Build order - when to paint ?

[Patriq Backlund]

I was just thinking.
Is there a reason not to paint the car as soon as you have fitted doors and the other panels ?

Later on - the more you fit, the more you'll have to remove before painting it.
And I can only imagine removing, viper motor, brake cylinders, steering, etc etc just to have it painted both inside and outside.

It seems to me from many of the build documentations I have seen that most people seem to mount almost everything first. Am I right ?

[strat6v]

Through the build process you will fit things, remove them, modify them, chuck them away, fit new ones in their place, upgrade, modify etc etc. A very select few build agents can paint them straight away but i would advise you to mock just about everything up then strip off what is necessary, then paint. Its a tried and tested method, otherwise you would certainly ruin a good paint job.

Oh, must mention that you WILL scrape parts up and down the body panels while passing the car, not good for a painted panel ;) :o

[Sptwoman]

I've done a half way house... I've completed all the body work, dash, lights, suspension and brakes only. I've not touched the engine or tanks.. Like John, mine will come back painted but the build will take place with no front or rear clam or doors. That leaves the tub as the major concern. This will be covered by the stuff they cover the Airbus wings with during transportation... I'm sure Lyndon's done something similar...

[chris.richard]

Wrap the engine cradle members in cardboard or similar when hoisting engine and box in & out.

[Sptwoman]

Good idea Chris!! When I'm working on the rear end all the powder coating will be well protected. John did make a good comment re adding, removing, scraping and mod'g.... It's an affliction!! Mine's half way through paint and I'm adding a Wilwood pedal box to mine in the body shop.... Last minute mod :rolleyes:

[Patriq Backlund]

I've done a half way house... I've completed all the body work, dash, lights, suspension and brakes only. I've not touched the engine or tanks.. Like John, mine will come back painted but the build will take place with no front or rear clam or doors. That leaves the tub as the major concern. This will be covered by the stuff they cover the Airbus wings with during transportation... I'm sure Lyndon's done something similar...

I can see the risk with scraping. But was thinking to my other Alfa's - that I do quite some work each year on them without scraping them. Off course there's a lot more fiddling when fitting all these parts toghether to a Stratos, but still.

I was thinking along the lines of Sptwoman - that I would just mount doors and panels to get alignment correct. That's when you need to handle these parts a lot. Then have all painted. And then let doors and clams rest to the side until I have mounted all interior, plumbing, engine etc. Also preper electric wiring so that all that is left finally is to mount ligths to the clams and doors.

Sounds good in theory at least.

[Sptwoman]

I'm sure Lyndon was successful...worth a PM..

[CorseChris]

Apart from the interior trim and windscreen, I pretty much completely built the car first, then sent it for paint having removed everything that was easy to remove.

I think this is the technique used by most custom builders/restorers. Bit more work on the face of it but makes sense in the longer term.

[Patriq Backlund]

Apart from the interior trim and windscreen, I pretty much completely built the car first, then sent it for paint having removed everything that was easy to remove.

I think this is the technique used by most custom builders/restorers. Bit more work on the face of it but makes sense in the longer term.

Yes, that's how I first envisioned the build. Might be I end up doing that too - but was hoping to be able to not have to remove too much, when I sat down and thought about it.

[Patriq Backlund]

I'm sure Lyndon was successful...worth a PM..

He first painted the car - and then fitted most of the parts ?

[Patriq Backlund]

Yes, and while we're at it - what kind of paint do most people use ?

Gel coat ?
Poly Urethan ?