SO- I bandied about with whether or not to paint the car myself or have it shot by a franchise place after taking it apart. I opted for the 2 stage paint job at Maaco, with a few ding fixes, along with the assurance they would add a coat of clear so I could color sand it afterwards. Here it is before I took it in:


I removed the bumpers as well when I got there so I could keep clean lines and avoid masking mishaps. I agreed to a little north of 1K, so I could get it painted again in a few years if need be and still be ahead.

Here is the car right after I got it home from the paint shop (started to color sand the bumper):

And after I put the trim back on today (I went with satin Black instead of Grey):



I'll report back with better quality pics when I finish. I color sanded with 1200, then followed up with Meguires 85 diamond cut followed by polishing compound. I will hit it one more time with polish, then glaze and carnuba wax to finish it off. Should look nice.

I am happy with the results, there were a few dings that were missed (maybe 4?) but overall the price was right and I get to put it back together the way I want it at the quality level I want. I pondered the low low price deal, but at the end of the day I wanted clear to work with.

 

Hey, I think you have done a great job. A nicely painted car for a fraction of the shop price. Well done.

 

Hope it holds up long-term for you. Keep us posted....

 

That is my (main) concern- longevity of the finish. My hope is that if I keep it cared for there will be at least 5 years. At 138K miles and a daily driver the $$ made more sense than a full professional respray.

 

I had my '97 resprayed by MAACO about 2 1/2 yrs ago. holding up well.

 

Wanted to compliment you - looks like you nailed a great deal!

Was wondering 1 thing, sounds like you stopped at 1200 grit then went to Diamond cut. Just checking, that's not too big of a jump? I ask because I've always used several move levels of finer grit. Heck I've even gone to 10,000 grit paper (feels kind of like a piece of loose leaf paper in your hand as far as grittiness goes). If one could jump to diamond cut after 1200 grit, wow it'd save a bunch of time.

Does the Diamond cut replace pumice and rotten stone?

For the record my experience is sanding / refinishing finishes like guitars, lacquer furniture. Have'nt done a car yet but can't imagine it'd be that different.

Anyway nice job, you should be proud.

John

 

Thanks John- I *probably* should have gone to 3000 then diamond cut, but I plan on going back in and hitting it.

Thanks for the compliment!

Here is the update so far- about 85% complete