Painting car thoughts and input

[thomer]

As we get closer to Paint time I just realized I will have a slight issue. I have removed everything doors fenders front end trunk lid everything. I had planned to paint in pieces however I just picked up a 4 inch cowl hood and realized I cannot test fit it now. Which brings me to what I do to fix that issue. Here is what I am thinking Im going to do.

High build the car in pieces. block down and wet sand primer.

Paint the jams, inside trunk area, front fender mount area, under side and edges of Hood and trunk lid, and then assemble the parts and and paint it assembled taping off the door jams and trunk area. I only bought 1 gallon of paint so maybe I need to get another gallon?

Does this seem reasonable? I understand that by spraying the under side of the hood and edges that I may have to repaint at least the edges if we have to make any modifications for a clean fit but that still seem more reasonable than not painting the underside.

Will be using single stage urethane no clear as we want the satin finish look instead of a high gloss anyway.

 

[camaro lover]

i bought a new 2 inch cowl hood for my 76 a couple years ago and it was bad. took it to my body shop for fitment before paint and the gaps were way off and it had a big bow in the one side. not fixable so i sent it back for a refund and never tried another one. hope yours is better then mine was. scary thought not being able to test fit it before paint. these chinese hoods have some issues.

 

[Zspoiler]

What company ? I have a 6" cowl hood on my 1979 Z-28 RS Camaro.It didn`t take much fitting. I have also had luck with Harwood on a 1973 Nova SS HB I had

 

[camaro lover]

it was a dynacorn steel hood #1069a

 

[perkalator]

Assemble the car or you will regret it. A few days labor is easier to live with than a car that doesnt look good.

 

[CasperCasper]

Assemble the car or you will regret it. A few days labor is easier to live with than a car that doesnt look good.

100% the truth. Spend the extra week fitting the hood and getting the front end bang on, then paint it and forget it.

 

[jester1]

You could prep in pieces only after the car was assembled and you know everything fits. As far as the hood, not a chance in hell " unless " your not to keen on gaps, and even if your not you'll have no idea if the hood is twisted or welded correctly.
Example I had aftermarket fenders installed all except the front mask, I knew what to do and where to fix the door gaps. Everything fit quit good I was almost impressed until I bolted up the mask. Holly could not fix that catastrophe even if you tried suffice to say I didn't I sent them back.

 

[phat80]

I know some people will jump all over me for this but whatever. Spray on your color, 1 tack coat of clear followed by a medium coat of clear.
Lightly sand the clear coat to expose the orange peel. Assemble everything and spray the final clear coats.

I suggest this because no matter how flat and perfect the pieces look you will be AMAZED at what you find when hit that clear coat with 1200 or whatever you use on the 1st sanding. You may find you to have to do a respray on some pieces....you do not want to discover that after your final finish coats when to are doing cut and buff.

Painting takes a hell of a long time. it is a lot work.

 

[larrylarry]

Why not paint everthing like you said except the new hood. Put everything back on, lined up, good gap lines then try on the unpainted hood. Id buy another 3 qts of paint.