Paint Bubbles
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7th Gear
Joined: Apr 2012
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Paint Bubbles
I bought a '64 Sting Ray two years ago. It was inspected by a former NCRS judge who determined that the car was original in every respect except a few minor odds and ends, such as hose clamps, etc. It is know that at sometime in the distant past, perhaps 15-20 years ago, the car was repainted. There are some very tiny bubbles in the paint where the separate body panels are bonded together, such as the quarter panels. I understand that, while not common, this is a problem that others have also experienced. Have any of you had the problem and do you have anything to offer from your experience, especially measures to take when repainting to reasonably assure it won't happen again? Thanks!
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Central Arkansas
I don't know if that might be from the original GM bonding agent or not. You wouldn't think after all these years it would be reacting but who kows. If it is showing up right on top of the bonding joint and especially if you can still see the original bonding joints reflecting through the paint - then it probably is. Only way to tell for sure is to strip the body and see what is there. It could be something the painter prepped the bond joints with to smooth them up and it's reacting with the old bonding agent or something. When you repaint the car you will have to decide how close to original do you want to be. If not too concerned about having a better body and paint job than GM put on them, then most people will dish grind out the bonding joint and fiberglass back over them, sand, skim with filler and prime.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
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From: Charlotte NC
I don't know if that might be from the original GM bonding agent or not. You wouldn't think after all these years it would be reacting but who kows. If it is showing up right on top of the bonding joint and especially if you can still see the original bonding joints reflecting through the paint - then it probably is. Only way to tell for sure is to strip the body and see what is there. It could be something the painter prepped the bond joints with to smooth them up and it's reacting with the old bonding agent or something. When you repaint the car you will have to decide how close to original do you want to be. If not too concerned about having a better body and paint job than GM put on them, then most people will dish grind out the bonding joint and fiberglass back over them, sand, skim with filler and prime.
This is where the dilemma begins. Do I paint it like an original and have it fail...or do it BETTER than the factory and have people constantly tell you that you 'over restored the car' and ruined it.
It has everything to do with how you want the car. Because it is really hard to have BOTH. NOT impossible...just really hard to 'trick' the eye. A perfect body without using improved materials under it which can change is overall appearance.
Many of my customers have this dilemma in front of them ( in more than just paint also) and like I tell them: "Make it the way you want it. Its your car. And depending on if it is going to be sold in the future and that is a concern...it will all depend on what target market you are going after. Worrying about what 'others' think is pointless...it is all about the joy, happiness and excitement you get out of it...unless you bought it to either inflate your ego or have your ego stoked by others".
DUB
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7th Gear
Joined: Apr 2012
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Dan and Dub
Dan and Dub, thank you for your feedback. Much appreciated. Right now, what makes moist sense to me is to dish grind out the bonding joint and fiberglass back over them, sand, skim with filler and prime, as Dan has suggested. Would be happy to hear from anyone who has gone this route.
I'll be sending out a post on another matter...a possible "vapor lock" problem.
Thanks again.
This is where the dilemma begins. Do I paint it like an original and have it fail...or do it BETTER than the factory and have people constantly tell you that you 'over restored the car' and ruined it.
It has everything to do with how you want the car. Because it is really hard to have BOTH. NOT impossible...just really hard to 'trick' the eye. A perfect body without using improved materials under it which can change is overall appearance.
Many of my customers have this dilemma in front of them ( in more than just paint also) and like I tell them: "Make it the way you want it. Its your car. And depending on if it is going to be sold in the future and that is a concern...it will all depend on what target market you are going after. Worrying about what 'others' think is pointless...it is all about the joy, happiness and excitement you get out of it...unless you bought it to either inflate your ego or have your ego stoked by others".
DUB
I'll be sending out a post on another matter...a possible "vapor lock" problem.
Thanks again.
This is where the dilemma begins. Do I paint it like an original and have it fail...or do it BETTER than the factory and have people constantly tell you that you 'over restored the car' and ruined it.
It has everything to do with how you want the car. Because it is really hard to have BOTH. NOT impossible...just really hard to 'trick' the eye. A perfect body without using improved materials under it which can change is overall appearance.
Many of my customers have this dilemma in front of them ( in more than just paint also) and like I tell them: "Make it the way you want it. Its your car. And depending on if it is going to be sold in the future and that is a concern...it will all depend on what target market you are going after. Worrying about what 'others' think is pointless...it is all about the joy, happiness and excitement you get out of it...unless you bought it to either inflate your ego or have your ego stoked by others".
DUB
