Should I install doors, add weight, adjust, then paint?
#689564
05/05/10 03:12 PM
05/05/10 03:12 PM
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,128
Tulsa, OK
73cudaproject
OP
super stock
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OP
super stock
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,128
Tulsa, OK
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After many years I am finally ready to prime and paint my user name sake '73 barracuda which has turned into a '70 clone. On my previous and first painting project I learned the hard way by painting the parts before assembly and some panels did not match. My plan this time is to paint the inside of the shell, jams, interior of doors and trunk lid etc. Then hang the doors, try to mask off everything, then spray exterior with high build primer, block sand, etc. then do the final paint. I would like to get the doors adjusted so I do not have to go back and make any adjustments after the windows have been installed. While adjusting the doors should I add weights to the doors? If so I can find the windows and hardware which are in the attic to weigh them; however does anybody know how much weight to add?
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Re: Should I install doors, add weight, adjust, then paint?
[Re: 73cudaproject]
#689565
05/05/10 04:03 PM
05/05/10 04:03 PM
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 18,493
Granite Bay CA
Kern Dog
Striving for excellence
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Striving for excellence
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 18,493
Granite Bay CA
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If I understand this right, you are thinking that the added weight of the window glass and hardware will affect the door adjustment? It wont. I was wondering why you intend to paint the backsides first, then the face sides. Primer overspray can still get to the freshly painted ineer sections. Are you painting a metallic? I ask this because you mentioned painting separate leads to an inconsistent color match. Shops paint cars when apart most of the time. The trick is to hang the panels in the manner that they are mounted on the car. Doors and fenders upright, hoods and decklids flat. Spray the paint in the same direction that you would as if the car were together. Paint all panels at approximately the same temperature and with the same batch of paint. One other idea...Paint the backsides and let dry for a few days. Flip everything over and paint the face sides. THEN assemble the car and spray two more fogging coats . I've done it both ways. Good luck. 
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Re: Should I install doors, add weight, adjust, then paint?
[Re: Kern Dog]
#689566
05/06/10 01:48 AM
05/06/10 01:48 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,679
Maple Ridge, BC, Canada
Barnabas_Kriss
master
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master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,679
Maple Ridge, BC, Canada
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Quote:
If I understand this right, you are thinking that the added weight of the window glass and hardware will affect the door adjustment? It wont.
On an E-body, it very much will affect the alignment. I learned this the hard way a long time ago. The door glass, mechanism, door latch, handle, panel, etc weigh about 38 lbs per side.
On my last project, I added weight, then aligned everything, turned out perfect!
If you are painting metallic, don't paint the panels separately. On my 70 cuda it was done as follows:
1. Prep all inner surfaces (door jambs, engine comparment, etc)
2. Install and align all panels (with rebuilt hinges, etc)
3. Block and prep outside with the panels installed, so all lines line up perfect. Get everything ready fo paint.
4. Remove panels, and paint all interior surfaces
5. Re install and final align all panels.
6. Mask all gaps and inner surfaces (it can be done, I had zero overspray, but took about 2 days to do!)
7. Paint outside
8. Touch up bolt heads using air brush. It looks 100% like it was sprayed together.
9. Blend together any visible masking lines (polish)
This was done by a local painter, and I'm extremely happy with the outcome.
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Re: Should I install doors, add weight, adjust, then paint?
[Re: Barnabas_Kriss]
#689567
05/06/10 08:40 AM
05/06/10 08:40 AM
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 9,835
MI, usa
dvw
master
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master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 9,835
MI, usa
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We align the doors then drill a couple of 1/8" holes through the hinges. That way you can insert a drill bit to line the hinges easily. I agree, add weight and weather strips as it all affects fit. Glue on weather strips can be taped in place for testing. It depends how picky you want to get. We prefit every thing. Hood inserts,door handles,window moldings,tail lights,headlight bezels,etc. You never know what doesn't fit. painting can be done with doors on or off. A less experienced painter may have better results with all the body parts attached.
Good Luck Doug
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Re: Should I install doors, add weight, adjust, then paint?
[Re: Barnabas_Kriss]
#689568
05/06/10 08:52 AM
05/06/10 08:52 AM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 27,347
Today? Who Knows?
1_WILD_RT
Management Trainee
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Management Trainee
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 27,347
Today? Who Knows?
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Quote:
Quote:
If I understand this right, you are thinking that the added weight of the window glass and hardware will affect the door adjustment? It wont.
On an E-body, it very much will affect the alignment. I learned this the hard way a long time ago. The door glass, mechanism, door latch, handle, panel, etc weigh about 38 lbs per side.
On my last project, I added weight, then aligned everything, turned out perfect!
 B bodies move too... 
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Re: Should I install doors, add weight, adjust, then paint?
[Re: dvw]
#689569
05/06/10 08:55 AM
05/06/10 08:55 AM
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 4,920
new berlin wisconsin
Mr T2U
master
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master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 4,920
new berlin wisconsin
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when painting cars with the doors closed 3M makes a foam mask to keep the over spray out of the jambs and not leave a hard tape line. http://www.bizrate.com/rd2?t=http%3A%2F%...3B2%3Bmain%3B1.it works great. if you are spraying sealer it will leave a sealer line in the jamb so be careful. they also make a special tape to stop sealer lines. if someone needs the number i will call the paint store for it.
perception is 90% of reality
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Re: Should I install doors, add weight, adjust, then paint?
[Re: Mr T2U]
#689570
05/06/10 09:05 AM
05/06/10 09:05 AM
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 28,312
Cincinnati, Ohio
Challenger 1
Too Many Posts
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Too Many Posts
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 28,312
Cincinnati, Ohio
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Quote:
when painting cars with the doors closed 3M makes a foam mask to keep the over spray out of the jambs and not leave a hard tape line.
http://www.bizrate.com/rd2?t=http%3A%2F%...3B2%3Bmain%3B1.
it works great. if you are spraying sealer it will leave a sealer line in the jamb so be careful.
they also make a special tape to stop sealer lines. if someone needs the number i will call the paint store for it.
Great info, Thanks 
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Re: Should I install doors, add weight, adjust, then paint?
[Re: Challenger 1]
#689571
05/06/10 01:38 PM
05/06/10 01:38 PM
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,128
Tulsa, OK
73cudaproject
OP
super stock
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OP
super stock
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,128
Tulsa, OK
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Quote:
Quote:
when painting cars with the doors closed 3M makes a foam mask to keep the over spray out of the jambs and not leave a hard tape line.
http://www.bizrate.com/rd2?t=http%3A%2F%...3B2%3Bmain%3B1.
it works great. if you are spraying sealer it will leave a sealer line in the jamb so be careful.
they also make a special tape to stop sealer lines. if someone needs the number i will call the paint store for it.
Great info, Thanks
I agree this is great info. I have been working on my project off and on for the past several years. Last night I showed a friend the car and I pointed out to him the weld lines at the rear qtr patch panels. Since I have invested so many hours into the project he advised me to hold off on painting and try to do a little more body work to try to hid the weld lines. While I am very much looking forward to getting the car painted I think I am going to take his advice and try one more time to hide the weld lines. On each side even after using bondo there is a small ridge which can be felt by hand. I am sure it will both me for years if I paint and it sticks out like a sore thumb.
I am not much of a dolly and hammer guy; however I read to put the dolly on the back side and strike with the hammer near the dolly but not on the dolly to move the metal. I am going to give it one more try before resorting to more bondo. On second thought before I break out the hammer and dolly I might try one more skip coat of bondo and then instead of using a sanding long board I might try some type of sanding block that contours to the curve.
Again thanks for the great info which I hope to use in the very near future!
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Re: Should I install doors, add weight, adjust, then paint?
[Re: Mr T2U]
#689573
05/06/10 04:06 PM
05/06/10 04:06 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 27,347
Today? Who Knows?
1_WILD_RT
Management Trainee
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Management Trainee
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 27,347
Today? Who Knows?
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Quote:
when painting cars with the doors closed 3M makes a foam mask to keep the over spray out of the jambs and not leave a hard tape line.
http://www.bizrate.com/rd2?t=http%3A%2F%...3B2%3Bmain%3B1.
it works great. if you are spraying sealer it will leave a sealer line in the jamb so be careful.
they also make a special tape to stop sealer lines. if someone needs the number i will call the paint store for it.
I've used it, it's ok but I can get better results with a soft tape line...
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Re: Should I install doors, add weight, adjust, then paint?
[Re: 73cudaproject]
#689574
05/06/10 08:47 PM
05/06/10 08:47 PM
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Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,319
Chicago Burbs
sthemi
master
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master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,319
Chicago Burbs
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Did you rebuild the door hinges? I left mine up about a 1/32 to the rear to allow for weight of glass and hinge break in... Hopefully it will be right...
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Re: Should I install doors, add weight, adjust, then paint?
[Re: 73cudaproject]
#689576
05/25/10 03:50 PM
05/25/10 03:50 PM
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 708
Mechanic Falls, Maine
4BBodies
mopar addict
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mopar addict
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 708
Mechanic Falls, Maine
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Thanks for the link on the 3M foam tape, that should work well. I always paint mine assembled, it is just torture to keep from screwing up fresh piant when putting them back together. And I don't care what guys in here say, metallics do NOT lay well or match when panel painting. If you did it once and they matched, you are an extremely gifted and lucky individual, and also probably not familiar with Murphy or his laws..........
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don't just use bondo take post some pics and we will be glad to help. 
