'59 painted under body

[David W.]

I just bought a '59 FI car that is partially restored. the body is painted and back on the frame. I see the underbody is painted flat black. I am planning to have car judged. Would like to remove paint without removing body, but how? also how many points will I loose if i do nothing? Is it worth the effort? help!

[Donald H.]

Re: '59 painted under body

Red Scotchbrite pad and lacquer thinner. I personally would not do this unless the car is on a lift. Use a good chemical mask. I did the bottom of my 1960 and 1966 as part of the restoration, but both bodies were off the frames when I did them.

[Thomas H.]

Re: '59 painted under body

Did my 58 and spent a month of weekends on it. First I used paint stripper, then scrapped off the peeling paint and then wiped with lacquer thinner. Whoever painted the underside of mine primed it first than top coated it. It was a time consuming and a pain in the a$$ but it was worth it.

I also unbolted the body from the frame and raised it about 6" so I could get the areas above the frame rails. Engine, trans and interior were out of the car which helped.

Three very important things: Use a good quality respirator. Wear goggles and rubber gloves and have PLENTY of ventilation.

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Tom

[Edward B.]

Re: '59 painted under body

You say that your new car is "partially restored" and that you plan on having it "judged." For me, several judged events would be tops on my list in order to get a good sense of what deficiencies presently exist and what will be required in the way of time and money for remediation. You may find that a painted underside is among the least of your problems and hardly worth the massive effort required to correct.

[Nicholas L.]

Re: '59 painted under body

My1960 lost 2 points out of 6 on originality for having a painted underbody. At a NCRS regional. Not worth the effort in my opinion.

[Pat H.]

Re: '59 painted under body

Mine was partially painted and I forgot to ask my painter to strip it. I had it judged last year at a chapter meet and lost 2 points. Not worth the effort as Nicholas mentioned unless you are going to remove the body.