I am redoing my 57 convertible. Was looking for some advice and opinions on gel coating the fiber glass or some other way of sealing the orginal shell.
-
-
Re: 57 corvette coating
Gel coat is the only way to go. A minimum of two coats, best to do four. Otherwise there will be paint problems that show up very quickly. Good luck, Gary #5895 -
17 years ago...
I had my 55 stripped, gelcoated, and painted. So far, I have *one* stress crack, very small. So small, in fact, I got a "best of show" last year, I guess you just can't see unless you look real close. If you are stripping the car, do the gelcoat.
55 Engine
Comment
-
Re: 57 corvette coating
There have been several threads on this subject (you might search the archives) When we stripped abd painted Vettes we always used PPG expoxy (DP series number depends on color) with very good results. Quite a bit less work. Do your body work and coat the car with DP. Come back with teir K-36 Primer/Surfacer. This is a heavy build surfacer, don't overdo it. Sand or block, whichever is your preference. If you sand thru the DP always go back over that area with another coat. Once you are satisfied with the surface reduce DP, according to instructions, and seal the car with a coat. Be aware that there are maximum recommended times between coats. Also be aware that there is a cup life time. Mix only what you need at a time. Empty gun and clean it up ptomptly or plan to replace gun. (Do not ask me how I learned this little trick) We did our first cars in the early '90's and they aare still holding up well.
These products as well as ant other paints and solvents are toxic. Wear appropiate respirtory protection and use adequate ventilationDick WhittingtonComment
-
Re: 57 corvette coating
Dick,
Do you or any others have experience with 2 part urethane primers or how they compare to epoxy primers?
Thanks,
MikeComment
-
Re: 57 corvette coating
Mike I use the epoxy (DP) primer and the K=26 is a two part primer/surfacer. The expoxy will bond extremely well to the glass and give the primer/surfacer something to "bite". Very durable combination. ALWAYS use a system such as PPG, Sikkens, DuPont. DO NOT mix brands. If you do mix and have a problem tou are on your own as far as tech helpDick WhittingtonComment
-
Re: 57 corvette coating
I used a Urethane 2 part primer on my 57 , no gel-coat and it worked great. I had read the gel-coat would crack and spider web but maybe that's an "Old Wives Tale" ???
Comment
-
Re: 57 corvette coating
I am an amatuer at this, but when I repainted my 1961 Vette I used the PPG system involving a sealer, high build primer, sealer, and top coat (single stage urethane). It turned out great (black). I am now restoring a 1958. After going down to bare fibreglass, I used a two-stage high build primer (Valspar) supplemented in small sections with slick-sand to compensate for some irregular body issues. No sealer. Finished with single stage urethane (Vaspar), also black. Used the Valspar system as it was considerably less expensive than PPG, etc. Same company that makes House of Color products. Now in process of color sanding. Results: seems to be turning out nicely. Tried to strike a balance of obtaining an even surface (reducing waves/ripples) without a heavy build-up of "underlayment". One can still see some waves in certain sections, but I believe that while this does not reach perfection, to which I constantly strive to reach but invariably fail to accomplish, it is compatible with originality. All done in my garage. A great hobby!Comment
-
Re: 57 corvette coating
Body waves/ripples are normal Original condition in C1's like seeing body panel seams in original C2's , also inner fender panel lines. But in the restored queenly Corvette class you will never see this. Most restored Corvettes that get a $5,000 and up paint job wont look like a survivor Corvette body, because if it did the owner would shoot the painter. ( and many judges would take points off).Comment
Comment