Painting an Ultima - When

[drivin_me_nuts]

A quick question for you folks. At what point in the build cycle would you paint a new Ultima?

[Storer]

I painted my rebuild (bare chassis rebuild) after I had fitted the side pods and center sections permanently. It would be good to do it after most, if not all holes for things have been drilled too. Basically pre-fit, remove then spray as less likely to damage new paint.


Paul

[Stig]

To ensure you get decent panel match, wait until the body is mounted on the car at the very least and perferably once it's essentially finished and then deconstruct - but leave the glass out.

[drivin_me_nuts]

Thanks for the replies. It makes more sense now - I had the idea to paint if after the initial body fit.

[V8 Vum]

Has anyone got experience of having the car painted with the body and cab in place?
Glass out seems a good idea, however - a bit of a problem there maybe, as I am told that fitting the glass is a prerequisite to final fit of the doors to get a good job done?

cheers

Keith

[V8 Vum]

V8 Vum edited said:

Has anyone got experience of having the car painted with the body and cab in place?
Glass out seems a good idea, however - a bit of a problem there maybe, as I am told that fitting the glass is a prerequisite to final fit and adjustment/ shaving of the doors to get a good shut-line job done?

Bump - sorry chaps,
My original idea was to completely finish the car in wonderful grey gel, get IVA, then go get sprayed, but I am not sure if the job will be as good as if done without the screen etc.

Up-sides/ Down-sides?

...just need to make some decisions this week, so any useful comments would be warmly welcomed!...

Keith

[ROWDYRENAULT]

Since you have gone to the trouble of painting the car, which is beyond me, but that's what makes the world go around I would suggest that you can leave the glass in if you use the Tee moulding that is available. that moulding covers 3/8ths of an inch of the paint around the glass and the body, silcon, line leaves a good place to terminate the paint. Do not forget to do the undersides of the body panels in good black paint. After all this trouble I would also put one of the clear plastic bras on the front of the car. I must say for others reading this and contemplating the choice between paint and colored gel coat as the car comes, its no brainer for me. Gel coat looks great, easy to fix chips and its free. Save the money of a paint job for driving lessons. This car is faster than the vast majority of people who drive them, including me. Lee