Chuck72

received a new press molded exhaust panel for my '65 for side pipes. The manufacturer recommends that the panel be gel coated to prevent future paint problems.
what do you know about this, have you actually done it?
I was planning to prime, base and clear it.
I definately need some help!
chuck

wmf62

use a polyester primer/surfacer, then paint it...
Bill

snydes

There was recently a very good thread in the Paint/Body section on this subject, should answer most of your questions. Search for gel coat and you should find it.

Steve

Scott Marzahl

Corvette Image definately recommends using Gel Coat on top of their panels. I followed their instructions and still had issues later on. Ecklers Gel Coat is not a big deal to use, however a lot of guys prefer to use epoxy primer like DP or SPIs epoxy. I would not use a polyester primer before first sealing it with epoxy since the polyesters are too porous and do not seal well due to the inert fillers like talc.

wmf62

my OEM C1 body panels are not/were not gelcoated and my replacement front end panels are gelcoated (at time of fabrication). the paint holds up fine on both types of panels.
Bill

Chuck72

appreciate all input. I've always used catalyzed products for my paint jobs and am leaning toward the same w/ this panel.
chuck