Getting the TA painted..........

**clg82** · 01-07-2009, 05:50 PM

Well today I went to get a quote at a reputiable shop here in my town for a bunch of rock chips in my hood. When I get there a guy comes out and says yep those are chips then looks at me and asks if I got "Stuck in a sand storm" I said

with a smile so he looked around the whole car for other scrapes and scratches, and then looks at my windshield and says, "I think you have a nick in your windshield as well". So I shake my head agreeing again. Turns out that I am going to get my whole car repainted!!! I am so excited.....But I do have a couple of questions, what should I look for after the car is painted.......and how exactly do they paint the engine compartment or do they not?.......any other comments and suggestions would be nice.........~Chris

**BIG GUNS** · 01-07-2009, 05:58 PM

Normally Chris, they don't paint the engine compartment or door sills. I would ask if they remove the fixtures (light assys') or do they just mask off?

If they mask off, make sure there is no over spray on the lights, windows etc.

Also, look for painted areas that look like it was put on with a paint roller. Other signs of a poor paint job entail but are not limited to:

fisheye
runs
unglossy surface areas (as mentioned above)
overspray
poor sanding as evident by many of those above.

Geeez, there are so many things to look for, its not even funny.

I have a high output shop light in my garage which illuminates the car normally not attainable by the sun or regular lighting.

Hope that helps and that's my best shot at advice for you.

**BIG GUNS** · 01-07-2009, 06:01 PM

btw, if you are not real fond of the door trim but, are scared it will leave marks, have them remove them before painting and leave them off.

That will fix that little problem for you if you see it as. I removed mine a while ago and I couldn't be happier with the overall appearance without them.

**Rhinohuey** · 01-07-2009, 06:02 PM

Originally Posted by BIG GUNS

I have a high output shop light in my garage which illuminates the car normally not attainable by the sun or regular lighting.

bet that sucks to have...owning a black car and all

**BIG GUNS** · 01-07-2009, 06:06 PM

It can be a challenge yes. Black paint shows so much more in the light and shade so, it takes a lot of time, patience and dedication to keep clean and looking it's best.

Yeah, you can definitely see more impurities with Black paint than with any other color.

**BIG GUNS** · 01-07-2009, 06:07 PM

Originally Posted by Rhinohuey

bet that sucks to have...owning a black car and all

LOL. I nearly choked on my beer after I posted that last time and then saw your avatar.......OMG. dog.

**clg82** · 01-07-2009, 06:54 PM

thanks for the responce guns....i will keep all of that in mind.........anyone else with suggestions?

**BIG GUNS** · 01-07-2009, 07:25 PM

You're welcome. And btw, while your at it, buy some smooth lock covers and have them paint over them. That would be even better.

Google for smoothlocks I think you will find them for $20 a set or so.

**BIG GUNS** · 01-07-2009, 07:27 PM

smoothlocks are a permanent but, removable cover for you key locks. Better to get them before paint day.

**Pony_Eater** · 01-07-2009, 07:33 PM

i just got mine painted and my advice would be to have them print out EXACTLY the work they are going to perform such as what primer...filler/sealer or watever and make sure you know how many coats they will spray and afterwards check their work that was my mistake i took the car home then started looking at it in my garage and there were parts that werent painted i.e. the underside of the bumpers and under my side mirrors. also check for hazey paint meaning low gloss that typically means poor color sanding

**BIG GUNS** · 01-07-2009, 07:56 PM

Originally Posted by Pony_Eater

i just got mine painted and my advice would be to have them print out EXACTLY the work they are going to perform such as what primer...filler/sealer or watever and make sure you know how many coats they will spray and afterwards check their work that was my mistake i took the car home then started looking at it in my garage and there were parts that werent painted i.e. the underside of the bumpers and under my side mirrors. also check for hazey paint meaning low gloss that typically means poor color sanding

Awesome point to get some sort of Statement Of Work (SOW).

**clg82** · 01-08-2009, 06:13 AM

Well on a good note....first thank you everyone for the suggestions.....i just got off the phone with my insurance company and they said that it falls under my comprehensive insurance so there is no deductible and they will cover it 100%......the friend of mine that got mine painted said that they tape nothing off they remove everything and that they bought all new stuff for his suburban, and they do the door jams, mirrors everything. he also said his looked better then when he bought it new from the factory. but i will definatley get a SOW before they do anything.....

**clg82** · 01-08-2009, 09:08 AM

Just another update for all.......they say that they disassemble the whole car to be repainted, and they do 2 coats of paint and three coats of clear coat! I can't wait! anyone else with some suggestions on what to look for?

**BIG GUNS** · 01-08-2009, 01:09 PM

That's good news. Make sure you lose the door trim......lol.

**clg82** · 01-08-2009, 01:52 PM

Originally Posted by BIG GUNS

That's good news. Make sure you lose the door trim......lol.

I think i am going to keep the door trim.....i like the way it looks and haven't seen any other ones with the trim off....unless you can change my mind with some pix, i am keeping it on

**BIG GUNS** · 01-08-2009, 02:39 PM

Well, that is your preference Chris. here is a white one without door trim.

http://firebirdfever.com/april08/2002black.jpg

**KahanaReef** · 01-08-2009, 02:44 PM

For looks... Always lose the door trim!

If you are forced to park in spaces that are crowed often, then you may want to leave it on to protect your doors.

But, every car looks better without the trim

**BIG GUNS** · 01-08-2009, 04:32 PM

Originally Posted by KahanaReef

For looks... Always lose the door trim!

If you are forced to park in spaces that are crowed often, then you may want to leave it on to protect your doors.

But, every car looks better without the trim

Not only yes; but, 'Hell Yes'....lol.

**clg82** · 01-09-2009, 08:33 PM

Just a little update for you guys, i called the place and asked if they could paint the trans am words on the door panels black and they said they would just order new black ones so i thought that would look cool.......do you guys?

**BIG GUNS** · 01-10-2009, 04:52 AM

I would say have them remove them altogether and leave them off. I'm removing mine today and finished painting my vents back to black.

Seen a lot of T/As with the door emblem removed and I think it looks much cleaner. I'll take some pics of mine today when I get them done and post them up here.