1969 Painting and Finishing Exterior Body

[Steve M.]

I have a 1969 convertible that I am doing a frame off restoration and am getting ready to paint in Riverside Gold. I have applied PPG DP40LF and will apply K36 on top of it, then another coat of DP40LF and finish with DDL. The horizontal bonding seams were barely visible before stripping the car and of course are still present. My question is: Should I fill these or leave them present? After all this, I plan to have the car judged and am concerned that filling them will be considered 'over restored'. Any comments/opinions or judging experience would be appreciated. Thanks Steve

[Tracy C.]

Re: 1969 Painting and Finishing Exterior Body

Steve,

The bonding seams were not detectable when the car was new. The bonding adhesive shrinks over the years and that why they become visible. Because our basis of restoration is as the cars appeared when new, exterior judges will not deduct if the seams are not visible.

Personally, I love to see the bonding seams on an unrestored car with original paint. On a restored car with new paint, it just wouldn't look right to me.

tc

[Steve M.]

Re: 1969 Painting and Finishing Exterior Body

I appreciate the comments and your perspective. Steve