[C2] Fixing panels?
#1
Fixing panels?
So what do people think about patching or fixing a panel vs replacing them always? I have a mainly boat guy saying it can be done with good materials, and a body shop saying you will always see it later.
#2
Race Director
You may see it later but if it's repaired properly you shouldn't. Too many people repaired fiberglass in by-gone years with filler/bondo, undercoating, license plates, fiberglass cloth, cardboard, etc. Also resins have improved considerably as has knowledge spread on how to properly repair fiberglass. No problem repairing a panel and getting a durable paint surface on it. It's more a matter of if the time to repair will be greater than replacing it.
#4
Safety Car
There have been a lot of beautiful cars built by members here that have repairs or panels just about everywhere. If you can't repair it and it remain unseen how can you replace the panel and not expect the same? There's still going to be a seam.
#5
Race Director
Good point. These bodies being made up from a large number of panels are just like one big repair to start with.
#6
Yeah I was thinking that also, just making sure.
I'm so scared trying to pick a painter, no one really good wants to do anything over someone else's work, which I understand. But l can't really fork out enough to have them do it all. I found 2 good restoration shops that I'm sure would do an awesome job (both currently have multiple vets in them when I walked in), but both want to pull the body off and do the bottom also, and maybe even pull off whole panels and re-fix them, like 15k and up. I just want a good paint job that lasts.
I'm so scared trying to pick a painter, no one really good wants to do anything over someone else's work, which I understand. But l can't really fork out enough to have them do it all. I found 2 good restoration shops that I'm sure would do an awesome job (both currently have multiple vets in them when I walked in), but both want to pull the body off and do the bottom also, and maybe even pull off whole panels and re-fix them, like 15k and up. I just want a good paint job that lasts.
#7
Safety Car
Uhmmm! That's a little different than you original question. $15K for a paint job is not out of line. You're picking an expert, I hope, to do a big job I would be listening to him. When you go to a surgeon would you tell him where to cut.
Last edited by Robert61; 07-21-2018 at 12:39 PM.
#8
Melting Slicks
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Yeah I was thinking that also, just making sure.
I'm so scared trying to pick a painter, no one really good wants to do anything over someone else's work, which I understand. But l can't really fork out enough to have them do it all. I found 2 good restoration shops that I'm sure would do an awesome job (both currently have multiple vets in them when I walked in), but both want to pull the body off and do the bottom also, and maybe even pull off whole panels and re-fix them, like 15k and up. I just want a good paint job that lasts.
I'm so scared trying to pick a painter, no one really good wants to do anything over someone else's work, which I understand. But l can't really fork out enough to have them do it all. I found 2 good restoration shops that I'm sure would do an awesome job (both currently have multiple vets in them when I walked in), but both want to pull the body off and do the bottom also, and maybe even pull off whole panels and re-fix them, like 15k and up. I just want a good paint job that lasts.
There should not be a reason why they need to take the body off the frame to paint the Corvette if that is the only job you want done by the shop. Pulling the body off/on is more labor charge added to the bill. Once the body is off the frame your bill will at least double. You will need new rubber bushings, suspension parts replaced, maybe new gas and brake lines, brake kit, and your frame might need to be repaired, sand blasted and painted or replaced, the list can go on etc. Can't put a newly painted body on a old rusty frame/suspension you know!!!!
Last edited by CorvetteMikeB; 07-21-2018 at 02:12 PM. Reason: new words
#9
Team Owner
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Run..................fast, from these two shops. They're not what you want if they demand this leeway ahead of any reason to do this..
I am assuming you want a paint job and not a custom block/sand show job?
$5K should get a very good job done on your car unless it's a mess under the paint that is now on it..
Last edited by MikeM; 07-21-2018 at 03:35 PM.
#10
There should not be a reason why they need to take the body off the frame to paint the Corvette if that is the only job you want done by the shop. Pulling the body off/on is more labor charge added to the bill. Once the body is off the frame your bill will at least double. You will need new rubber bushings, suspension parts replaced, maybe new gas and brake lines, brake kit, and your frame might need to be repaired, sand blasted and painted or replaced, the list can go on etc. Can't put a newly painted body on a old rusty frame/suspension you know!!!!
#11
Run..................fast, from these two shops. They're not what you want if they demand this leeway ahead of any reason to do this..
I am assuming you want a paint job and not a custom block/sand show job?
$5K should get a very good job done on your car unless it's a mess under the paint that is now on it..
I am assuming you want a paint job and not a custom block/sand show job?
$5K should get a very good job done on your car unless it's a mess under the paint that is now on it..
I know there are a lot of hours in this, but all the major work is done, and the gaps are even decent already.
#12
Team Owner
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Never mind what I said.
#13
I figured 5k would not do it, but was thinking 10 should, keeping in mind single color, no panel repair, minimal fitment/gap work, nothing under the hood or under the car, and no need to pull the body. I've been told so far (obviously rough guestimate) 15kish, but that included more panel replacement, pulling the body, and doing something with the engine compartment and underneath.
#14
Le Mans Master
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what was said above is very true - these cars were built with multiple panels that were glued / bonded / and riveted together
The biggest error I have seen on panel replacements or sectioning - is people butt join panels together and you CANT do that.
If you must butt join and section in the part - you must v groove and bevel the repair or you will see it
The other mistake is not using a backer or sleeve when butt joining panels
A backer or sleeve makes the repair SUPER strong and doesnt allow the seam / joint to shrink and contract (as bad)
As far as a paint job - a good base coat clear coat all over with no body work and no panel fitting - just masking, wiping and shooting color will be 5k at a min
Add for body work
Add for panel fitment
Add for R&I of trim
Add for.......
Add for......
Adds very very fast
I have cars that have 15k just in body work !!!!!!
The biggest error I have seen on panel replacements or sectioning - is people butt join panels together and you CANT do that.
If you must butt join and section in the part - you must v groove and bevel the repair or you will see it
The other mistake is not using a backer or sleeve when butt joining panels
A backer or sleeve makes the repair SUPER strong and doesnt allow the seam / joint to shrink and contract (as bad)
As far as a paint job - a good base coat clear coat all over with no body work and no panel fitting - just masking, wiping and shooting color will be 5k at a min
Add for body work
Add for panel fitment
Add for R&I of trim
Add for.......
Add for......
Adds very very fast
I have cars that have 15k just in body work !!!!!!