Hi,
I am reaching the point in my 1970 442 W-30 convertible restoration where paint is just around the corner. I wondered if anyone can recommend a paint system that is typically used in concours or show winning restorations? For example, Gardner exhaust systems seem to be the defacto choice for a lot of the top shelf restorations that I have heard/read about when it comes to the choice of an exhaust system. Is there a similiar popular choice when it comes to top shelf paint jobs?

Thanks for any input,
Richard.

 

It all depends....your local supplier may only carry certain brands. Dupont, PPG, Glasuruit, Sikkens.....but my personal favorite would be Spies Hecker.

 

Frankly, all the major brands are comparable. Find an auto paint store near you and use what they have. The pre-paint prep and application of the paint are far more important than the brand.

 

Thanks guys,
Just wanted to make sure there wasn't a standout paint system used by a majority of resto shops. The prep work has been done by an excellent body man, but he is not a painter unfortunately. I have found a lot of collision repair type shops around my area (Norfolk/Va Beach) but not any real high end paint shops. I'll keep looking, would like to have it done locally but open to suggestions on that as well.

Richard.

 

I have always used RM Diamont paint. I noticed Overhaulin and the old Boyd Coddington also using it. I saw an interview with Chip Foose and he said he liked this paint becaue he know the toners so well he could mix his own colors easily and it was a quality paint.

Since RM was probably sponsoring them with free paint, that may not necessarily mean much. I am not a professional, just a picky picky hobbiest that paints one car per year. I know others that swear by PPG and DuPont.

I don't think you will find a good painter that uses a cheap paint system. Show quality painters and good paint go hand in hand. I would stay away from any of the accellerated clear coat systems.

 

painting my 31 was my first experience with base/clear method. I was amazed how easy it was to work with. I used Dupont ChromaBase

 

That is what I used.

Came out great.

 

Thanks for all the input, the car has been primed with the following Dupont products already, so I'll probably stick with that system for the paint as well. Any comments on the products listed below?

DuPont™ 2540S™ Epoxy DTM LF (Gray) ValueShade® 4
DuPont™ ChromaSurfacer™ 7704S,™ 2K Urethane Primer-Filler

Thanks,
Richard.

 

Those are good quality products.

Is the car going to be block sanded?

 

Yes it will definitely be block sanded, are those products still good choices with that in mind?

Thanks,
Richard.

 

That, in part, is what the 7704S is for.....assuming whoever sprayed it on didn't just lay down a couple thin coats. If you are doing it yourself it's HIGHLY ADVISABLE to obtain the "info" or tech sheets that DuPont should have available for that product. These sheets (also referred to as "P-Sheets") list info about the product, mixing ratios, recommended spraying methods, how many coats, flash times, sanding, etc....you really should have them on hand if you are doing this and aren't familiar with the product.

You'll probably need to respray the car again with the 7704S and block sand it a second time after blocking down the 7704S that's on there now....and possibly more than that. It just depends how it blocks out and how slick you want the final finish to be.

It's not clear from your postings....who is doing this work? A body shop? You? (You mention another guy doing some initial work but it's unclear after that).

 

I currently have an excellent body man who has done the body work but he is not a painter, I am looking for a good painter in my area but the ones that he knows are mostly collision repair specialists. I think I would be better served using someone who has experience painting show quality cars. I'm in the Norfolk/Va Beach area if you know of anyone.

Thanks,
Richard.

 

what makes you think that a collision shop painter couldn't handle a show quality paint job?

 

I'm sure there are many that could, I feel my chances are better at getting a show quality paint job by using a specialist who primarily does that type of work. I know my body man's shop does a lot of nice collision repair work but he tells me they have to get cars in and out pretty quickly to make a profit on insurance claims etc. I am sure it comes down to the specific painter no matter where he learned his skills, but feel I can stack the odds if the painter I use has done previous show quality paint jobs.

Richard.

 

actually my car was shot by a collision company the paint job was the best part of the job they did, the little things like reusing the correct bolts and lot losing parts was the difficult things for them to handle

 

none of the big name shops in my area (Northern VA) will touch my car. It's ridiculous. That goes for mechanical and and bodywork. All they wanna do is insurance work.