C3 (78) Valence panel painting

[Bob Boyer]

First post on this board. I recently purchased a 78 Pace Car and I found the front valence panel is cracked/broken. I found one on Ebay that is in great shape. Only problem is, mine is black and this one is red. Since I am kind of new to this kind of stuff, what would be the best way to paint it? What process? What paint?
Should I just take it to a body shop and have them do it. Should I strip it? Primer it?
Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Bob

[Tom R.]

Re: C3 (78) Valence panel painting

Bob:

1978 Valences were painted body color so in your case...black. However, coverage was light with just enough paint to color it...not shiney but rather a rough texture.

I'm not a painter but suspect painters would tell you to take it down to primer...but again...they did not leave the factory pretty. Your better off making it match its environment so it doesn't stick out like a sore thumb!

Frankly with a valence and wanting to achieve sub par quality, I would get spray cans and do it yourself and don't polish it afterwards. I'm curious to learn how the real painters would do it?