C3 sill plates

[Bill E.]

The black paint in the valleys of the repo sill plates on my '74 driver started peeling off. I know I can replace them for about $40.00 with another set of repo's but I'm cheap and it's Winter here in New England and I need something to do. So, I removed the remaining paint with lacquer thinner and now have a shining set of sill plates. Has anyone tried painting these? I was thinking of masking off the top of the ribs and then wipe off any overspray from the top with a lacquer wetted rag. Any ideas? Thanks, Bill

[D S.]

Re: C3 sill plates

After you've diligently worked three hours going through all that you might find $40 a good deal. I never had any luck repainting those things and I'm told I'm pretty good at detailing.
Upper 70s in Texas.

[Patrick H.]

Re: C3 sill plates

Bill,

Use self-etching primer, then hit them with SEM Trim Black.
I usually tape off the high spots that I don't want painted. I then remove the tape after I've used the primer and color coat. The sharp edge of an X-acto knife blade works well to "knock off" the high spots of paint, and then I follow with a rag that has a little lacquer thinner on it.

Works like a charm.

Patrick

[Chas Henderson #28127]

Re: C3 sill plates

I taped off the sides. Painted them, then took steel wool and cleaned the upper areas. That was several years ago and they still look great.

Chasman