Is there any way to paint a Healey with the fenders still on the car? My problem is the chrome bead that runs the length of the body...I just don't see how to mask them effectively ... anybody, ever tried to do it and do it successfully?

Thanks

Jersey

Nope, by the way the bead is stainless, not chrome.

Hello Jersy,

Anything that is worth doing is worth doing right. When painting with one stage or two stage paints, the paint should wrap around the edges. There's a chance that the paint may start to flake or crack when there's a hard edge from masking an area off. This is usually caused from vibration or slight movement of the joining areas, as would be at the stainless steel beading joint. High probability that if masking the bead, the paint will crack along the bead when the wing is removed later.

You can separate the wings (fenders and quarter panels) enough to remove the beading and leave the wings on.

Thanks....got the wings apart and got the bead out...life is good.

Jersey

I also am about ready to paint. A local restoration shop showed me an Austin they had done, fenders on and it looked great. They trim painted both fenders and body Approx. 2
inches on each side of edges. Then they mounted the fenders and installed stainless edging. Then the edging trim was masked with 1/4 In. tape and car was painted. I am going to try it as I am working alone and do not want to deal with the danger of damage by the trim daggers when I try to install the trim.

For protection, put some blue paintes tape over the trim dagger ends first. I've R&R mine many times, alone. Good luck with your project.

Cheers,
Roger

Also round off the corners with metal snips and a file before you put the tape on. It also helps to put masking tape on the fender/shroud edges where you're aiming (!) to insert the trim.