> I would think that even a "really" cheap paint job would have to cost
> over $1000 to have any chance of being worth spending any
> money having it done. These super cheap paint jobs are a good
> way to ruin a vehicle.
There is a better way, IMHO. I used to paint cars and do bodywork for hobby.
However, the changes in paint over the last few years has me changing my
mine on painting myself. You need $400 of pressurized mask to keep it from
killing you. Not like the old acrylic and laquers.....I still do minor fixes
using spray cans and color sanding. Followed by a polish and you can't tell
it was hurt.
If I were you, and you wanted to keep the car, I'd take off the old finish,
prep it, and get a guy with the right stuff to shoot it. How to take it off?
Start with chemicals and see what the body shops use. See if it's not too
toxic. You can also mechanically strip it using wire wheels on grinders and
wearing a face shield and good mask. I use a flex sanding disc on a 4"
Harbor Freight grinder, grit 220. You can do it sections, if you aren't
worried about rust forming. Light stuff is ok. However, don't use a lot of
primer anywhere as it may not be compatable with what the pro will put on
top. HTH
Mountain Mike^^ - 09 Sep 2006 05:41 GMT
Update on stripping. I've since found out that they make a gizmo that looks
like plastic steel wool or scruber to be used with a grinder. Doesn't hurt
the steel!
MM^^
Mark Jones - 09 Sep 2006 15:13 GMT
> Update on stripping. I've since found out that they make a gizmo that
> looks like plastic steel wool or scruber to be used with a grinder.
> Doesn't hurt the steel!
Wouldn't be a good idea to use this on my Corvette. It would
cost a fortune to have a car show grade paint job done on
my car. Luckily the paint still looks great.
My truck is less than 3 years old, so the paint still looks real
good on it too.
Clay - 09 Sep 2006 16:26 GMT
Soda blasting will do a very good job of paint removal. Soda blasting
is what is used on fiberglass and composits as it kind to the
substrait. When the Statue of Liberty was restored, an ARMEX baking
soda system was used to clean up the copper skin.
Soda blasting is great because it does not generate heat like some
forms of abrasive blasting. Heat, generated while blasting, can warp
the metal.
Gator wheels will remove paint and some rust. Available LOWE"S.
The OTHER Kevin in San Diego - 09 Sep 2006 22:16 GMT
>Soda blasting will do a very good job of paint removal. Soda blasting
>is what is used on fiberglass and composits as it kind to the
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
>the metal.
>Gator wheels will remove paint and some rust. Available LOWE"S.
Plastic media blasting also works VERY well on removing paint without
harming the sufrace underneath. One of the local custom rod shops
uses this technique exclusively and convinced me to try it on some
projects I've done around here..
Whitelightning - 10 Sep 2006 00:24 GMT
> Plastic media blasting also works VERY well on removing paint without
> harming the sufrace underneath. One of the local custom rod shops
> uses this technique exclusively and convinced me to try it on some
> projects I've done around here..
Lets not forget crushed walnut shells.
Whitelightning
putt@webtv.net - 09 Sep 2006 12:05 GMT
>If I were you, and I wanted to keep the
> car, I'd take off the old finish, prep it,
> and get a guy with the right stuff to
> shoot it.
Keep the car? lol Yeah, I think I'll keep it. It's just getting broke
in now!
You are right, but I'm no longer able to do much physical work (a touch
of C), so that's why I'm looking. Also, even if I could still do this,
I have no where to do it.
I've found a solution though. My daughters long-time boyfriend/husband
is a long time friend of the manager of a econo shop. According to him,
their best job is $700 and he/I can get it done for $400. He knows how
well I keep my vehicles, so I'm thinking he will make sure it's done
right. Anyway, I don't have another choice, so....
Dave S(Texas)