Paint Project




Unfortunately because the car was neglected and it was stored outside for a number of years the paint has greatly suffered. This car still has it's original lacquer paint that it left the factory with but there is no way to save it as it's just too far gone. It's faded, has cracks, and is peeling off in large areas.
It's hard to imaging that the paint has really gotten this bad in less than 10,000 miles of use but that's what happens when it's not cared for, left outside, and worst, kept covered in all weather with a cheap, plastic, rough tarp.
Covering a car incorrectly is worst than leaving it uncovered. With an improper cover such as was used in the past on this car the paint can't "breath" and air can't get in to dry everything after it gets wet. Also, when a loose cover is used as it was to cover this car it moves and flaps around in the wind, rubbing against the paint and causing it to scratch and wear thru the paint. time definitely takes it toll here in this situation and the paint is just shot.

Luckily, although the paint is ruined the car looks to have never been in an accident and does not look to have any previous body repairs or body damage at all. Also, the stainless steel exterior trim moldings looks to be in excellent condition so a little cleaning and polishing so make them look great. The front, rear, and fender emblems look good although a bit faded so these will most likely be replaced when the car goes in for new paint.

UPDATE: July 5th, 2006
The car was dropped off at the paint shop on June 27th. We started actually working on it on June 30th by starting the disassembly of the car for paint.
By July 5th most of the paint on the body had been removed by chemical stripper, except for the rubber bumpers and t-tops. Also by July 5th the hood was completely stripped and sanded down and basically ready for paint.
I'm glad to see this much progress made in a weeks time since next week will have no progress on the car at all since the painter will be on vacation all week.

UPDATE: July 17, 2006
Went to check on the car today. The painter just got back from his vacation but I could see nice progress that he made during the two days he had from my last update until he went on his vacation. At this point the paint stripping is about 90% done, it just needs more work to finish stripping the t-tops. Most of the "cleaning up" and sanding of the body panels needed after chemical stripping is done on the body and what's left and mostly at edge lines where body panels join or meet.

UPDATE: August 8,2006
car is finished in the paint shop and the new paint came out looking great. The painter did an excellent job and for a very reasonable price. It's definitely a big help when it's a no-hit, untouched body.