1960 DIY Interior Painting Question

[Rick Coleman]

I'm in the process of updating the interior in my 60. New dashpad, etc. I'd appreciate advise on do-it-yourself painting of gage housing, center dash console, and other panels. If at all possible I want to do the painting, but know there may be complications painting, metal, fiberglass, plastic... In addition, I don't have an air compressor. So, is it possible to get a good finish using: a) aersol paints sold via Corvette Central, etc. b) lacquer via a hobby sprayer which utilizes the propellant cartridges, or c) a small hobby sprayer using a small compressor?

Recommended primers? Any reference material available?

Thanks for the help as usual.

Rick

[Larry Allen]

Re: 1960 DIY Interior Painting Question

Rick,
I painted the interior of my car using a Sears gun and a shop compressor. If you can get a small air source it would be better. The interior can be painted with a detail gun or even an airbrush. I would not use spray cans if given a choice. Rent a small compressor or borrow one and you really don't need a lot of skill to do the small parts. If you mess up just strip it and do it again.

[Ed Jennings]

Re: 1960 DIY Interior Painting Question

The aerosol cans will do an adequate job, but a small compressor and a detail spray gun will give you more flexability as to choice of paint and will give a better overall finish. The little spray gins can be bought for $30 or so and you can rent a compressor for the weekend. Any primer that is compatible with the paint you are using is fine. The paint sold for vinyl will also work well on fiberglass and can be used on metal as well. Your biggest challenge may be getting the degree of gloss you want.

[Andrew Anderson #31916]

Re: 1960 DIY Interior Painting Question

THE color makes alot of difference. What color is the Interior Paint?

[Rick Coleman]

Red's the color. Does that make a difference? *NM*

[Andrew Anderson #31916]

Re: Red's the color. Does that make a difference?

Yes, Solid colors like red, can all most be thrown on, because imperfection can be sanded out. Metallic paints like Tasco turquoise, takes a experienced painter , a good gun and air compress to do it right,

[Rick Coleman]

Thanks for all the input...

The color's red, and I've got a compressor available and will get a gun. Thanks for all the help.

Rick

[Ed Jennings]

Re: Thanks for all the input...

Rick, If you are trying to duplicate the factory appearance, the original paint was the same Roman Red lacquer used on the exterior. However, it was left "as sprayed", which is to say it was not buffed and did not have the full gloss that the exterior had. Consequently, if you use a paint type other than lacquer, you will want to use something less than a full gloss paint to replicate the lacquer. Certainly not a flat, and maybe a bit shineier than a semi gloss. Sort of a crap shoot. If you can acquire some lacquer paint it would be a lot easier. For that reason, the aeresol cans from the vendors isn't all bad. It is lacquer and would solve the gloss dilemma. If you can obtain lacquer from a local paint supplier with out having to buy a large quantity then that would solve a lot of problems, but it is tough to find in some areas.