My mom's friend will do the paint job on our 85 Camaro for cheap. But what I want to know is how we can prep it ourselves to cost less. There is surface rust in the engine compartment (POR-15 should do the trick). But there are rust holes through the back fenders (more on the rear right- gee I wonder why). So would some rust eater and bondo be adequate for this job, or should we replace the fender?

The car is highly sun faded, and scratched near the front. Easy paint fix, but just a little annoying.

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1992 Pontiac Firebird
- 305ci V8 TBI / Automatic Trans / Loaded
- MODS: Edelbrock 14x3 Open Element Air Cleaner, Dual outlet exhaust
1985 Chevy Z28
- 350ci V8 TPI / Automatic Trans / Paid $200 for it
- In the process of restoration!

 

Transferring to Appearance and Detailing.

Willie

 

I figured it was just as much restoration as it was appearance. Jeez

 

While many questions can be considered "cross-overs" (apply to multiple boards), there is usually one forum that will get more replies. I used my discretion in placing your original question here because I feel it fits better. It does state in the sub-heading under Appearance and Detailing, "Share tips and tricks on how to make your car shine! Getting a new paint job? This is the board for you!

Willie

 

:P

 

take some 180 sand paper sand all over the car (only horizontally and vertically NO CIRCLE sanding) make the paint very scratchy so the new paint will stick.... make sure to sand out the rust spots, spray primer on it then sand it a little, then id get some 320 and sand over the entire car again. that should do the trick

 

Your best bet is to prep yourself (if you have the time, of course). Unfortunately, for rust holes, it will take more than some sandpaper. You should go into an automotive PPG paint store to see what is recommended to use with the type of paint you will be using on the car (diiferent paints have different bases and not all take well to all fillers). They will lead you to the best choice for closing up the holes. After the holes are no longer holes-you will need to break out the bondo (you cannot use bondo to fill holes-it needs metal to stick to since it involves a chemical reaction). You may want to use "Rage" (I forget the name of the manufacturer) because it works rather nicely and sands out great. As far as your other rust spots- don't just spray over them. You will indeed stop the rust- but it won't go away. You should invest in some sanding discs that attach to your drill-they make life a hell of a lot easier-to take those spots down to bare metal. Bondo it , sand it (by hand, and NOT in CIRCLES). Make sure there are no ridges between transition from paint to bondo- you'll see every one of them (especially you cause it's your baby!).