The black paint on replacement panels.

[somewhatspritely]

I'm almost at the exciting point of putting some metal back on the car, but I am unsure what to do about the black paint on replacement panels. It seems to scratch off quite easily and I doubt it offers much long term protection. I'm particularly concerned around things like the interior A-post repair panel which is quite intricate and it will be very hard to get this black paint out of all the nooks and crannies.

I think my options are:

1. Weld it up and ignore what I can't see.
2. Leave the paint on and spray additional primers over this finish before welding panels in. (Concerned about the paint flaking off)
3. Remove as much paint as I can and apply better paint to the bare metal. (Concerned about paint removal and surface prep)
4. Add as much waxoil (or modern equivalent) as possible later in the process. (Concerned about coverage)

Any suggestions?

Many Thanks,

Grant.

 

[Grantura_MKI]

Number 3, please.

 

[LarryK]

The black is basically a metal protection to keep surface rust off. Some can be wiped off with metal prep. I usually sand off and reprime with epoxy primer after cleaning meeting surfaces for welding. Do not use brake clean as a metal wipe, as when welded creates a gas that will render you useless for the rest of your life. Starts with F (fosgene'? ) and is like mustard gas used in WW1 and 11.

 

[Bayless]

I agree with both above. Epoxy over bare metal is the best.

 

[somewhatspritely]

I thought that would be the case, good to have confirmation though. Getting the blessed stuff out of the corners will the the trick I think.

Thanks Chaps!

 

[Grantura_MKI]

Removes quickly with a scotchbrite pad on your angle grinder.

 

[somewhatspritely]

Thanks all. Interestingly the black stuff varies by vendor. Being in the UK I have bought from Moss, AHSpares, and Ashley Hinton. The AH Spares and Ashley Hinton panels are covered in cheap black paint that comes off easily, the moss panels are a glossy black and very hard, I suspect epoxy coated. (I have a twenty year old Moss supplied floor pan with no signs of corrosion or flaking.) I'll phone Moss and ask for info. If they are epoxy then I will scuff and overpaint, the rest will need paint removal somehow.

 

[LarryK]

I know Moss is a sponsor, but I have ordered from Martin Robey near Coventry and saved in shipping to US.