Marcus Chen
Painting a car is a complex process that requires careful preparation and the right tools. Painting a Corvette is even more challenging than painting a normal car due to the specialised paint and prep work required. Before painting, it is essential to ensure that the car is assembled correctly and that any issues, such as sagging door hinges or misaligned body panels, are addressed. The foundation of the car must be solid, with proper frame attachments, bird cages, and body cores in place. Additionally, all oil residue and stripper must be removed, and a sealer undercoat should be applied before painting. The cost of painting a Corvette can vary significantly, ranging from $3000 to $15,000 or more, depending on the quality and extent of the work. It is important to consider the time and money involved, whether you decide to paint your Corvette yourself or take it to a professional shop.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Painting a Corvette | Requires more prep work than a "normal" car |
| Painting process | Solid foundation is necessary, including frame attachments, birdcage, and body core |
| Body mods such as fender flairs or hood scoops should be fitted and installed | |
| Air dams, valences, and ground effects should be fitted and removed | |
| All body additions should have mounting holes before painting | |
| Any existing body repairs should be stripped down to glass and rebuilt using proper materials | |
| Polyester (poly) resins, filler, primer, and paint should be used to match expansion and contraction rates and eliminate ghosting | |
| Dust is a painter's enemy, so a heated downdraft paint booth is ideal | |
| Sanding out nicks, pits, or waves is necessary before painting | |
| Sanding blocks can be used with dry or wet sanding material | |
| Mixing/filler tools are needed to mix body filler and apply it to the body | |
| Disposable paint masks are recommended during the sanding process | |
| Paint removers can be used to remove finishes from surfaces that can be damaged by sanding | |
| Paint should be applied in a heated downdraft paint booth to minimize dust | |
| Paint booths help keep track of hours worked on a job | |
| Painting costs can vary widely depending on the desired finish and labour rates | |
| Painting a Corvette is a labour of love |
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What You'll Learn
- Preparation: Ensure the frame is solid and rust-free, and that body repairs are complete
- Choosing a colour: Consider the original 73 colours, or a custom colour
- DIY vs. professional: Decide whether to paint your Corvette yourself or take it to a body shop
- Cost: If using a body shop, understand the total price, including labour and materials
- Techniques: If painting yourself, be familiar with the tools and techniques, and practice
Preparation: Ensure the frame is solid and rust-free, and that body repairs are complete
Painting your 1973 Corvette frame can be a rewarding project, but it's important to ensure proper preparation for a quality finish and to prevent rust. Here are some detailed steps to help you prepare your Corvette's frame for painting:
Inspect the Frame for Solid Construction: Before painting, it is crucial to ensure that the frame is solid and structurally sound. Check for any signs of sagging, misalignment, or damage to the frame attachments, birdcage, and body core. Address any issues and make necessary repairs to ensure a solid foundation.
Address Rust and Corrosion: Rust is a common issue, especially in regions with salted roadways. Inspect the frame for any signs of rust or corrosion, paying close attention to the underside of the car and the wheel wells. Remove any existing rust using a wire brush or suitable rust remover. Be cautious when using rust removers on fiberglass or flexible surfaces. You can also apply rust-proofing products like Eastwood's frame spray, Fluid Film, Flex Seal, or Cosmoline to protect against future rust.
Prepare the Surface: Once the frame is rust-free and solid, prepare the surface for painting. Sand the entire frame using sanding blocks and sanding backing boards to create a smooth finish. Remove all dust and debris generated during sanding to ensure a clean surface for painting.
Complete Body Repairs: Before painting, ensure that all body repairs are finalised. This includes addressing any sagging door hinges, misaligned body panels, or body additions. It is important to work on a solid foundation, so take the time to make these adjustments and repairs prior to painting.
Choose the Right Materials: Select suitable materials for your Corvette's paint job. C3 Corvettes typically use polyester-based resins, so choose poly resins, filler, primer, and paint to match the expansion and contraction rates, reducing the chances of ghosting due to temperature changes.
By following these preparation steps, you can ensure that your 1973 Corvette's frame is solid, rust-free, and ready for a quality paint job. Remember to take your time, work in a suitable space, and consider the costs and techniques involved for the best results.
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Choosing a colour: Consider the original 73 colours, or a custom colour
Choosing a colour for your 1973 Corvette can be a challenging task, especially with the wide range of colours available. Firstly, you should consider whether you want to restore your Corvette to its original colour or opt for a custom colour.
If you are looking to restore your 1973 Corvette to its original colour, you should be aware that Corvette released unique colours for almost every year between 1968 and 1982. Some colours were specific to certain years, while others were available across multiple years. Corvette Central is a leading manufacturer and distributor of Corvette parts and accessories, offering a wide selection of original colours to help you find the right match.
When restoring the colour, it is important to ensure that the body of your Corvette is adjusted as close to the specification as possible. Any sagging door hinges or misaligned body panels should be addressed before painting. It is also crucial to have a solid foundation, with proper frame attachments, a sturdy birdcage, and a solid body core.
On the other hand, if you prefer a custom colour, you have the freedom to choose from a wide range of options. You can browse through various colour charts available on the web or use Google Images to visualise different colours on a Corvette. Some popular custom colour choices mentioned by Corvette owners include black, dark blue, gunmetal grey, red, yellow, and steel cities grey.
Ultimately, the choice of colour depends on your personal preference and the interior colour of your Corvette. Whether you choose an original 1973 colour or a custom option, a well-executed paint job will enhance the appearance of your Corvette and make it stand out.
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DIY vs. professional: Decide whether to paint your Corvette yourself or take it to a body shop
Painting your Corvette can be a rewarding project, but it's important to consider the pros and cons of doing it yourself versus taking it to a professional body shop. Here are some factors to help you decide:
DIY: Advantages and Disadvantages
Painting your Corvette yourself can be a cost-effective option, with supplies ranging from $100 to $1500 depending on the materials needed. Modern paints offer terrific results and are accessible for amateurs, but they require precise usage and can be expensive. Additionally, DIY painting demands a significant time investment, not just for the painting process but also for the necessary prep work and learning curve involved. Common issues for DIY painters include uneven coating and dust particles ruining the final look. It's also crucial to have a well-ventilated area to work in, as car paint is not healthy to breathe.
Professional: Advantages and Disadvantages
Taking your Corvette to a professional body shop ensures access to advanced equipment and techniques, which are essential for a flawless and durable paint job. Professionals have the expertise and time to dedicate to the entire process, from meticulous surface preparation to paint application and finishing. They can also handle any necessary repairs or adjustments to the car body before painting. However, professional paint jobs can be expensive, and you may need to be cautious about potential upselling by the auto shop. It's essential to understand the total price, scope of work, and payment methods before committing to a professional service.
Key Considerations
When deciding between DIY and professional painting, consider the following:
- Your budget: Compare the cost of supplies for a DIY job with the quotes you receive from professionals.
- Your time: Assess how much time you can dedicate to the project and whether your time is better spent elsewhere.
- Quality expectations: Be honest about the level of quality you can achieve with a DIY job versus the professional results you desire.
- Convenience: Decide if saving time or money is more important to you.
- Skills and patience: Evaluate whether you possess the necessary skills and patience for a DIY paint job, which can be intricate and demanding.
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Cost: If using a body shop, understand the total price, including labour and materials
The cost of painting a Corvette can vary significantly, ranging from $1,000 to $15,000. The price depends on several factors, including the amount of bodywork required, shop rates, material brand, paint code, and the number of colours used.
When using a body shop, it is essential to understand the total price, including labour and materials. Most shops will require a deposit before starting the work and will expect the remaining payment upon completion. It is important to clarify the payment method they accept, as they have the right to hold your car until all payment disputes are settled.
The labour cost for a simple paint job typically starts at around $4,000, but this can increase depending on the condition of the car body and any additional work required. For example, one person spent $6,400 on body work, paint, cut and buff for their 1972 Corvette.
The cost of materials can also vary. Paint prices differ depending on the brand and colour, with some paints costing $150 per quart and others over $200 per pint. Additionally, there are costs for primer, sealer, and clear coat, which need to be factored into the overall expense.
It is worth noting that some shops may charge less for a basic paint job, but it may not be of the same quality as a high-end paint job. It is recommended to do your research and get quotes from multiple shops to find a reputable business that can provide the desired results within your budget.
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Techniques: If painting yourself, be familiar with the tools and techniques, and practice
Painting a car requires a solid technique and practice. If you plan to paint your 1973 Corvette yourself, it is important to be familiar with the tools and techniques and to practice beforehand.
Firstly, you will need to decide on a suitable location to paint your car. It is recommended to find a covered, well-ventilated, low-dust, and safe area with good lighting and ample space to work around the vehicle. You should also cover your workspace with plastic to avoid painting it.
Before you begin the painting process, it is crucial to prepare the surface of your Corvette thoroughly. This involves removing old paint, rust, and other imperfections to create a clean and smooth surface for the new paint to adhere to. Use tools such as wire wheels, brushes, strip-it discs, or sanding drums to remove thick paint, flaking paint, and heavy rust. Be cautious not to damage the underlying metal. Once the surface is prepared, mark any areas that need attention with a washable marker for easy identification during prep work.
The next step is to prime the car. Cover the areas you don't want to paint with painter's tape and masking paper or plastic. Practice your spraying technique on a scrap car door or sheet metal before applying the primer to your Corvette. Hold the spray gun about 6 inches from the surface and spray in a continuous, side-to-side motion, pressing the trigger only when moving the gun. Apply a thin, even coat of primer, starting at the roof and working your way down. Allow the primer to dry, then resand your vehicle with 2000-grit sandpaper to reduce the powdery effect and regain a smooth surface.
After priming, you can move on to painting. Thin the topcoat according to the recommended ratios on the paint can. Apply the topcoat using the same technique as the primer, maintaining a steady, even coat. Allow each coat to dry thoroughly before applying subsequent coats. Typically, 3-4 coats of paint are recommended, with proper curing times between coats.
Finally, once all the coats of paint have been applied and dried, lightly sand away any powdery residue using 1500-grit or 2000-grit wet/dry sandpaper. Buff the car to achieve a nice, glossy finish.
Remember, it is important to take your time, practice your techniques, and work with quality materials to achieve outstanding results.
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Frequently asked questions
Painting your Corvette yourself or taking it to a body shop are both options. Painting a Corvette is different from painting a "normal" car, as the prep work is more involved. If you intend to paint your car at home, be sure you know the costs involved, both time and money. If you decide to take your Corvette to a body shop, it’s a good idea to reconfirm the total price of the job and have a clear understanding of the scope of work.
Before painting your Corvette, it's important to ensure that the body is adjusted as close to specification as possible. Any sagging door hinges or misaligned body panels must be addressed before painting. It's also crucial to remove all oil residue and stripper from the surface, as paint will not adhere properly if these are present. Additionally, all nicks, pits, or waves need to be sanded out of the body before painting.
There are a variety of colours to consider for your 73 Corvette. Some popular options include black, dark blue, gunmetal grey, red, yellow, and steel cities grey. You may also want to consider staying with an original 73 colour, such as the one-year-only Metallic Yellow.
