Painting a C3 Question
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 213
Likes: 46
From: Los Angeles
Painting a C3 Question
Those of you who have painted a C3:
- Do you recommend leaving the headlight covers (lids) in or out to when painting?
Mine are out at the moment and it seems like it might be easier to paint them separately, then assemble.
One reason, is because primer and paint will get into the gap around the lids and into the front area, which is currently black. Is it common to tape off the gap around the headlight lids or not?
- Do you primer the door hinges? It looks like there was no primer on the door hinges, originally. Is it common to just spray on color? (I'm using a 1K paint.)
- Do you recommend leaving the headlight covers (lids) in or out to when painting?
Mine are out at the moment and it seems like it might be easier to paint them separately, then assemble.
One reason, is because primer and paint will get into the gap around the lids and into the front area, which is currently black. Is it common to tape off the gap around the headlight lids or not?
- Do you primer the door hinges? It looks like there was no primer on the door hinges, originally. Is it common to just spray on color? (I'm using a 1K paint.)
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 7,634
Likes: 2,460
From: Indiana
I wouls leave them out so you can paint the inside edge correctly and back tape for overspray..
you are using 1k paint????? Can you clarify that?
i would spray the covers at same angle/ orientation as on car at same time if metallic
you are using 1k paint????? Can you clarify that?
i would spray the covers at same angle/ orientation as on car at same time if metallic
Last edited by interpon; Apr 16, 2022 at 11:11 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,746
Likes: 713
From: Lafayette Louisiana
Couple of thoughts for you;
I would check out the SPI paint forum and ask there. Quite a few knowledgeable and professional painters hang out there and are happy to help.
www.spiuserforum.com/index.php
And, I think it depends on what you are painting. If a metallic, you want the paint to all match, so I say install the lids. If a solid color, maybe not an issue. And I would tape the backside of the lids, doors, ect to manage the over spray.
.
I would check out the SPI paint forum and ask there. Quite a few knowledgeable and professional painters hang out there and are happy to help.
www.spiuserforum.com/index.php
And, I think it depends on what you are painting. If a metallic, you want the paint to all match, so I say install the lids. If a solid color, maybe not an issue. And I would tape the backside of the lids, doors, ect to manage the over spray.
.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 213
Likes: 46
From: Los Angeles
I suppose I could paint the inside edge, then install the lids before final coats.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 213
Likes: 46
From: Los Angeles
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 213
Likes: 46
From: Los Angeles
I just test-fit the lid and headlight frames into the front-end and there was no issue. They may be installed either from the top or the grill openings, as long as you have everything out of the way. The car currently has all vacuum system components and grill off.
The paint I'm using is a single-stage, so spray direction shouldn't be an issue.
Anyone have an opinion about priming the door hinges? Seems that GM didn't always primer all parts (even metal) when they built these, but I'm all for doing the job right (even if it's a little different than factory). I don't want issues down the road.
The paint I'm using is a single-stage, so spray direction shouldn't be an issue.
Anyone have an opinion about priming the door hinges? Seems that GM didn't always primer all parts (even metal) when they built these, but I'm all for doing the job right (even if it's a little different than factory). I don't want issues down the road.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,161
Likes: 239
From: Southern CALIFORNIA
Paint the undersides/edges with them off the car.
Re-install exactly as they should be.
adjust the stopper so the lid is below the body. this will allow to get get pretty good coverage around the gaps.
On the final coats. Adjust the stoppers so it stays open like an 1/8 of an inch above so you get the lid edges as well.
You will get some dryspray/overspray on the underside/back edges of the headlight,
you can lightly buff that area but its hardly noticeable with the lights popped up.(at least it will be colormatched.)
Also, is it 1K Single stage with hardener or just reducer.
Check the techsheet. I would use recommended hardener/activator, it will help with durability, and repair/recoat/fry-ups/chemical spills etc.
and yes, use recommended primers on surfaces. it will help with adhesion. some of the metal pieces use an etch primer or some coating for the factory paint.
Re-install exactly as they should be.
adjust the stopper so the lid is below the body. this will allow to get get pretty good coverage around the gaps.
On the final coats. Adjust the stoppers so it stays open like an 1/8 of an inch above so you get the lid edges as well.
You will get some dryspray/overspray on the underside/back edges of the headlight,
you can lightly buff that area but its hardly noticeable with the lights popped up.(at least it will be colormatched.)
Also, is it 1K Single stage with hardener or just reducer.
Check the techsheet. I would use recommended hardener/activator, it will help with durability, and repair/recoat/fry-ups/chemical spills etc.
and yes, use recommended primers on surfaces. it will help with adhesion. some of the metal pieces use an etch primer or some coating for the factory paint.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 213
Likes: 46
From: Los Angeles
Paint the undersides/edges with them off the car.
Re-install exactly as they should be.
adjust the stopper so the lid is below the body. this will allow to get get pretty good coverage around the gaps.
On the final coats. Adjust the stoppers so it stays open like an 1/8 of an inch above so you get the lid edges as well.
You will get some dryspray/overspray on the underside/back edges of the headlight,
you can lightly buff that area but its hardly noticeable with the lights popped up.(at least it will be colormatched.)
Also, is it 1K Single stage with hardener or just reducer.
Check the techsheet. I would use recommended hardener/activator, it will help with durability, and repair/recoat/fry-ups/chemical spills etc.
and yes, use recommended primers on surfaces. it will help with adhesion. some of the metal pieces use an etch primer or some coating for the factory paint.
Re-install exactly as they should be.
adjust the stopper so the lid is below the body. this will allow to get get pretty good coverage around the gaps.
On the final coats. Adjust the stoppers so it stays open like an 1/8 of an inch above so you get the lid edges as well.
You will get some dryspray/overspray on the underside/back edges of the headlight,
you can lightly buff that area but its hardly noticeable with the lights popped up.(at least it will be colormatched.)
Also, is it 1K Single stage with hardener or just reducer.
Check the techsheet. I would use recommended hardener/activator, it will help with durability, and repair/recoat/fry-ups/chemical spills etc.
and yes, use recommended primers on surfaces. it will help with adhesion. some of the metal pieces use an etch primer or some coating for the factory paint.
The paint is Sherman Williams ZTX HP 1K. It uses a 4:3:1 ratio of Color:Reducer:Hardener
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 213
Likes: 46
From: Los Angeles
Did you have a question about it that I can answer?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 7,634
Likes: 2,460
From: Indiana
I do. There's information at www.sherman-automotive.com.
Did you have a question about it that I can answer?
Did you have a question about it that I can answer?
it is in fact Diisocyanate Polymer..
great pics @jgilevettes
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 751
Likes: 32
From: Woburn,ma ma
Those of you who have painted a C3:
- Do you recommend leaving the headlight covers (lids) in or out to when painting?
Mine are out at the moment and it seems like it might be easier to paint them separately, then assemble.
One reason, is because primer and paint will get into the gap around the lids and into the front area, which is currently black. Is it common to tape off the gap around the headlight lids or not?
- Do you primer the door hinges? It looks like there was no primer on the door hinges, originally. Is it common to just spray on color? (I'm using a 1K paint.)
- Do you recommend leaving the headlight covers (lids) in or out to when painting?
Mine are out at the moment and it seems like it might be easier to paint them separately, then assemble.
One reason, is because primer and paint will get into the gap around the lids and into the front area, which is currently black. Is it common to tape off the gap around the headlight lids or not?
- Do you primer the door hinges? It looks like there was no primer on the door hinges, originally. Is it common to just spray on color? (I'm using a 1K paint.)
