Posted this question in another thread, but it seems to have gotten lost in the shuffle.

Car is currently in the body shop... will come back with all body work done, and at least primered. Was talking to my body guyand we got on the subject of painting and when. He suggested, that since I know I'm keeping the same color, that he felt it would be best if we painted the door jambs and other hard-to-reach places now, but left the outside primered. His reasoning was the same as mine originally... don't want to ruin a good paint job when I'm still going to be doing major engine work, and so on. Knowing myself, and that I'm not the cleanest person when doing work like this, I'm thinking that's probably a wise course to take. The car will be garaged, so weather isn't really an issue. He also said the cost wouldn't be significant one way or another, so cost isn't really a factor.

Thoughts?

 

do it

if you know you're gonna mess up that fresh paintjob, get the installs done first

 

Doing major engine work of what nature? In the car? Keep in mind that Ford painted the body separate from the fenders, hood and other bolt on front end stuff. The trunk lid and doors were painted on the car and the rear valence was installed dangling with only the outer two screws holding it in place. Paint the car completely, install the engine, then the fenders, radiator, front metal, etc. Otherwise you will have a 'masking' nightmare.
Jim

 

I'm with middlepride here, but more, cut in first, build the car and then paint..... It works for me.

 

the restorer guys I spoke with said to paint first and then be VERY carful when doing other things.

They were suggesting that it was easier to be careful, than it was to get the overspray off all your new parts. They said they'd tape off as much as they could, but there was no way to prevent all overspray.

IMO, this may be a bit **** for most of us, seeing as I won't freak out if they got a bit of overspray on my new suspension. But if someone was going for cost no objectshow quality restoration, then it's probably better to paint it first.

 

+1... Paint it up and use covers for the areas your'e working on. ( a blanket is cheap) trying to deal with O'spray all over everywhere is a big deal.

 

I agree.. get the body right... then cover it up when you are working on it.... covers are cheap..

 

This is what I will be doing once it is ready for paint. Paint the entire car with hood and front fenders off, do the whole drivetrain and put the hood and fenders on last.

 

Consensus seems to be about 50/50.

A couple thoughts...

- I will be doing the engine anddrivetrain while still in the car.
- I don't really have a good place to store a painted hood or fender without taking a chance of scratching it. The other half of the garage is used on a daily basis.
- I won't be doing "show quality", but will want a good finished product.

I see good points to both sides. Good thing I still have a few weeks to decide.

 

For the hood and fenders, see if you can score a large box, such as from a big screen TV. You should be able to hack the box into the shape you need, and duct tape it to hold it together.

Tape a few sheets or other padding around the hood or fender, then slide it into the box and tape it closed. Make sure it's not stored in a very hot or wet location, or the paint has a chance of cracking.

As long as you have a corner to slide them in, you should be all set. Cheap, and effective.