C2 Frame off restoration - Body Paint

[Floyd #21606]

I am looking for recommedations, tips, experience, etc. whether to paint the body before putting it back on the chassis (I'm concerned about scratching the paint when reinstalling all the parts and pieces) or wait until after the body is back on the chassis. Then troubleshoot the gremlins that will surely arise and then drive the vette to the paint shop for paint. All information is greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Floyd
65 Fuelie

[John H.]

Re: C2 Frame off restoration - Body Paint

Floyd -

You'll get differing opinions on this, here's mine - I prefer to leave the body on its dolly and send it to the painter so he can do his thing while I do the chassis and drivetrain, then put the painted body back on the finished chassis and re-assemble the car. No overspray on the chassis, and I don't lose access to work on the chassis while the body is at the painter's shop.

[Robert C.]

Re: C2 Frame off restoration - Body Paint

If your frame is finished, cover it with plastic, then drop the body back on and trailer it over for paint. When the paint is finished you pull out the plastic and tighten down the body mounts. Simple, clean, no cracks, and the best support.

[Jack H.]

But, BEWARE....

those 'pesky' judges who can sometimes have 'calibrated' eyeballs! At Bloomington they found ONE FLECK of Chevy Orange on my front frame rail that resulted in a 20% originality deduction for the entire frame. Yes, parts can grow rust/scale and collect dirt, but they can't change factory original FINISH and the frame was NOWHERE near the body or the engine when these sub-assy's went through their paint booths....

I don't care how careful a painter is, I've yet to see one with a plastic tarped frame absolutely insure ZERO overspray. But, there's a limit to this nonsense. Just use good judgement and inspect the final product closely, as the judges will and correct that occassional 'opps' when you find it.

On doing a body install with a fully painted exterior, hey, that's the way the factory actually did it! We've helped more than one fellow chapter member do a body drop as a club tech session project and we've yet to experience damage....

[Floyd #21606]

John, Bob, Jack Thanks for the information *NM*

[jerry scudder]

Re: C2 Frame off restoration - Body Paint

I just recently had my 64 totally restored and the guy who did it painted the body and assembled it on the chassis and it looks GREAT

[Floyd #21606]

Re: C2 Frame off restoration - Body Paint

Thanks Jerry, I think that is the way I am going to go, have the body painted first then install it back on th chassis.

Thanks again,
Floyd
65 Fuelie