Westfield Doors - can they be sprayed?

[B.J.W]

A quick question - I've got an all weather set for my 98 Westfield Seight. The car is yellow/black, the gear is blue. I'm not that fussed about the roof etc, but the blue doors look wrong when fitted. A cheap option would be to spray the doors black so they match - can this be done with a proprietary spray, and has anyone attempted it?

The alternative (I can lay my hands on a set of black doors), is to go for the frame mounted wind deflectors and half carbon doors. I'd be interested to hear comments on the amount of wind protection these offer over the standard vinyl doors?

Thanks on advance

[Fastpedeller]

B.J.W said:

A quick question - I've got an all weather set for my 98 Westfield Seight. The car is yellow/black, the gear is blue. I'm not that fussed about the roof etc, but the blue doors look wrong when fitted. A cheap option would be to spray the doors black so they match - can this be done with a proprietary spray, and has anyone attempted it?

The alternative (I can lay my hands on a set of black doors), is to go for the frame mounted wind deflectors and half carbon doors. I'd be interested to hear comments on the amount of wind protection these offer over the standard vinyl doors?

Thanks on advance

I guess these are GRP. Years ago I was told you needed to use etch primer, then plasticiser in the paint, it was nigh-on impossible etc (I wanted to paint the gloss black GRP bumpers of my Dutton in satin black. Then someone else (in the car trade as it happens) told me all I had to do was abrade the surface a bit (800 w/d)then use a red oxide primer spray, then the satin black. It came out a treat, and 2 years after (when I sold the car) was still looking good. Clean well with panel wipe after abrading!

[B.J.W]

Fastpedeller said:

B.J.W said:

A quick question - I've got an all weather set for my 98 Westfield Seight. The car is yellow/black, the gear is blue. I'm not that fussed about the roof etc, but the blue doors look wrong when fitted. A cheap option would be to spray the doors black so they match - can this be done with a proprietary spray, and has anyone attempted it?

The alternative (I can lay my hands on a set of black doors), is to go for the frame mounted wind deflectors and half carbon doors. I'd be interested to hear comments on the amount of wind protection these offer over the standard vinyl doors?

Thanks on advance

I guess these are GRP. Years ago I was told you needed to use etch primer, then plasticiser in the paint, it was nigh-on impossible etc (I wanted to paint the gloss black GRP bumpers of my Dutton in satin black. Then someone else (in the car trade as it happens) told me all I had to do was abrade the surface a bit (800 w/d)then use a red oxide primer spray, then the satin black. It came out a treat, and 2 years after (when I sold the car) was still looking good. Clean well with panel wipe after abrading!

Thanks for that!!!

[gtmdriver]

Etch primer doesn't do anything on GRP as it's pretty inert but, with the increasing use of plastic panels on production cars, it's relatively easy to get hold of plastics primers or adhesion promoters which ensure a good bond for paint on plastic or GRP panels.

[thescamper]

OP, can you confirm what the panels are made of I thought they were a moulded ABS type plastic and not a GRP.

[Megaflow]

They are closer to a vinyl covering over a aluminium frame, IIRC. Standard paint is not going to last more than a few minutes of use, you might have some luck with leather seat paint/restoration kits.

Personally, I'd be looking to sell and buy some more.

[B.J.W]

I've got an option on buying some black ones, or upgrading to the frame deflectors and half doors.

Out of interest, how much would all weather gear for a westfield fetch second hand? I'm unlikely to ever use it, so it could be sold to fund other things for the car.

[Megaflow]

I can't honestly remember what I sold mine for, too many years ago, but it should be good for at least £200.

Have a look on Westfield's parts shop and see what new stuff is costing and guesstimate from there.