Hi There Sir,
What is it about the paintwork that needs restoring as such?
Greg.
There are many scratches and dings 40+ years. Also I want to replace the hood with NASA and need to match the color if that is even possible.
Being a pro spraypainter, i can help give you sound advice on your paintwork. You have a similar situation as i have with my '73 Convertible in that we both have existing original factory paintwork. My paintwork has chips and scratches as well, but still looks very nice from 10 feet away.
These cars were originally finished in a baked mono enamel. That means there was no clean clearcoat used to go over the metallic base like there is in today's modern paints. That means as soon as you try to cut and or polish the old paint, you start shedding metallic paint straight away, which CAN change the appearence somewhat of the finish if you cut back or polish the paint too hard. When it comes to the chips and scratches, pencil brushing is your only option to hide those blemishes, and pencil brushing mostly looks pretty bad and stands out. Metallics don't like to be pencil brushed.
Dents can be pushed if desired without refinishing any panels. Like in my situation, the bad news is, that if you want a spot on looking car, your only option is to respray the whole car, thus loosing it's original paintwork. A strip and repaint is the most desirable approach for a long lasting job, but the most expensive way to go as well.
Color maching will have to be done by a pro spraypainter. The good news is that you have original paint work around the car. Your painter will be able to accurately eye match the new paint to the original color. That is the only way to end up with the same color you have now super accurately.If you were to buy the new Nasa hood, you would have to blend in the basecolor into the tops of the two front fenders anyway, and clearcoat the two entire fenders with clearcoat as well.
Bottom line is, if you take the poor man's way, you can give the car a power polish with a light buff and non abrasive polish, then pencil touch the chips and scratches, or get the car resprayed for a spot on blemish free final result, and pay the big money. Those are really your only two main options i feel.
Hope that helps,
Greg.
Had a great weekend at The 2014 Ford National in Carlisle. Met lots of other 7173 owners all with awesome cars. There were many 7173 q codes and great conversations. Was glad to find out about this forum.
