Im probably going to be getting a fiberglass cowl hood. The guy im buying it from says it will need to be "straightened" What does that mean? Is that so the hood doesnt look all wavy? How much would that run and is it neccessary? Do all fiberglass hoods have to be straightened when painted?

Mike

 

Fiberglass, on it's own, is far from being "flat"...It takes lots of prep work (depending on the given quality) BEFORE you paint. If you havn't done body work before, it might take some time to understand.

I'd suggest to sand the gelcoat down w/ some 320...use a long block, and foam block around curves, etc. Then, lay some primer on there, and sand that down...give it a few coats...never be afraid of primer...it's your friend

Sand that down w/ 320 as well...if necessary, shoot it again...
Fill in any cracks/etc. w/ bondo and/or fiberglass, spot putty, etc...

Your trying to achieve a smooth look w/ the primer...to cover all area's, and especially to soak into your fillers, so it doesn't bleed through.

Next, use a different deeper color primer as your guide coat. This will show you any imperfections and high/low spots. Sand everywhere in a uniform fashion until all of your guide coat is gone, and your left w/ primer again.

After that, give it a few more coats of primer, sand that all down, now you should have a pretty solid foundation for paint.

Use some prep on there, then a tack cloth, and your ready for your color.

If you need the steps for that one, let me know.

Good luck!!

Here's the link to my fiberglass hood I just finished. Mine had some custom fabrication work, but the general prep/etc. was taken into consideration...

Ram Air Hood

 

That is the most insaine hood I have ever seen!!!

Damn, I'll buy if off of you...

 

bro that hood is insane!!! very nice job :hail: a nice choice in color too wanna come over to ca and paint my car lol. So when he says it needs straightening, all it needs is what you said. That makes me feel better. Unfortunately I dont have a paint gun Is rattle can spray paint okay for primer? I would like to do it myself to learn and to cut down on cost but dont want the end result to be crap.

Mike

 

Thanks for the compliments guys...

For the primer, I wouldn't recommend rattle cans. You'll get spray lines b/c the width of the spray isn't wide enough...you'll be sanding more than what's needed. Just a lot of extra work that isn't needed.

I'd recommend getting a good quality spray gun if you intend on doing body work. I have a Devilbiss GTI 620G. VERY good gun. It was about $350 for the whole kit I got.

Like the always say, do it right, or don't do it at all