Proper preparation for painting

[Paul E.]

I own a 1979 L82 4 Speed with 17400 miles on it. I am considering having it painted. I have talked to a few shops about doing the job and I have received many different methods about proper preparation. All of these shops have done Corvettes before. I thought that the original paint and primer had to be removed from the car. Some shops are telling me that the original primer can be left on the car, except where there is damage such as seam cracking etc. which has to be repaired. Unfortunately, I am not very familiar with this situation and I want to get it painted properly. Any help you can give me will be greatly appreciated.

[Philip A.]

Re: Proper preparation for painting

Paul
I am not sure what is the right answer here and I am not an expert, but want to give some advice to consider. There is probably more than one way to skin this cat, from acceptable to best way and the materials being used. Assuming no fraud, you will usually get what you pay for in this area. One thing to consider is, you want the shop to stand behind the work well after it is done. If you want some process different from what they recommend, they may not do this. I would recommend getting several estimates with full explaination of what is to be done and what materials utilized. The present these here and have the experts comment.
Regards,
Phil

[Michael D.]

Re: Proper preparation for painting

...Some shops are telling me that the original primer can be left on the car, except where there is damage such as seam cracking etc. which has to be repaired....

Listen to the pros; they are correct. Your car may not need to be stripped to bare panels.