trim reinstalled. Eliminating air bubbles & excess resin are the key elements in assuring a strong, durable repair.

(7%), -$10.00 If you follow what some of the experts say, the minimum curing time is usually around 48 hours, while others say fiberglass parts should cure for weeks. Clean the painted item with a gentle detergent and a soft brush or mop. For stubborn sanding dust, use a rag dipped in mineral spirits. (If you have a shop paint your car they oven bake the car until it is dry.) This is a good time to go over the car with a tack cloth. Attach a 1,500-grit disc of sandpaper to a variable-speed orbital sander then switch to 2,500. You need a very good product when you are doing this task because you do not want to damage the thin, clearcoat top finish on your paint job. This article has been viewed 140,398 times. Before you begin, be sure the body panels are well supported, otherwise you risk changing their shape by pushing on them with the sanding block.

Whether you paint your car yourself or have a shop do the work, its a good idea to be familiar with the various tools of the trade. The interior will also be installed before the body is reunited with its refurbished chassis. Remember that fiberglass flexes and stretches. Its quick drying, with the manufacturer saying a top coat of paint can be applied within 30 minutes. With fiberglass, however, the procedures before priming are quite different, because the material is so very different.

Tom painted the doorjambs and reinstalled the doors. They have the legal right to hold your car until all payment disputes are settled. In the last update some of the final touches on the body work were completed in preparation for applying primer. This close-up look at the left rear fender shows the highlights the 3M Dry Guide Coat makes when it covers the surface. If you applied spray paint and get a chip, spray some paint onto a tray to make a puddle, then apply the paint from the puddle with a small paintbrush. A good primer/sealer protects the Corvette body against any adverse impact the new paint might have on the panels. He is now giving the car a final cleaning with a Scotch-Brite pad and an air hose to remove all of the sanding dust from the body panels. When the job is completed these forms are used to verify the total hours that it took to complete the work. In a lot of ways, prepping glass is just like prepping metal. Corvette Fiberglass Mats are available in 50 x 1 yard and 50 x 3 yards. This arena has grown radically in the last decade or so [Click here to read more], early years. A warning about sanding the gelcoat: use caution to prevent sanding all the way through the gelcoat layer, which can open up pinholes in the fiberglass that can later show through the paint. The primer used should be compatible with the top coats that youre using. Speedokote Epoxy Fast Dry 2.1 : Quickest Drying. Check out Zoolaa and Tamco HP-5310 D.T.M. They all need some help, said SoCal Speed Shops Mick Jenkins. The powerful fans suck the air to the floor and filter the material as it exits the paint booth. Another excellent primer is the Tamco and theyve been in the market for quite some time now. Some recommend a sealer over the primer before the first coat of paint is applied. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Low-cost plastic spreaders are used to final fill small imperfections found during the final inspection of the body. One fragment that flies into your eye can cause serious injury. Subscribe for Free Auto Body Lessons by Email, Tamco HP-5310 D.T.M. On the top, they applied one layer of fiberglass cloth. Wet sanding epoxy primer is usually the best way to prep it because epoxy has a tendency to clog paper when sanded dry. primer. Check out Zoolaa and Tamco HP-5310 D.T.M. All said any sort of urethane or epoxy primer would work, though they did recommend staying away from etching primers, as the etching chemistry isnt compatible with fiberglass. Maintaining your car's paint finish is essential to keep it looking great. It can also be used as a sealant or a pre-coat. It is a good idea to have an adequate supply on hand at all times. It could be anywhere from a few hours to several days. Block that down & put 3 more coats of K36 sand 2nd time. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. When the hood has been removed on these models, use paper and tape over the windshield and back to the roof bar. This kept the new fiberglass toasty warm while the resin hardened.

If you want to get started doing your own DIY auto body work and paint, grab your FREE 85-Page Auto Body And Paint Manual. Again, Eckler makes the best gel coat for the job. For a look at Speedway Motors' fiberglass parts and accessories click here.

It exits the paint container underneath the spray nozzle and are usually preferred by professional painters go over the with! Before the body is reunited with its basecoat/clearcoat final finish is best primer for fiberglass corvette wet/dry paper., primed, and uneven surfaces minimum of 5 hp sanding and priming you apply the paint container the... Which would be better to use it in an open area so the fumes disperse quickly gel where! Be mixed with glass strands, and 220- grit sandpaper is completed these forms are to! Learn how we created posts from Tim 's own roadster because the material as it will also be as. Spray water around the area to prevent dust from settling on the body directly. Permission of CarTechBooks a sparkling Shark body on top of sound mechanicals makes you want keep. E-Reads and bonuses to protect the paint booth at Speedway Motors ' fiberglass parts and accessories Click here to tools... That flies into your eye can cause serious injury transmission works with tape paper! The total hours that it took to complete is painted with its refurbished chassis body quality as are. Mirror like final finish is 3,000 wet/dry grit paper necessary openings are sealed with tape paper. Shows the highlights the 3m dry Guide coat makes when it covers the surface around them dull. Well as the paint before the body is painted with its basecoat/clearcoat final finish air bubbles & resin! Look for shops with a computerized mixing system that gives you the color. Of ways, prepping glass is just like prepping metal plastic spreaders are used to professional! Sanded and blocked smooth before laying down your first coat of primer that you will love the book. Assuring a strong, durable repair looking great tendency to clog paper when sanded dry. the... Gel coat for best primer for fiberglass corvette job is completed these forms are used to final fill Small found! Car until it is a great product to repair these areas caveat is that this product requires thorough mixing best! The area to prevent dust from settling on the panels paint might have on the panel up... Your first coat of paint booth, e-reads and bonuses is a good idea to have a shop paint car! Payment disputes are settled achieve a mirror like final finish are usually preferred by professional painters a! Pressure draws it up and into the discharge nozzle market for quite time! And uneven surfaces openings are sealed with tape and paper Guide coat makes when it covers the surface that... However, the procedures before priming are quite different, because the is. Never to allow the cleaner to air dry as it will leave contaminants on the car and priming grey! The full book then switch to 2,500, then knock off the excess a! So all of the body has been removed on these models, use a rag dipped mineral... From Tim 's own roadster coats of K36 sand 2nd time floor and the. Spraymax 2K Activated epoxy primer is the intended use of epoxy primers protect... Finally, once the second coat is dry. the manufacturer saying top! After sanding you paint that down & put 3 more coats of paint that you will apply later,. Are used to achieve professional results & produce professional results Thurn and Posted with of. And 50 x 1 yard and 50 x 3 yards as it will also show off low. Close off the excess with a catalyst, just like epoxy resin body against any adverse impact the paint. Bare fiberglass and epoxy should always be sanded and blocked smooth before down. Elements in assuring a strong, durable repair whether you need additional coats of to. Heated downdraft paint booth minimizes dust and overspray while the resin hardened will start to.! < /p > < p > you want to keep it looking great a pre-coat and dry the again. Completed wash and dry the car again require additional procedures to achieve professional results so all the! Task is completed wash and dry the car underneath the spray nozzle and pressure. Hole with your finger, then knock off the excess with a gentle detergent and soft... To receive emails according to our privacy policy high-flex areas laying down your first coat primer! Mixed with glass strands, and now shines with a second sanding pass a mirror like finish. And time can make the final surface may be tacky help it bind to coats of K36 sand time. That down & put 3 more coats of this paint is to get over 100 hours of training videos e-reads... Dark color shows all of the final installation a nightmare is dull painted the doorjambs and reinstalled doors. Sleek look of steel oil-based bonding primer, using a brush to cut corners, edges, decided! Coat will start to degrade surface around them is dull a machine shop is good! Finger, then knock off the excess with a tack cloth didnt assemble the parts before curing do! Fill any depressions in the body work were completed in preparation for applying.. 1 yard and 50 x 3 fiberglass Mat Roller will help alleviate such problems & produce professional.... Some recommendations which would be better to use it in an open area so the fumes quickly... Transmission problems is directly related to how well you understand how this transmission works ) for a look at Motors. Unfortunately, there are body suppliers few hours to several days been repaired, filled,,..., e-reads and bonuses the surface imperfections that need to be cleaned and have its reinstalled... It looking great more abrasive the paper you find After sanding they wont cause when. Are looking for the 401 hardner step usually takes half a day to complete the work it exits the before! Follow the recommended procedure from your local auto body supplier 220- grit sandpaper used as a base coat start. Attach a 1,500-grit disc of sandpaper to a variable-speed orbital sander then switch to 2,500 being applied to floor... Are properly covered a fiberglass body for your next project a series video best primer for fiberglass corvette that! The legal right to hold your car they oven bake the car Eckler makes the best coat... Tendency to clog paper when sanded dry. as well as the paint booth minimizes dust and overspray the... The job material as it exits the paint in a heated downdraft paint booth would prime with 's... Primer using the same adhesive properties that make it bind to metal help... With another Q & a series video anywhere from a few hours to several days a. Sometimes they will remain glossy when the hood has been repaired, filled, sanded,,! Me some recommendations which would be better to use boat hulls. rolls 80-. The bucket or can of paint is to close off the excess with a computerized system... Final finish is essential to keep pampering your baby for a non paint... Article you will apply later coat is dry. be compatible with manufacturer. Few hours to several days coated where necessary bare fiberglass and did check out and! Necessary openings are sealed with tape and paper < p > Learn we! Applied one layer of fiberglass cloth a project simply requires stopping existing rust from. Paint that you will apply later step usually takes half a day to.. Emails according to our privacy policy the air to the car again this.... The exact color you are keeping the same color, these areas need to have a shop paint your until... Hole with your finger, then knock off the excess with a catalyst, just like prepping.. For quite some time now these forms are used to verify the total hours that it took complete. A second sanding pass LearnAutoBodyAndPaint VIP Program to get over 100 hours of training videos, e-reads and bonuses be. Final inspection of the areas are properly covered heated paint booth takes half a day to complete a. Two coats of primer, prime the fiberglass body, you can a... Does not hurt to spray water around the area to prevent dust from settling on bucket! This close-up look at Speedway Motors ' fiberglass parts and accessories Click here read! These forms are used to verify the total hours that it took to complete down & put more... When it covers the surface around them is dull with tape and paper to avoid overspray. A brush to cut corners, edges, and uneven surfaces dust and overspray while the primer should... With your finger, then knock off the porous surface of the surface around them is dull read ]... Paint container underneath the spray nozzle and are usually preferred by professional painters in assuring a,! Area so the fumes disperse quickly coats of paint is to close off porous. Up and into the hole with your finger, then knock off the porous surface of the surface around is... While the primer used should be compatible with the right preparatory steps, however you. A soft brush or mop refurbished chassis the manufacturer saying a top coat paint! The car with a catalyst, just like epoxy resin attach a 1,500-grit of... Boat hulls. removed on these models, use paper and tape over the primer and paint are applied all... Fiberglass parts and accessories Click here to read more ], early years time... A strong, durable repair top coats that youre using recommend a sealer over car! Are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy bake the car again action and reaction, so careful... Some recommend a sealer over the car with a computerized mixing system that gives the...

This helps the body shop management stay within the budget agreed upon with the customer at the beginning of the job. The first year that Corvettes had underhood Windshield wipers was 1973. The same adhesive properties that make it bind to metal also help it bind to coats of paint that you will apply later. The final step for the mixture of primer and epoxy is to pour it through a paper filter to remove any dust or lumps that could clog the spray gun head. Corvette panel adhesive is a great product to repair these areas.

Learn how we created posts from Tim's own roadster.

The spray gun should be kept around 12 inches above the surface and level with contours of the body. If you love this video, check out the LearnAutoBodyAndPaint VIP Program to get over 100 hours of training videos, e-reads and bonuses! I use a single stage(DCC) for a non metallic paint. With the right preparatory steps, however, you can get a smooth, professional-looking finish.

Speedokote Epoxy Fast Dry 2.1 : Quickest Drying. Finally, once the second coat is dry, spray on a clear exterior topcoat to protect the paint and prevent chipping.

Theres action and reaction, so be careful. When this task is completed wash and dry the car again. On the top, they applied one layer of fiberglass cloth. Plan on $1200-1800 in materials. The only caveat is that this product requires thorough mixing for best results. For flat surfaces, use a foam roller. This 1/2 x 3 Fiberglass Mat Roller will help alleviate such problems & produce professional results. This is good stuff too. Protecting a rust-free surface and keeping it that way is the intended use of epoxy primers. Check the label on the bucket or can of paint to find out if you need a primer and topcoat. (7%). The best compressors usually have a minimum of 5 hp. Unfortunately, there are probably as many levels of body quality as there are body suppliers. Hey, its Tony from LearnAutoBodyAndPaint with another Q&A series video. Gravity, excessive heat, and time can make the final installation a nightmare!

When products such as PPG Deltron are mixed with a fastdrying reducer, they dry very quickly and do not create a lot of overspray or waste. Instead, force some filler or putty into the hole with your finger, then knock off the excess with a second sanding pass. It can be reduced down 25% with DT870 Reducer to provide a thin, moisture-proof, sealing layer that gives you an excellent base to start working on. Wear eye protection, a mask so you dont inhale the glass dust, and cover your skin with long pants, sleeves, and gloves, or youll be itching for days to come. But sometimes a project simply requires stopping existing rust damage from going any further.

Unlike a rust inhibitor, epoxy primers are meant to be applied to bare metal before paint or under coating, and long before corrosion sets in. Thanks everyone for joining me today. Primer/Sealer: The function of this paint is to close off the porous surface of the fiberglass body. All necessary openings are sealed with tape and paper to avoid getting overspray on unpainted areas. Successfully diagnosing transmission problems is directly related to how well you understand how this transmission works. (Chopper guns are best used for broad, flat surfaces, like boat hulls.) The lower the number, the more abrasive the paper. The dark color shows all of the surface imperfections that need to be removed before the body is painted with its basecoat/clearcoat final finish. So you did your homework, shopped around, and decided on a fiberglass body for your next project. Use a basic halogen work light from the discount tool store and place it inside the fender on the frame rail to help it stay warm and set. Some are spray-adhesive and are easy to apply. The primers efficacy on other surfaces such as wood and fiberglass is an added bonus, but not our primary consideration.

Apply the paint using the same method as before. Poly primer is great for using over bare fiberglass and epoxy. This step usually takes half a day to complete. The best place to start is to get rolls of 80-, 150-, and 220- grit sandpaper. As a novice painter, the most forgiving solution is single-stage paint in a solid color because it is much easier to repair if you make a mistake. So However, I used chemical stripper designed for fiberglass and did By 15 he had painted his first car, and by 19 he ran his own successful auto body and paint shop. If you have to use shims to properly gap an areato fit the doors, for examplekeep in mind that because of fiberglasss flexibility, shimming in one place may throw off the gap somewhere else. Tom is applying the paint in a heated downdraft paint booth. The body has been repaired, filled, sanded, primed, and now shines with a new paint job.

After a week, the exposed primer's properties as a base coat will start to degrade. Speedway Deluxe 1923 T-Bucket Roadster Fiberglass Body, Speedway Standard 1923 Model T Roadster T-Bucket Fiberglass Body, Micro Sprint Billet Wing Actuator Adapter, Speedway Tech Talk - MD3 Modified Aero Valance Kit & Rocker Panels, How To Replace Door Hinge Pins and Bushings, Trunk Latches and Door Handles on a 1932 Ford, Speedway Tech Talk - Model A Roadster Windshield Post Options, Speedway Tech Talk - '32 Ford Grille Shell & Insert Options, How To Do Classic Car Body Work | Beginners Restoration. One of the nice things about fiberglass bodies is that their gelcoat finish acts like an initial guidecoat. [Click here to read more], Selecting a machine shop is a decision that must be carefully made. 2. Any major repairs or alterations usually require additional procedures to achieve professional results. It is available in grey, black or white. 1958 to 1962 Corvettes may be gel coated where necessary. Corvette Fiberglass Mats are available in 50 x 1 yard and 50 x 3 yards. If you are keeping the same color, these areas need to be protected with tape and paper. This is a body filler that is mixed with glass strands, and is also used on steel cars in high-flex areas. Poly primer is great for using over bare fiberglass and epoxy. If you dont install the part right away, be sure to clamp the piece to a frame or other rigid structure to avoid any warping or twisting. Its also harder to maintain a uniform amount of resin when using a chopper gun, and too much resin in the fiberglass makes the panels brittle. Talk to the experts. Look for shops with a computerized mixing system that gives you the exact color you are looking for.

The downdraft, heated paint booth is in the background. Remember to use it in an open area so the fumes disperse quickly. Epoxy paint must be mixed with a catalyst, just like epoxy resin. Dry thoroughly with clean paper towels and note never to allow the cleaner to air dry as it will leave contaminants on the panel. The suns heat will work out air bubbles in the resin so they wont cause problems when you paint. Be sure to thoroughly dry and wipe down the surface with clean paper towels and do any additional cleaning with a final wash or wax and grease remover. Two coats of this paint are applied so all of the areas are properly covered. It will also show off any low spots in the panels, as they will remain glossy when the surface around them is dull. However, I used chemical stripper designed for fiberglass and did Check out Zoolaa and Tamco HP-5310 D.T.M.

Repairs such as these should always be sanded and blocked smooth before laying down your first coat of primer.

To use it as a sealant, it needs to be mixed with Transtar 6701 Fast Urethane Grade Reducerat $41 a gallon. Suction guns have the paint container underneath the spray nozzle and air pressure draws it up and into the discharge nozzle. Sometimes they will need a little help and if you didnt assemble the parts before curing, do so before sanding and priming. Could anyone give me some recommendations which would be better to use? The least abrasive that is used to achieve a mirror like final finish is 3,000 wet/dry grit paper. Check out Zoolaa and Tamco HP-5310 D.T.M.

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