New paint!

[D@vid]

Hi guys,

It's been a while since I've posted an update regarding my project.
Soon all wil be revealed I promise

For now a quick question:
My car has just returned from the paintshop and the coming months I will be rebuilding the car in my (very small) garage.

During this time I would very much like to protect the brand new paintwork.
Does anyone have any tips how to best appoach this? A simple car cover will not work because I'll have to be able to open doors etc.

[Steve F]

Love the color!!

[D@vid]

Originally Posted by Steve F

Love the color!!

Thanks!

[rolfjahn]

Do not cover your beautiful paint until the chemical smell fades away.
Put your nose to the paint and sniff...if its strong put your car in the sun as often as possible
Paint and clear needs to breath for 2- 3 months

[RedCoupe]

Yeah, crazy about that color!!!😀

[7783911]

what color is that?

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Beautiful! Gemini Blue?

[Trackrash]

Well, your doors, fenders and frunk are installed, so that is half the battle.

I would not use a cover on fresh paint and I would ignore light dust. If it gets real dirty take it out side and use a hose to wash it off. You should wait several months before attempting to polish or wax, optimally.

You can use towels on areas like the doors when open to protect them, being careful to not rub them around.

Some guys will use painters tape and paper on areas that need protection, but don't leave the tape on, and make sure it is the low stick type of masking.

BTW, I have fond memories of my visit to Haarlem many years ago.

[salayc]

I use a car cover made from moving blankets on one of my cars. When I need to acccess something I just peel back part of the cover. It hasn't been a hassle at all, and it's good to have the paint protected with something heavy duty when you're working in a tight space.

[flashboarder]

Beautiful color David! I live in Haarlem too and would love to hear more about the work you do on your car? Did you strip to bare metal yourself?

[Reiver]

Sweet....don't cover it until the chem smell abates....just be careful.

I am in the same boat but driving a fresh paint job.....not wiping it off at all...air gun only at an angle. I'll put a clear bra film on after 60 days (hot in Az) they cure quickly.

[cabmandone]

Definitely don't put anything on it that might seal the paint and prevent it from off gassing. As others pointed out, you want to give the paint adequate time to cure out before putting any type of protective coating on it. No better feeling than a freshly painted car. No worse feeling than scratching the freshly painted car. Be careful!

[OldSpool87]

Originally Posted by salayc

I use a car cover made from moving blankets on one of my cars. When I need to acccess something I just peel back part of the cover. It hasn't been a hassle at all, and it's good to have the paint protected with something heavy duty when you're working in a tight space.

These offer protection but are HEAVY and shed a dust of sorts. That’s been my experience.

[D@vid]

Thanks for all your input guys.

I will take your advice at heart and let the fumes dissipate first.
@ Shaun: yes the colour is indeed Gemini Blue. When I bought the car, It had had a bad repaint sometime in its former life and some rust bubbles under the paint.
Its original colour was "Hell Gelb" which I really tried to get used to but when that didn't work, I decided to change it to Gemini Blue.

[D@vid]

Originally Posted by Trackrash

Well, your doors, fenders and frunk are installed, so that is half the battle.

I would not use a cover on fresh paint and I would ignore light dust. If it gets real dirty take it out side and use a hose to wash it off. You should wait several months before attempting to polish or wax, optimally.

You can use towels on areas like the doors when open to protect them, being careful to not rub them around.

Some guys will use painters tape and paper on areas that need protection, but don't leave the tape on, and make sure it is the low stick type of masking.

BTW, I have fond memories of my visit to Haarlem many years ago.

Thanks for the advice Gordon. I've thought about using tape, but the risk of damaging the clear coat scares me
What a coincidence that you've been to Haarlem The car was originally delivered in from San Francisco and moved to Holland in 1999. I also have fond memories of my visit to California 9 years ago.

[D@vid]

Originally Posted by flashboarder

Beautiful color David! I live in Haarlem too and would love to hear more about the work you do on your car? Did you strip to bare metal yourself?

PM sent

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Great choice for a repaint, my 73 is originally Gemini Blue and someone painted it black years ago. Someday it will go back to the blue, one of the best, IMHO, early car colors. I could not live with light yellow myself, well done.

[D@vid]

Originally Posted by Shaun @ Tru6

Great choice for a repaint, my 73 is originally Gemini Blue and someone painted it black years ago. Someday it will go back to the blue, one of the best, IMHO, early car colors. I could not live with light yellow myself, well done.

thanks! I hoped I would grow to love light yellow... didn't happen

[famoroso]

GORGEOUS! Good luck keeping her safe while working on it and while that paint cures.

Gemini Blau FTW! I LOVE it, but I'm biased. My '87 M491 / M470 (last one delivered that year)...

[D@vid]

Originally Posted by famoroso

GORGEOUS! Good luck keeping her safe while working on it and while that paint cures.

Gemini Blau FTW! I LOVE it, but I'm biased. My '87 M491 / M470 (last one delivered that year)...

That’s a stunning car!