so i was in a sort of argument with a buddy of mine and the argument is this.

when repainting a car is it better to take it down to the bare metal or not?

ok and.... go! discuss lol

 

"Better?"

Bare metal is always better.
You get to remove other people's mistakes and poor prep work and be sure you're doing it right.

However,
If you are certain that what's underneath is perfectly fine (an all-original car with factory paint, let's say), then you probably won't gain any durability or quality by stripping to bare metal, so long as you prep and paint the existing surface properly.

- Eric

 

If it has ever been repainted, I think you need to strip it down to the metal.

 

i paint for a living, its better 2 strip it 2 metal but costs ALOT more and you never know whats under the paint

 

it had a frame off restore so i think i am going to strip it down all the way

i wanna personally make sure it gets done not only correctly but to see what is wrong.

@SX455 what will make it cost more btw?

 

you said it had a frame off resto allready was that with a paint job?? or do you mean its going threw a frame off resto now and still needs paint? if the car allready had a frame off resto than most likley its been taken 2 metal allready

it costs more because its ALOT more work, 1st you have 2 strip it 2 metal, than treat the metal, work the metal, than body work, seal it, than start your blocking, its alot more work!!! if the body is straight and dosnt have major paint build up all you have 2 do is sand, block, paint its alot cheaper than striping it

 

With a frame off restore, or an other previous bodywork, you are best off to strip to bare metal. Your friend would be correct that it's better not to go go bare metal only if it's factory paint that hadn't been touched, as the factory paint is rumored to have better adhesion qualities than aftermarket. Once the factory stuff is gone/replaced, the magic is gone, and bare metal is best.