Ike27

Dub et al

Here are pictures of how the Ecklers cover is coming out. Any and all feedback is welcome.

Quite of bit of sanding, fitting, sanding but I don't want to take to much..

DUB

LOOKING GOOD...Then it will be how does it look after it has been primed and test fitted again.

DUB

Ike27

Dub

My body shop said they wanted them on the car when the painted. Is this the normal process?

Again thank you!

DUB

HELL NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!

There way is NOT correct....because how are you going to get paint on the flange that is NOW touching the body???? AND...you will either have a sharp tape edge...or paint 'bridging' the gap or seam.....EITHER WAY...a TOTAL FUSTER CLUCK!!!! And what about the primer that is needed so the paint will stick.

And to add to that...IF 'they' think that their way is the correct way of doing it...I would SERIOUSLY WONDER if 'they' are going to follow proper procedures to primer it and then use the CORRECT elastrometric additive to make sure the paint remains flexible.

Can it be done 'their way'...YES...and I can also brush house paint on it also if that is what you want. They have gotten into 'bad habits'...more than likely doing so much insurance collision work...'they have lost touch with reality....and chose the path that is the easiest.

DUB

Ike27

Alrighty then back to square one. I guess I need to find a vette shop in NJ. Is this a case of spraying the bumpers then mounting or spray test fit spray?

DUB

Is this a case of spraying the bumpers then mounting or spray test fit spray?

You lost me. The first part I get.....but the 'spray test fit spray'....what do you mean????

DUB

Ike27

Sorry...

Is this a case where I can just drop the covers off and have them sprayed or do they need the car?

I am new to the body work side of this so thanks for being patient.

DUB

The odds that the color perfectly matches is highly unlikely. REGARDLESS if the machine is used to 'read' the color and produce a formula. This machine...is for a BLENDABLE matches.....and NOT...BUTT-MATCHING.

SO....depending on the shop you take it too...and how close you want the color...and how many attempts they have in tinting the formula to get the best color match...is up to you and the $$$.

DUB

Ike27

Thanks again!

I am wondering if I should pick up an OEM front bumper from Wilcox? The Ecklers is not perfect. Do you think it's worth it?

DUB

It all depends. if WIllcox sells TRUE original GM bumpers....made with the current urethane technology....then it might be something to consider. But the bumper will distort...it is its nature to do so.....NO WAY around it.

All depends if you can live with the fit of the bumper you have now.

IF you plan on installing a rigid fiberglass bumper...which I often do....it really does not mater who you buy it from because it is the 'luck of the draw'. You can get one bumper with a twist in it and then the next one be perfect...and that perfect one may have air pockets UNDER the gelcoat in the sharp corners.

I prefer rigid fiberglass bumpers. Urethane is obviously faster....but I can dial in and fit a fiberglass bumper and get it looking really sweet. But it does take some time. AND in you case...with the front clip being painted...it would be EXTREMELY hard to accomplish without damaging the paint on the front clip.

DUB

Ike27

The bumpers are pretty dialed in and I found a shop not far from me who specialize in restoration. A great guy who knows a ton (thanks to you I knew what questions to ask). Remove bumpers try like hell to get the match as close as possible .. Remount. See how it looks..

Roll the dice but I think she should be all set cme spring!

Thank you again Dub!

DUB

If the guy you are using has a REALLY GOOD eye for color...and if you still have the original painted bumpers so he can use it to match against....it is just a matter of a drop here and there to adjust the color to get it VERY CLOSE. AND I mean that LITERALLY....a drop of toner can make all the difference....because usually when I am doing a custom mix for a small job like this. I am not mixing up a gallon of paint. SO the smaller volume of paint can be adjusted with drops of toner.

I HONESTLY hope it turns out very well for you.

DUB

Ike27

Dub etal

Here is the rear. Not to bad considering the paint on the body is original and I didn't want to blend it. What do you folks think?

DUB

Looks really good in the photo. BUT...that really does not matter what I think or anyone else....it is your car and if you are happy with it....that is ALL that matters.

Check that repair off your 'list'.

DUB

Ike27

Wise words yoda! Thanks

Dt86

Looks great to me! And that DUB's a very helpful fellow.

Ike27

Thanks DT

Ike27

Here is the all challenging nose..