Serious question: I'd like to do something nicer than the roller paint job (which seems to be at 100+ pages and counting), but not go full bore with high-build primer, 2000 hours of block sanding and another 1000 hours of wetsanding/polishing).
I would appreciate pros/cons/advice on my proposed approach, as well as pointing out if I've missed anything really critical
Car is a '97 4-door sedan -metallic silver base/clear, mostly factory paint.
Problem areas:
- minor dime-sized rust spots along door side moulding (no perforation)
- front of hood & bumper is somewhat blasted/chipped after 150,000+ miles
- usual door dings after 12 years of battle in the city
Goal:
- Shiny new paint, base/clear (looks like it'll be Omni)
- Paint should last & look pretty good for the next 4-5 years
- Minimize chances of rust spots popping back out
The Approach That I'm Thinking:
- Disassemble as much of the car as possible - take off lights, emblems, door handles, grille, whatever trim is feasible
- Drop the front & rear bumper assemblies (easier access for painting)
- Remove or backtape weatherstripping to avoid a sharp, raised edge that could start peeling or let in water
- Mask thoroughly and Slime hard-to-mask areas
- Spot sandblast any of the rust areas to bare metal
- Etch prime the bare metal
- Scuff car with 220 grit using DA
- Spot-putty door dings and trouble areas
- Block sand dents etc. working by feel
-Spray car in a coat of primer/sealer to lock in all repairs and seal original paintwork
- Sand car up to 320 or 400 grit using blocks
- Wipe down, tack, etc.
- Have skilled Moparts member (not me) lay down the paint (including fisheye eliminator)
- 3-4 coats of base
- 3-4 coats of clear
Let paint cure, reassemble and drive. I have no intention of wetsanding or polishing the car beyond basic wax.
Am I on the right track? I'm figuring about 30-40 hours of prep time if I hustle and hopefully a decent looking ride at the end.
Thanks in advance!!!