Repair panel paint

[74WannaB]

I'm currently restoring a 74 B (chrome bumper), and I've purchased many replacement panels from British Heritage(Rockers, wheel arch, etc)

My question is: Can you leave the black paint on the panels? I've heard differing opinions.

 

[trrdster2000]

74WannaB, First wash all parts with a good dish soap, Dawn or such as a lot of parts have a thin oil covering, then seal it first before priming, will save you a bunch of grief. Wayne

 

[Banjo]

The black primer on the panals is a rust preventative. It can be removed but it dosen't need to be.
The above mentioned washing is a great idea, then use a red scotch-brite pad to scuff the primer. make sure to get all of it, don't leave any shiny spots(or anything you spray over it will not adhere and will eventually peel). Blow, or wipe it clean, then clean it with a wax and grease remover like PPGs "DX 330" and let it air dry. From there you treat it like a bare metal panal. start with your primer or sealer etc....
This is how most body shops will prepare a replacement panal for paint
A good rule of thumb when prepping anything for paint is, The harder it is to sand , the more important it is to sand!
All those corners and cracks are where you have the most problems getting the paint to stick in the first place, and if they don't get prepped then that's where the paint will fail first.
It WILL get tedious but stick with it so you won't have to do it again.
A paint job is only as good as the prep job.

 

[WJM]

A good idea is rub back the panel with 400 wet and dry paper. It is best to use it wet so use plenty of water while rubbing back it will sand very easy. Once you are happy then put a primer filler on. Good luck. John

 

[74WannaB]

Thanks for the tip. Now, all I have to do is wait until the weather warms up enough so I can resume working in my garage.

Hugh

 

[74WannaB]

Thanks for the help. Can't do too much though until it warms up a little bit.

Hugh

 

[74WannaB]

Thanks for the tip. Sounds like a good job for my son.

Hugh