Paint Stripping vs. Sanding

[mfiazzo]

All,

I have a 1978 911SC Guards Red. I have owned the car for about 4 years, when I bought the car, the paint was already cracked and is peeling.

My question is, can I sand down the entire car and paint it, or do I have to get the car stripped? It is not going to be a show car, I just want it to look better.

Thanks for the advise.

Mike

[drcoastline]

Mike,

Saw this on the tech forum.You could do it both ways I suppose. I guess inorder to help determine the best way to approach this is for you to provide more information. What are your intetions? Is this a DIY project or will you be sending it out? Do you intend to disassemble the car, remove moldings, rubber, lights, etc?

If the paint is cracked and peeling you should definately remove it. It doesnt make much sense to put a perfectly good paint on failing/damaged paint. It will also give you rthe oportunity to inspect for damage and corrosion. Even a cheap quicky paint job is time consuming and costly so you may as well do the best job you can rather than have to redo it in a year or two. You never know whats lurking just out of sight.

If it is a DIY job in your garage I would personally use a stripper over sanding. I am a DIY guy not a pro so take my advice for what its worth.

Strippers are going to make a sloppy mess for sure. But a sander is going to create a cr*p load of dust. In addition (in my opinion) you also run the risk of damaging the surface with a sander. At some point you will still need to use stripper or some other method to get into the nooks and cranises to get all the old pant off.

There are also various medias that can be used to remove the paint.

Provide a little more info it will help everyone more accurately direct you.

[Esposito]

Mike, do yourself a favor, don't try to do this yourself!
If you strip this car, with stipper or sanding, what next!!!
Are you equiped to prime the car!
I'm guessing not.
why not give me a call, I can help you.

John
John Esposito's Porsche repair.
818 469 1811

[IMR-Merlin]

Picture of the damage would help and as stated before, what are your intentions for the car and are you prepared to do the work yourself? Although you are no going to get a show quality paint job, lots can be done in your own garage.'

[JohnAsh]

Your paint and bodywork refinish project will only be as good as the foundation underneath it. I have be in the Custom Paint and Automobile Restoration business for over 30 years. I will be glad to answer any questions that you may have. I can't tell you how many of my customers have brought me cars, trucks and motorcycles that someone else has tried doing it there self and it ends up costing them so much more in the long run. Do it right-Do it once.

John Ash
Mifflinville, Pennsylvania
570-854-3239

[rw7810]

By far the easiest and quickest method is to use a VS polisher/sander and 80 grit disks. Tried the remover and it is extremely messy, toxic and time consuming. sander is very therapeutic .



Also, use this a a good source of help and inspiration, great forum as well: Autobodystore Forums