Paint Help

[86GmLsCoupe]

Well I got the car back today and I think the guy did a pretty decent job given my budget. It's in its factory color, Medium Shadow Blue Metallic (3R) with a Dupont Epoxy Primer, and Dupont Chromabase BC/CC.There's some orange peel and a few runs that the guys color sand didn't catch, but I want to try giving it a little more rub out. Here are some after pics, the car still needs all the trim back and I want the pinstripping redone. Oh, forgot to mention that I ended up taking it to another guy recommended by the people at the body shop store since the first wouldn't do what I wanted.

[1987cp]

heeeeey, that really is looking good. I've never had a car painted - any tips to share with paint n00bz like me?

[86GmLsCoupe]

Thanks, this is the first time I ever had a car fully painted myself. I read two auto body books and talked to the people at the supply store a lot. I definitely think that removing all the trim pieces you can will help you get a more professional job, because even with the little trim I had on there, there was some overspray.Though it comes right off the anodized aluminum with a fingernail so no worries. I also think it's important to get a good quality paint. I've still got a week of work ahead reassembling, cleaning up anything that bugs me, and trying to buff the car out some more, plus this inside is a little dusty now. I'll post more pics and you all can let me know what you think.

[87lxcoupe]

Very nice results, looks great!

[86GmLsCoupe]

Thanks! I'm hoping to get it a little better (less orange peel/ distorted reflection). The guy gave me a sheet of 1,200 wet/dry to do some clear sanding with. I went out today and picked up a pack of 1,200, 1,500, and 2,000 grit paper. Also got some 3m compound to follow up with. I'll machine glaze and then wax in about a week. Going to POR-15 and seam seal some mostly under trim & rocker patch for some spot some added corrosion protection under the trim. I color sanded a tiny area of the pass. rear quarter today and it went quick. I was nervous so I was VERY gentle, and prob sanded to little, and even left some peel but thats fine ( some factory jobs now prob have more). I just don't want to break through the clear or wear it down to much.

[1987cp]

That should be nice when you're through with it. My friend used 2000-grit Wetordry followed by a 3000-grit Trizact pad on the DA sander (with plenty of water, of course), and then 3M machine glaze followed by 3M Imperial Hand Glaze. That Trizact pad rocked!

[86GmLsCoupe]

I've heard of the Trizact pad, but was thinking I could use the Perfect-it 3000 Compound instead of it (supposed to remove 1,200 and up)? The whole car has been wet sanded (mainly 1,500 then 2,000) and compounded, but I still think I need to work some more to bring the gloss back. I still see some straight line scratches, so I'm guessing more compounding. After the the compound I used the Swirl Mark Remover (Dark) and then the Imperial Machine Glaze (hood only so far). I'll put the Hand Glaze after like you mentioned.

[1987cp]

Like, fun!

[86GmLsCoupe]

Here are some newer pics, these were when I was colorsanding the car. I'll try and get some news ones of the progress taken.

[Tiggie]

I wish my wagon was purty blue instead of it's current porno red.

[86GmLsCoupe]

I'm sure you'll fix it in time, plus the work you did on the 82 was really nice. Have you figured out what color you're going with? By what you said I'm guessing the original darker red. Come to think of it I've never seen a Merc or Ford wagon in Med. Shadow Blue in person before.

[1987cp]

I wish my wagon was purty blue instead of it's current porno red.

Red? I thought your wagon was tan or grey or something?

[P72Ford]

I wish my wagon was purty blue instead of it's current porno red.

Porno Red? Well thats an interesting way to put it. Seriously, the red on my car wasn't my choice. I wanted it dark blue or white. Love white cars w/ blue int.

[Grand Marquis GT]

:bump:

Any updated pics?

[86GmLsCoupe]

I think I'll snap some tonight and let you all know how things are going. It always take me forever on the car because I try not to rush and usually find more to do than I intended. One of those white clips for the rocker trim ripped my fingernail half back when I was trying to get it back on yesterday, so I just did mainly interior cleaning. Still need lots of detailing outside but getting there. Will have pics in a couple hours.