paint process
 

I have a 1990 with every possible doc. that exist. It is beautiful in every way, runs perfect with 64,000 miles; except one of the previous owners just had to have a black Z and had a very expensive black paint job done.... everything removed and painted.... (the car is supposed to be Arctic White.) I am going to have it painted to the original color.... my question is should it be striped to bare fiberglass to get an excellent job done?

Also, how is the belt molding on 1990's attached? Some of mine is a little loose. Can I get new replacement? If so, where?

Third question: I live in the state of Washington. Any recommendations of an experienced, quality paint shop in the state.

Re: paint process
 

If the black paint that's on it now isn't flaking or doing anything crazy you can block sand the existing paint and paint over it without any problems.
As long as the existing paint is in good shape.

Re: paint process
 

I agree 100%. As long as the substrate is in good shape, you're good to go. Just scuff it and shoot it after taking it completely apart. Every painted piece that can be removed from the body should be removed before paint. Especially if you're doing an overall color change. Make them remove all the moldings from the panels as well.

Re: paint process
 

Car should look like this before repaint.
http://i.imgur.com/mtWR4EH.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/Nf4tJrk.jpg

Re: paint process
 

If you leave the black it will remain a color change car, albeit changed back.

If you go down to the base it will simply be a re-paint.

At some point a color change will always reveal itself.

It's a fine point for sure.

Good luck with the choice!
- Jeff

Re: paint process
 

I would think that a 64K mile car with excellent paint presently might deserve to be left alone. You mention "expensive" and that would seem to hint quality!

You will not be able to likely remove the moldings without damaging a few. The weather-strips are going to give you fits I'm sure. As already has been mentioned there's no such thing as removing "all traces" of what's done.

I wouldn't get very excited about doing it and if you imagine "inexpensive" it will not be - the cost of materials will astound you and if you're looking to remove "all traces" I doubt it's possible.

I'd think a better use of the dollars might be to buy a "stable mate" in white and display the two as a "before and after"!

I'm going to guess this one stays "BLACK"!

Re: paint process
 

It's going to be a re-paint either way you go. If you can do the paint prep yourself, you'll save a bunch. You can get a quality paint job (masking, laying the paint and buff) for under $4k. You just need to prep it yourself.

The biggest part of the job for you will be removing the doors, if you've never done it. It's not hard. You do need to remove all of the belt moldings though. This will require the front bumper cover to be removed from the inner structure. I've never broke a molding yet. Maybe I'm lucky?

Don't be intimidated.

Re: paint process
 

Intimidated…humm, well I was intimidated before I saw the photos and certainly am now. I was going to have it all done by a shop. Obviously, a couple of you own shops and do this kind of work. What would you charge approximately, to complete the job totally yourselves?:)

Re: paint process
 

The thing for you to do is find one of the young, hungry body men who does these kind of things on the side at home. I used to be one of these guys years ago. You have to be careful to find the right guy with references.

My prices would not be in line with most other shops, as I do mainly 53-55 Corvettes and my paint job is well over the $10k mark. The ZR-1's aren't worth 53 money and it's just hard to justify spending over $10k on a paint job.

At the moment, my shop is also full.

Talk to some shops and see what you can get the job done for. You may be surprised.

Re: paint process
 

What he's stating is your best bet and it is the truth.
A top quality paint job with a shop doing everything will be expensive...10 to 15 thousand easy. Just not worth it on this car IMO.