Help needed with prep work

[Berda]

I am going to attempt to prep my '91, and then have maaco paint it for $320. Anyone have an idea on where i should start? I know that i need to take out the corner lights/tailights ect., but i am unsure on what kind of sandpaper or primer or whatever im supposed to use. Any help would be appreciated. thanks.

[TkrPerformance]

if you want a good job dont take it there and if you dont know what you are doing please dont do it.
here is what I did
http://www.dsmstyle.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8246

[Berda]

Well I just need the outside repainted the same color as it was factory i dont need to do all of that fancy work that you did. Basically, all of the clear coat is damaged and warn off so i need it resprayed. i heard maaco does a half descent job on the paint portion its all about the prep work, which i have no idea where to start. Hopefully i can gather some more info and at least attempt it. Thanks for the reply, you did an excellent job!

[Halon]

I'm getting mine sprayed at Maaco next week. I know it won't be show quality, just as long as it's clean and decent. I just can not justify spending more on a paint job then I did on the car as a whole. I'm sure some body specialists would be like NO NO NO You Are Making A Mistake. But think that if you must. As long as it is fairly decent looking, I'll be happy. It'll look better then it does now being Tri-Colored, that's for sure!

[rk4g63]

I can help a bit. I paint sometimes, but only whole items like bumpers. Just did my 98 Acura Integra bumpers. I can't do spot work.
If you're not that far from me, I can help out if you like.
The following is what I've done, with a good degree of success. Stop by and check out my car if you like - I'll be painting my Talon hood next as well. By the way, if other experts don't like my method, feel free to disagree. I don't give a fuck - it works for me. Every painter (novice/amateur/expert) has his own method and most methods work well anyway. I'm just a fair painter - thats all, not good by any stretch of imagination.
Steps for basic prep work (make sure that the temperature of the paint area is at least 50 degrees and closed off decently (but with some ventilation) - otherwise the primer won't spray well - example garage):
1) Tape off the car. Do this WELL!! Use masking tape and newspaper (3 to 5 thick) -cost about 5-7$
2) Use scuff pads and scuff up the clearcoat. Put your sweat into this - this is important. Set of 2 scuff pads 4$
3) Use a sand block and sand down again. Cost of block 4$
4) Wipe off the entire area well with a clean cloth. Dust the cloth often - that's clear coat coming off.
5) Then spray primer. Cost per can 4$. Use gray or black - up to you. Use at least 2 coats. WEAR A MASK while spraying ANYTHING!!! set of 2 masks 5$.
6) Primer dries fast - 10 mins perhaps, at 60 deg or above. Keep the temp > 50 for at least 30 mins after you finish spraying.
7) Spray the paint if you have it - 2 coats minimum. Please use good quality paint - no point using cheap stuff. Wear a mask!! A spray gun with a wide angle is good for big jobs, a pin nozzle for small jobs. Figure out the range - the paint shop will know the application well.
8) Spray clear coat - 2 coats minimum. I've used Plasti-kote with decent success. Cost per can 10$. Wear a mask!!

The costs of the materials I gave you are ball park estimates. You'll get them in Checkers/Auto Zone/any paint shop.

I'm not on this site much, so PM me if you need anything else. I hope this helps you. A lot of people on this site know a LOT of stuff, but there are also quite a few bastards here as well. So take the advice as is. And as I said - if you're not that far from me, I can drop by and help out. Good luck.

[Berda]

{bump}

It is time. My spring break has finally arrived. Im going to attempt to prep it and now (maybe) even paint it myself. I got a few friends of mine to help but they dont know much themselves. If anybody else on the site wants to help please PM me or call my cell. Whether your a pro at it or you want to hang out and learn too, two heads are always better than one. As poor as I am, i am willing to pay even for help from someone who knows their stuff.


Call my cell if interested.
763-227-9942

Thanks

-Adam

[Pimpin Dsmstyle]

Originally Posted by Berda

{bump}

It is time. My spring break has finally arrived. Im going to attempt to prep it and now (maybe) even paint it myself. I got a few friends of mine to help but they dont know much themselves. If anybody else on the site wants to help please PM me or call my cell. Whether your a pro at it or you want to hang out and learn too, two heads are always better than one. As poor as I am, i am willing to pay even for help from someone who knows their stuff.


Call my cell if interested.
763-227-9942

Thanks

-Adam

If none of you have experience, be prepared to finish - restart completely! Don't settle for a POS paint job. The 2nd time around you'd do alot better. If you get runs, DONT TRY TO FIX IT. It will do nothing but damage. Just take even strokes and do a couple coats over the entire car. Wet sanding is how you fix paint problems. this wont always fix it though.

[Berda]

:-/

[LingLing]

adam, you still haven't painted it yet?!?!?

[Berda]

Naw man. Guess me and joe will have to rattlecan it with KRYLON. O well. Just another ghetto DSM. But hey at least we will match lol. Ill have to pick up some Probe rims too.