paint project goes on (pics)
I'm still working on the prep of my vette and I want to share pictures for having advices on my job.
I have to final block sand with 150 grit before applying primer dp 40 and k-38. At this moment, the car is stripped with razor blades and 80 grits wheres it has been needed. I have to do some bondo job too.
Here's the car:





And here is the proud owner:

At this moment, this is more a big restoration projet than a paint projet. Last week-end, I took off carpets and trims inside the car. I have a hole in the floor and some rust at the top of the birdcage on the passenger side :



Here's the look of the inside before:

And here's what I done this week-end: drifting on ice (What a feeling to spin around in security and to hear the thunder of side-pipes:


And here is where my baby sleeps this winter. Look at the snow. We might beat some record of precipitation this year in the province of Quebec in Canada. But I've been working every week-end on the car.
My next step is to wait for hot temperature to spray the paint bc/cc.

The technique of painting I will to use is simple: Doing exactly what the Lars paper says to do.
Btw, the engine runs as a new one even at -20 celcius. The carb as been rebuilt by a local pro.
Good luck.......
Nice to see you got it stripped.
I can't imagine doing that amount of work outside...in Quebec...in the winter (especially the lower halves of the body panels)
General 'Vette Info
Two different construction techniques have been used to manufacture Corvette body panels over the years. When the 'Vette made its debut, the new "FRP" body was a major innovation. "Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic" was a construction method that could be used to make lightweight panels with curves and design features that could not be easily duplicated in stamped steel. The body was basically built just like a fiberglass swimming pool or a boat hull: A "chopgun" was used to blow fiberglass strands and resin into a mold that was first coated with resin to produce a smooth surface finish on the body parts. This technique was used through the 1981 model year.
1982 was a unique transition year in many respects. Fuel injection was added to the 'Vette, and a computer was installed to manage all major engine functions. '82 also saw the advent of a revised body panel construction. "Structural Matted Components," or SMC panels, were thinner and lighter due to a laminate construction using more plastic and less 'glass. This panel type is used on all of our C4 'Vettes, and partially on the groundbreaking '82.
The composite materials on all 'Vettes require use of specific techniques and materials. Treating a 'Vette like a steel car can cause irreparable damage to the body: metal paint stripping techniques cannot be used, and fillers designed for use on steel will not adhere properly to the FRP or SMC panels. So read on to get the real scoop on the right stuff to use….
I don't have the rest of the article but if I remember correctly, working on something earlier than 1982, you might want to get body filler that can specifically used on FRP material.
Terry
Champ85 say:
I can't imagine doing that amount of work outside...in Quebec...in the winter (especially the lower halves of the body panels)
This is easy to strip lower halves because I can lay down myself in the clean snow. It's easy too to work work under the car behind the rear wheels. I've been cleaning and painting this spot. I wear googles for that.




alan 71 say :
You're proving that "Nothing is more fun than playing around with an old car".
That why I bought this 1979 car. I paid it 6,000$ (american and canadian dollars are currently about the same). I knew there was a lot of job to do but I love to work on the car. It was a gamble when I bought it. Luckily, the car is in good shape. The frame is in great shape and engine had been rebuilt. My money pit was the direction. I spent about 4,000$, including the rebuilt of the diff. I have to pay attention at the birdcage. It's not a catastrophy, but needs some touch up :




tnovot say:
You said you have some bondo to do? Do you mean to use that term loosely or are you planning to actually use Bondo.
Good observation. I'm going to use only specialized products for fiberglass recommended by my local PPG store. I know them and I can trust them.
At this moment my project goes well. The main reason is that the forum gives me enough confidence to go thru. All infos are here and some pros like Lars know what they say. I will send more pictures as my project goes on. I invite you all to do the same. This is the best way to learn.
Tank you all,
Claude
PS: Soryy for mistakes, I'm a french Canadian.
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Do I have to weld only the plate I'm going to place to do a new floor or do I have to do to some weld in the birdcage?
Also, I have heard that a special glue is existing to replace weld. Anybobody know something about?
Tank you,
Claude
you have to stop the source of the water entry 1st.
keep up the good work and stay warm.
Good luck and love the snow burning....or should I say...melting under your tires, lol.
Domer.
Good Luck
Domer
















