First time painting a car - some questions

[torredcuda]

I`ve done it with and without metal prep and never had an issue, PPG used to recommend metal prep years ago and then changed thier procedure but others still do recommend it. I think the main issue is that you nuetralize the acid prep so it doesn`t continue to work after you prime it. If I have very minor surface pitting after blasting or grinding I still will acid wipe (metal prep) then clean with water or windex.

[YellowThumper]

Look forward to seeing your progress. Along with some learning as this is in my future.

[dodj]

Look forward to seeing your progress. Along with some learning as this is in my future.

My future too. My car was painted in, I think 1993 or 94. It has held up well. But soon it will be time for new paint. Maybe try to make it look like Sheldons pink hemi.....

[69 500]

A wise and well liked man whom has passed had Quote that he used at his shop which is very true , but lazy people won't understand " doing it right does't cost anymore"

[dodj]

A wise and well liked man whom has passed had Quote that he used at his shop which is very true , but lazy people won't understand " doing it right does't cost anymore"

Which reminds me of another quote, "never enough time to do it right, but always enough time to do it over..." I think of this quote from time to time when thinking of cutting corners on a job - not necessarily on the car.

[dodj]

Well Daaboots? How's it gong? Summer is over. Is there colour on the car? Or did life get in the way?
Looking forward to hearing about your paint adventures. Good, Bad, or otherwise.
 
Good popcorn....

[69 500]

doing right the first time means more time to enjoy wasting time and money needlessly. old saying "make haste not waste" makes sense too me.
 

[DeathProofCuda]

A wise and well liked man whom has passed had Quote that he used at his shop which is very true , but lazy people won't understand " doing it right does't cost anymore"

A nice idea, but not very reflective of reality.  Time = money, and doing it "right" takes more time.  Doing it "right" may also require more or better materials, which also costs more money.

Let's not forget that these cars were not built "right" from the factory.  Corners were cut to keep the lines moving and keep production numbers up so that money could be made.    They were built as disposable cars to hit a price point aimed at young drivers, not to serve as museum displays or show pieces for old guys to sit next to in lawn chairs.

I'm a pretty detail oriented, or anal retentive if you prefer, kind of guy and I've wasted countless hours in my life trying to make things "right".  Sometimes those details are important, other times not so much.  At this point I'm more likely to embrace another wise and well liked man's mantra, " Don't get it right, just get it running" - David Freiburger   

[torredcuda]

It`s not a question of doing it right it is a question of what level you want the car to be at - national concours winning paint or just a nice driver/local show quality? I could have spent three or four more weeks priming and block sanding mine to make it better but I am happy with it and have seen cars from  "pro" shops that are wavier.

[dodj]

It`s not a question of doing it right it is a question of what level you want the car to be at - national concours winning paint or just a nice driver/local show quality? I could have spent three or four more weeks priming and block sanding mine to make it better but I am happy with it and have seen cars from  "pro" shops that are wavier.

For me, when I get up the determination to repaint the car, I'll use the materials and procedures to get a show quality job. My talent will be the limiting factor and once it is applied along with me trying to follow the 'show car' procedure..I hope to end up with a better than average driver.

I hope Daaboots comes along with some news. Getting to hear the ups and downs of a first time painter will be good info.

[69 500]

doing it right is respect for yourself and your vision , a "love" affair of types . much like your family or significant others ,you do your best to improve and preserve your relationship. It does not mean to buy the most expensive paint supplies ,or NOS parts verses repro ,but rather the time and technique used to bring back the vision of what caught your eye in the first place. It's not the amount of money you spend ,its about the labor you put in to it. hence the old adage "labor of love".
    to simplify my explanation if needs welding then weld it. ,don't fiberglass over it.