xcskier

I've an emerald '92 ES300 with manual transmission, purchased new. Runs well, intend to keep it forever. But lots of wear on the paint job, especially rock chips on front of hood. A friend experienced at repainting cars will help me repaint this one (yep, I know all the equipment I'll need, but I want an over-winter project and this is going to be it). Would appreciate advice on my proposed work plan. 1) Remove cladding and emblems; maybe also door handles and chrome around side windows. Leave hood on, just prop it open a bit for sanding and painting separate from front panels. 2) Hand sand all paint off of hood (too many little chips to do separately). Prime with epoxy primer, first coats by brush, last coat spray can. Sand each coat. 3) Repair individual nicks and small dents on remainder of body by spot sanding to metal. Bondo fill the dents. Putty glaze small chips and scratches. Spray primer each spot several coats, sand and feather. 4) Fine sand remainder of original paint to rough it. Urethane primer entire car. 5) Cladding done separately. 3 base coats, 3 clear coats to finish. Does this sound right?

LeX2K

Brushing on primer? Most definitely not. The rest sounds about right to me.

speedkar9

If you have cool moist winters where you are located, I suggest leaving this as a summer project, unless you have access to a temperature/ humidity controlled shop.

Also if your going to be repainting the whole car, it might be worth investing in a spray gun and air compressor and have an auto-paint supplier mix the paint and put it in a container for you.

LeX2K

Great point on having a temperature controlled environment. If you paint when it's too cold the paint won't dry properly and as you put on the coats the paint will shrink and you'll have spider webbing/cracking everywhere. All your work will be for nothing.

xcskier

for the quick replies. I do understand need for temp control: will do the body work inside over the winter, wait for spring temps, then put up positive-pressure tent in which to do the painting. Will wait for appropriate temp for the paint activator (I think that's what it's called). No brushing primer, eh? OK.