Ok... I need some suggestions and tips (Pics)

[firefighter7128]

This is the 1st car I needed to paint. Im to to the Vettes and bought this ugly duck pretty cheap. A moron before me painted over the stock paint... and orniments, seals... Body isnt too bad. I have done alot since these pics were taken but have a few questions. 1 - How many coats of primer should i put on this? 2 - A few cracks/gouges. What is the best filler? 3 - Is it necessary to wet sand primer? 800 grit? 4 - Wht is a good paint remover/stripper for fiberglass? 5 - Yes i sanded it down to the glass.

[zwede]

1) As many as it takes to get the finish you want. Not trying to be a smart-a$$, but there's no magic number for all cars. it depends on how close you got before starting to primer.

2) A gouge that has not weakened the panel can be filled with any number of SMC compatible fillers. A Crack needs to be ground out and built back up with mat & resin.

3) Yes, unless you're doing a Maaco job. Start with 180-220 grit (wet). Once that's done go to 400. On mine we finished with scotchbrite and water which took it to about a 600 grit finish. 800 is so fine you risk the paint not sticking.

4) We had good luck with "aircraft remover" on mine. But everyone has their favorite. Others like captain lee. Some are convinced using chem strippers ruins the car forever... I've seen no indication of that though.

5) hope you didn't take off any fiberglass or you could have a wavy mess...

[DUB]

Originally Posted by zwede

1) As many as it takes to get the finish you want. Not trying to be a smart-a$$, but there's no magic number for all cars. it depends on how close you got before starting to primer.

2) A gouge that has not weakened the panel can be filled with any number of SMC compatible fillers. A Crack needs to be ground out and built back up with mat & resin.

3) Yes, unless you're doing a Maaco job. Start with 180-220 grit (wet). Once that's done go to 400. On mine we finished with scotchbrite and water which took it to about a 600 grit finish. 800 is so fine you risk the paint not sticking.

4) We had good luck with "aircraft remover" on mine. But everyone has their favorite. Others like captain lee. Some are convinced using chem strippers ruins the car forever... I've seen no indication of that though.

5) hope you didn't take off any fiberglass or you could have a wavy mess...

...and that is all about I can say with this post.
"DUB"

[killer454]

i just wanted to post something about the aircraft striper.

i used aircraft striper on my 1980,they make two different kinds.

http://www.autobodytoolmart.com/klea...4-p-14857.aspx

this is the one you want worked very good for me.

[jrm747]

i have used fiberglass paint stripper before. not sure the company, but it said that on the can.

i usually apply three coats of primer at a time. that way you dont build up so much that the first layers dont dry properly. i dont know if it would affect anything or not. but then i water sand that down using some guide coat. then if need be, or if you really want to slick it down, prime it again. water sand it again, using gel coat.

i have also found that giving a little time to breath or cure before sanding it. then even letting it breath for a few days after sanding it down. could be a useless step, but has seemed to work for me