Fergie,
Given yuor remarks, I would strongly recommend stripping to bare metal.
This is a lengthy, messy, time consuming process. You car will be down for
longer than you expect if you go this route. I have done this process at
least 5 times on different cars so I know. Unless you have rust that has
migrated under the paint, the base paint you have on there is best left in
tact. Sand off the last coat of paint (respray) prime the car in a basecoat
that is close to the final color you plan to use and then add your color
coat. PPG makes a tintable primer that will allow you to get a close range
to your color coat and it is a good sealer. Use 320 sandpaper and a
degreaser/cleaner to wipe everything down before you paint. Use a "long
board" to sand (available from a paint supplier) if your doing any cosmetic
bondo or glazing. The key to a good looking and long lasting paint job is
in the prep. If you prep a car well, you will save yourself a bunch for a
final paint job. All that said, if you are not painting yourself, you
should line up a shop and find out the cost BEFORE you start. Painting is a
very expensive endeaver these days, even for JUST the paint.
P.S. If you want to see what's involved with a "bare metal" job, check this out
http://www.gerardsgarage.com/GarageContent/Sprite_Collection/MKIV_Collection.htm
Gerard
At 12:37 PM -0500 12/18/01, fergie9 wrote:
>Thanks for all the early info. Here's some more backgraound.
>
>First, it's pretty much a daily driver now, and I want it to stay
>that way -- never a trailer queen. The body is in pretty fair
>shape. I believe there maybe some little bondo on the tops
>of both wings. (Did a tree fall across it?)
>
>The PO had a repaint sometime in it's history. Not
>very good, really, but it covers and prevents rust. The
>engine compartment is still the original awful blue-green
>stuff. I really see no need to paint the engine compartment,
>but I'd like the body to be nice. (Have you ever seen the red
>RED Sprite in the red room of the Haynes Motor Museum??)
>
>I don't have a buget, really, but I don't want to spend
>extravagantly. It's only a midget after all, and originally
>cost around $2kUS.
>
>Whatever I do, I want it to be relatively quick 'cause
>I really hate to NOT be driving it. So I'll want to do more
>planning than execution, if you know what I mean.
>
>
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