'75 Coupe GelCoat

[Brett White]

I have a '75 Coupe. It was repainted once and the gelcoat was not replaced after it was stripped off. (Obviously an amature paint job). My car is completly number matching and is one of the Steel Blue cars with the silver interior. I want to keep it completly original. Is there a specific shade (color) of gelcoat that I need to use as far as NCRS to be original? Thanks In Advance! brettwhite72@yahoo.com

[Ed Jennings]

Re: '75 Coupe GelCoat

The car did not have a "gelcoat" when new. The top surface of the press molded panels is refered to as "mold release agent". If the top layer of the glass is damaged, there are a variety of products that can be used to repair, depending on the extent of the damage. These can range from a 2k urethane primer, to a sprayable polyester primer, to an epoxy "gelcoat".

[Brett White]

Re: '75 Coupe GelCoat / Finish

The current (badly weathered) finish is very bleached out and appears thin all over. You can see fiberglass fibers through the paint in spots. I understand that the color of the primer can effect the shade of the paint so I'm wanting to be perfectly accurate. Any further knowledge is greatly appreciated. Thanks for your help.

[Dick W.]

Re: '75 Coupe GelCoat / Finish

As you prepare the car for painting, sand through the color coat to determine what color primer was used. They you can make the decision as to what you will use for the primer/surfacer. No jelcoat was used on these cars at the factory. Most painters are using an expoxy primer on the bare glass followed by a comparable primer/sufacer to block before applying the color coats.
Always use a system of paint, that is if you prime with PPG, etc, then use PPG's recommended primer/surfacer, and use PPG's color. Same with DuPont, Sikkens, etc. DO NOT mix brands. If you do and have a problem you might as well call Ghost Busters as they will provide as much support as you paint mfg will.

[Steven S.]

Re: '75 Coupe GelCoat / Finish

Also the mold release mention previously is not on the car any longer. The purpose of mold release is just that - to get the part out of the mold. It can be a wax or can be a PVA (poly vinyl acetate) which is washed off with water prior to shipping the part.

Steve