These days what is the most common and preferred kind of paint to paint a

[Ice]

fiberglass Corvette? I use to paint when I was in high school back in the early 80's. Back then lacquer was phasing out and enamel was being used more. I have an 81 Corvette that I was going to put a paint job on in the near future. I was also planning on doing it myself as I have spray guns and sanders etc... I'm rusty but was good in my time. However it's been a long time and paints have changed.

1) What kind of paint has replaced the lacquer and enamel these days?

2) Are these newer paints 2 and 3 part paints like base coats, paints, and hardeners? I want to paint it black. May even consider a candy apple red. What should I look for if I decide to paint the car either colors? Definitely am going to clear coat it too.

3) I plan on completely removing the old paint which I believe to be lacquer from the cracks. When preparing the fiberglass for painting what should I do to insure a good bond? Would a light coat of bondo be preferred or something else?

4) Also looking for the least expensive out.

 

[JetDoc]

Cracking paint is quite common on older Corvettes. It's from a combination of the fairly hard enamel paints used back in the day, and the flexible fiberglass body.

The latest and greatest paints available for automotive finishes today are catalyzed urethane enamels. I've never used this type of paint, but I'm told it's fairly easy to get a good quality, long-lasting finish. Of course, if you're a bit rusty in the painting technique, you may want to practice on a different car or two before trying your Corvette.

The Eastwood Company has a great selection of paints and auto body tools, and their web site even has a forum for people to write in and get advice on painting and auto repairs. You can find their web site at http://www.eastwood.com

 

[br549]

The best answer would be, "Ask the guy at the paint store!"

It is true that the fiberglass body is a contributing factor of the paint crazing. It is also a factor of nearly thirty years of use!

You may not need to strip the car entirely, but if you can afford it, find someone who can soda blast it. This process really uses baking soda under pressure to strip paint. What is neat is that it won't hurt chrome, or glass, or to some degree rubber!

If you strip to bare, you will want an epoxy primer then you can use filler (bondo and such) over that, then a prime coat then base/clear system. I would use a high build lacquer over the base primer, then do all my block sanding then another seal coat then the base clear. A flex additive can be used but probably isn't necessary. Check with the paint supplier for recommended products.

Remember also that there are many ways and methods used to paint vehicles. I have painted many with a single stage enamel that costs less than 50 buck a gallon. Look at some Earl Schieb type jobs. The cheap ones can look good for a while, but may not last. I have also seen some of the cheapie jobs where trim, door handles and such were painted right over! I said that to remind you of this; It won't matter what type of paint you use, if the prep work isn't done properly, it will not look well at all.

Take your time and have fun. It will be a rewarding project for you.