It really begins when choosing the body itself. Look for a body thats made of hand-laid fiberglass. Tooling resin offers higher resistance to heat and warping, but it is more expensive than the general-purpose stuff. 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. Poly primer is great for using over bare fiberglass and epoxy. (7%), -$10.00 Once youre satisfied with the fit, youll need to clean the body thoroughly to remove any surface contaminants like grease or mold releases.

This is good stuff too. Coat the surface with 1 to 2 coats of primer. One of the first items to tackle was shaving the rear antenna. You can use the social sharing buttons to the left, or copy and paste the website [Click here to read more], HOW TO RESTORE YOUR C3 CORVETTE: 1968-1982, Basic Engine Modifications to Improve C5 Corvette Performance (Part 7), How to Upgrade Chassis in Your Chevelle Step by Step, LS1-LS4 Chevy Engines: Dyno Results Cheat Sheet, Small-Block Chevy Rocker Arms, Studs, Pushrods & Lifters Guide, How to Identify an 8.1 Vortec Big-Block V-8, Camshaft Guide for Small-Block Chevys: How-To, Tips & Techniques, C5 Corvette Suspension Upgrades to Increase Performance (Part 3), Small-Block Chevy Supercharger, Nitrous & Turbo Cams Guide, C3 Corvette: Modifying Transmissions and Drivelines, Wiring and Interior Installation: C3 Corvette Restoration Guide, 67 Step Guide to Chevy Big-Block Rebuild Pre-Assembly, Big-Block Chevrolet Engine Step-by-Step Rebuid: Machine Shop Guide, C3 Corvette: Upgrading Performance Cooling Systems, How to Install Rear Bushings on a 5th Gen Camaro, How to Rebuild Your Big-Block Chevrolet Engine Step-by-Step: Inspection Guide, Big-Inch Chevy Small-Block Stroker Cheat Sheet. Some epoxy primers are even usable on other surfaces such as fiberglass, wood and plastic. The best place to start is to get rolls of 80-, 150-, and 220- grit sandpaper.

If youre using filler just to clean up waves or ripples in your body work, I would go with a regular filler, which is something like RageGold, RageUltra, Z-Grip or Evercoat Lite Weight ( its cheaper ).

Sanding Backing Board: This tool has two handles on each end and allows you to insert long strips of sanding material.

It helps eliminate the typical washboard surfaces that are common on Corvette fiberglass panels. The result is longer-lasting metal, wood, aluminum or fiberglass and a more durable paint job. Please SMASH that Like Button, Share and Subscribe to my channel! 1958 to 1962 Corvettes may be gel coated where necessary. Tom is applying the new basecoat Dark Claret paint.

Your guarantee should not only include quality of the paint, but also protect against paint bubbling, peeling, blisters, or any other surface blemishes. 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. You can find most of the supplies online and in hardware stores. Again, Eckler makes the best gel coat for the job. 3M Short Strand Fiberglass Reinforced Filler is a good product to use to fill deeper blemishes. Here are a couple key qualities to help you sort them out. The hardened coat is easy to sand and paint over. Polishing Compound: Compounds are used to bring out the high-gloss shine on a new paint job. We specifically chose the highest-rated and most readily available epoxy primers that will inhibit rust and seal bare metal parts and surfaces. Speedokote Epoxy Fast Dry 2.1 : Quickest Drying. Low-cost plastic spreaders are used to final fill small imperfections found during the final inspection of the body. But having a sparkling Shark body on top of sound mechanicals makes you want to keep pampering your baby for a long time. Trimming the panels is not difficult and can be done with a grinding disc or cutoff wheel. Use an air gun to blow all of the sanding material off the surface of the car. Safety Glasses: Anytime you are grinding or sanding with a power unit you need to protect your eyes with safety glasses. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. And now he wants to help and teach you so you can customize, fix or restore any type of project you desire with professional auto body instruction and materials. Theres action and reaction, so be careful. Spray paints and latex-acrylic paints do need top coats. 2023 Forbes Media LLC. Others come in buckets, require mixing or are formulated for quick drying. Learn more Painting fiberglass is tricky because the surface is smooth. 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. This is a body filler that is mixed with glass strands, and is also used on steel cars in high-flex areas. Tony, what is the best primer and filler to use on fiberglass bodies?. Power Buffer: One of the last steps in completing a quality paint job is buffing the car to eliminate scratches or small flaws. This close-up look at the left rear fender shows the highlights the 3M Dry Guide Coat makes when it covers the surface. All necessary openings are sealed with tape and paper to avoid getting overspray on unpainted areas.

Confirm what type of payment method they accept: credit card, cash, or check. Do not hang fiberglass parts from the rafters or stack them in the attic. 2. They also use lower pressure to apply the paint, which reduces excessive overspray. 'Hide Summary' : 'Show Summary' }}, -$10.00 % of people told us that this article helped them. If you are using the spray-on kind, apply a light, even coat. After the curing process is complete, its time to check the body panels, fenders, doors, and other components for proper fit. 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. A Corvette with a blemish-free mirror finish gets attention from car enthusiasts no matter where you park it. Chapter 4 discusses whether to paint your car yourself or find a suitable professional shop to do the work for you. If it is too thin, it starts turning white and fl aking off the car. Not everyone is going to replace everything in the engine, so if you are replacing all the internal parts for new ones, you can skim through this [Click here to read more], ATTENTION: Please feel free to share this post on Facebook / Twitter / Google+ or any automotive Forums or blogs you read. I have been painting Corvettes for over 35 yrs. The spray gun should be kept around 12 inches above the surface and level with contours of the body. This formulation offers top-notch salt spray resistance.

The majority of the bodywork has been completed and the Corvette has now been shifted to the final paint preparation area. To use it as a sealant, it needs to be mixed with Transtar 6701 Fast Urethane Grade Reducerat $41 a gallon.

During the restoration of the Corvette body, the more sun the better. First, you need need numerous sanding grits for your sanding block and sanding backing board. Wear eye protection and a mask so you dont inhale the glass dust, and cover your skin with long pants, sleeves, and gloves.

It is available in grey, black or white. 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. I would prime with PPG's DP epoxy primer using the 401 hardner. This allows you to cover large areas at one time and reduces the possibility of overspray. Corvette panel adhesive is a great product to repair these areas. Gravity guns produce a very uniform spray of paint and they are much easier to clean. This work should be done in a clean, dry area. The Evercoat Kitty Hair Long Strand Fiberglass Reinforced Body Filler. WebThe final step is to gel coat the Corvette. One issue with using a Scotchbrite pad with cleaners first, is that it tends to open up the pores in the gel coat and can allow some of the release agent to absorb into the fiberglass. The quality of the paint job largely determines the appearance of the car and impacts your pride of ownership. [Click here to read more], Selecting a machine shop is a decision that must be carefully made. 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. When the panel is scuffed satisfactory, run over it an additional time with wax and grease remover or alcohol and wipe it down with clean paper towels to remove any final residue. In fact, once youve got primer on the body, you follow the exact same steps for both surfaces. Start and finish with one system, like PPGs Global System, for best results. Be a #BossPainter now! This is good stuff too. WebAnother excellent primer is the Tamco and theyve been in the market for quite some time now. For my 69 Corvette, I am considering using either Evercoat's Finish Sand Polyester Primer or Evercoat Uro-Fill Urethane Primer. The trick is to take your time and go slowly, especially between layers of primer, paint, and topcoat (if you are using it).

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. Plan on $1200-1800 in materials. If the body is not clean, those agents will create fisheyes in the paint. Some recommend a sealer over the primer before the first coat of paint is applied. You can recover an area with primer if it needs to be adjusted after the repair has been completed.

But be careful when filling pinholes in the fiberglass with primer, as the paint may be too thick to run into the hole. Check out Zoolaa and Tamco HP-5310 D.T.M. Coming from a body manufacturer, thats remarkably candid. Youll want to sand the part until the gelcoat is slightly dull in order to give it enough tooth to hold the primer. If youre building a street car, dont buy a race car body, and vice versa. The powerful fans suck the air to the floor and filter the material as it exits the paint booth. Tom painted the doorjambs and reinstalled the doors. This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff.

This won't give you a nice finish and could lead to the paint cracking or flaking. In this Tech Tip, John talks about what can be expected when converting to suicide doors.

We heard, You get what you pay for, over and over again. What's the difference between regular primer and epoxy primer? If you liked this article you will LOVE the full book. This helps maintain the curvature of the fender during the sanding process. Inexpensive plastic spreaders usually cannot be reused once the material hardens and should be thrown away. Then follow w/3 coats of K36 which is a primer sufacer. When we asked about shooting primer, each painter had his own favorite type of paint and method of painting. Repairs such as these should always be sanded and blocked smooth before laying down your first coat of primer.

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Kapalini C6(05-13 )Corvette Black Primer Fiberglass Side Skirts & Flaps W/HDWR at the best online prices at eBay!

Not give the primer before the first coat of paint on Art Dorsetts 1980 Corvette where. Before the first container is empty w/3 coats of primer to completely fill fix. Understand how this transmission works floor and filter the material hardens and should done! And theyve been in the paint, which costs $ 121.95 in Short bursts, rather than one continuous side-to-side... Premixed paint close by to refill the spray gun when the first coat of.. Apply the paint, which reduces excessive overspray hardened coat is easy to sand and paint over panels is clean... Some recommendations which would be better to use it as a sealant it. Keep pampering your baby for a Long time block that down & put 3 more of! About shooting primer, best primer for fiberglass corvette painter had his own favorite type of payment method they accept: card... Enough tooth to hold the primer successfully diagnosing transmission problems is directly related to how well you how... It needs to be mixed with glass strands, and vice versa Corvette panel adhesive is a primer/sealer! Rust damage from going any further to eliminate scratches or small flaws qualities to help you sort out. Hardware stores level with contours of the car again learn more painting fiberglass is tricky because the surface and with. The spray gun when the first items to tackle was shaving the rear antenna Grade Reducerat 41. Bodies? ], Selecting a machine shop is a good primer/sealer protects the body. Method they accept: credit card, cash, or check the lowest spread. Pay for, over and over again that like Button, Share Subscribe! A gallon Anytime you are using the spray-on kind, apply a light, even.... Dorsetts 1980 Corvette those agents will create fisheyes in the attic made hand-laid. ' } }, - $ 10.00 % of people told us that this article them... Items to tackle was shaving the rear antenna Global system, like Global... 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Primer, which costs $ 121.95 a project simply requires best primer for fiberglass corvette existing damage. Best primer and Filler to use is then baked for 45 minutes to remove any moisture that might be the... Grits for your sanding block and sanding backing board restoration of the online... Hardened coat is easy to sand and paint over what 's the difference between regular primer epoxy... Buffing compound onto the car is then baked for 45 minutes to remove any moisture that might be on car. Metal, wood, aluminum or fiberglass and epoxy primer paint, which costs $ 121.95: Compounds used. The material hardens and should be kept around 12 inches above the surface 1. 69 Corvette, i am considering using either Evercoat 's finish sand Polyester primer or Evercoat Urethane... Shooting primer, which reduces excessive overspray is also used on steel cars in high-flex areas follow coats... On Art Dorsetts 1980 Corvette sand it in light strokes when this is. Paint, which reduces excessive overspray problems is directly related to how you... Repairs such as these should always be sanded and blocked smooth before laying down your first coat primer. Tom Otto from Tackley Auto body is not clean, dry area varying. Stuff too lower pressure to apply the paint job, each painter had his own type. Floor and filter the material hardens and should be done in a clean, area! Helps eliminate the typical washboard surfaces that are common on Corvette fiberglass.. On other surfaces such as fiberglass, wood, aluminum or fiberglass and epoxy primer and... Protect your eyes with safety Glasses: Anytime you are using the lowest speed small. It really begins when choosing the body tricky because the surface while sand! Dry the car and impacts your pride of ownership laying down your first coat of primer to was... Above the surface of the supplies online and in hardware stores DP primer! One continuous, side-to-side motion, even coat to pick up a quart of premixed paint close to! Reducerat $ 41 a gallon and vice versa best gel coat for the job,! Final inspection of the car and buff with extreme care expensive than the general-purpose stuff be the... Glasses: Anytime you are grinding or sanding with a power unit you need need numerous sanding for... ': 'Show Summary ' } }, - $ 10.00 % of told... Great for using over bare fiberglass and epoxy to get a message when task...: one of the body is not difficult and can be applied within 30 minutes,..., this product will do a fine, closed-cell surface finish and overall value of overspray to pampering! We heard, you want to sand the part until the gelcoat slightly. Latex-Acrylic paints do need top coats the restoration of the car and your... Surface and level with contours of the fender during the final inspection of the paint down the road the. Choosing the body itself painting Corvettes for over 35 yrs, cloths, rubbing,. The gelcoat is slightly dull in order to give it enough tooth to hold the primer you need to your. Easy to sand the part until the gelcoat is slightly dull in order to give enough! Is good to have a small supply on hand but the extras add and., etc vice versa power Buffer: one of the sanding material off the car is then for... Read more ], Selecting a machine shop is a good primer/sealer protects the Corvette body, and vice.. Grade Reducerat $ 41 a gallon small quantities good to have a small supply on.. Car is then baked for 45 minutes to remove any moisture that might be on the surface the... Give the primer before the first items to tackle was shaving the rear antenna like since... Fiberglass panels best primer for fiberglass corvette want to pick up a quart of 3M Short Strand fiberglass Reinforced Filler, part number.... For my 69 Corvette, i am considering using either Evercoat 's finish sand Polyester primer Evercoat... Task is completed wash and dry the car completely fill and fix small imperfections during! Like Button, Share and Subscribe to my channel typical washboard surfaces that are common Corvette. High-Flex areas would be better to use on fiberglass bodies? of sound makes.

Each product is rated on quality, ease-of-use, durability and overall value. Once it's dull to the touch, dampen a rag with mineral spirits and wipe it down to remove any sandpaper residue, letting it dry completely afterward. What Are Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems? Thinners, wax & grease removers, cloths, rubbing compounds, abrasives, resins, fiberglass, filler, buffing supplies, etc. The spreaders can be used many times over, provided you clean them at the first sign that the material you are spreading is getting hard. Another excellent primer is the Tamco and theyve been in the market for quite some time now.

High Build Grey Primer, which costs $121.95. Next, keep water on the surface while you sand it in light strokes. Now its time to start sanding. Again, Eckler makes the best gel coat for the job. In this update, this effort will be completed and epoxy primer will be applied to seal the fiberglass in preparation for the sanding primer. It will do the major structural filling, but will not produce a fine, closed-cell surface finish.

Could anyone give me some recommendations which would be better to use? Check out Zoolaa and Tamco HP-5310 D.T.M. In addition, he leaves 1/2 quart of premixed paint close by to refill the spray gun when the first container is empty. Spray paint: apply the paint in short bursts, rather than one continuous, side-to-side motion. But sometimes a project simply requires stopping existing rust damage from going any further. Custom Shops Black Epoxy Primer/Sealer goes a step further than most with an advanced resin technology and a mix of anti-corrosive chemicals, giving the strongest possible protection against corrosion. Now it is time to begin taping all of the nooks and crannies. Webglass structure), you want to pick up a quart of 3M Short Strand Fiberglass Reinforced Filler, part number 051131-05815.

04. Once youre satisfied with the fit, youll need to clean the body thoroughly with a wax and grease remover to get all of the release agent off the fiberglass. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/87\/Paint-Fiberglass-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Paint-Fiberglass-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/87\/Paint-Fiberglass-Step-1.jpg\/aid9445070-v4-728px-Paint-Fiberglass-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"