Painting of NOS sheet metal.

[pszikszai]

I am restoring a 51 starlight coupe which with the exception of the body shell will have
all NOS sheet metal.
My question is how do I proceed painting these body panels which are still in factory primer
that seems to be in good condition?

Thanks
Paul

[COMMANDERPINK1]

You are going to open a big can of worms on this subject and get a dozen of different answers for primers and types of topcoats and the mixing of product lines. Have you searched past threads on this?
Tom

[woodysrods]

I agree!
Any good paint rep that is worth his salt will tell you that you have to use one product line from the metal to the final top coat whether it be clear or color.
My recomendation is to strip the old protective primer off and start fresh. As some parts were lacquer primered. Which should not be left under any of the new paints on the market.
Good Luck
&
Good Roads
Brian

[junior]

Hey, Brian is on the forum...was hoping you would address this question. Perhaps you are an hour ahead of me today. Regards, junior.

[COMMANDERPINK1]

Agree totally with Brian
Tom

[52 Ragtop]

As long as there is NO rust or peeling issues, use 180 grit on a DA sander, make sure there are NO shinny spots on the old primer when done, use an Etching Primer then build up with a 2 part epoxy primer. Block sand and paint.
"most likely" the factory primer is an enamel base product. We use to ust use that as an etching primer long before etching primer came on the scene, as it will pretty much stick to anything.

YES use one system from the etching primer through the top coat!!

Jim

[jeds55]

Clean...Dry...Dull. You can't beat bare metal when starting a paint project!

That simply cuts through all the "time saving short cuts".

[wdills]

I am a member of the strip to to bare metal club. You never know what is on replacement sheet metal. If it is lacquer, you don't want to leave that under you new paint.

I am not a pro painter, but I have painted about 20 cars. I have started with etch primer on bare metal and epoxy on sanded/blasted bare metal. Never had a problem with either. My personal preference is sandblast the paint/primer off a part and start with 2 coats of epoxy and then a couple coats of high build urethane. Then I start block sanding.

Wayne

[royvaldez]

Wayne, I do the same thing. 2 coats of epoxy and then a couple coats of hight build urethane.