C3 wiper compartment photos of blackout

[Randall K.]

I need to repaint the blackout in my wiper compartment. Sample photos of the wiper compartment would be hugely helpful so that I can tell how thorough the factory application was. Mine, where not oversprayed by a post-factory repaint, seems to be almost non-existent if it isn't directly visible looking straight down.

See my prior post "72 wiper compartment paint questions" for photos showing unpainted bonding material around the recess in front of the wiper door vacuum motor.

If there's anyone in the St. Louis area willing for me to drop by and examine their car, that would be even better!!

Thanks for any/all photos and/or advice supplied.

Randy

[Chuck S.]

Re: C3 wiper compartment photos of blackout

I need to repaint the blackout in my wiper compartment. Sample photos of the wiper compartment would be hugely helpful so that I can tell how thorough the factory application was. Mine, where not oversprayed by a post-factory repaint, seems to be almost non-existent if it isn't directly visible looking straight down.

See my prior post "72 wiper compartment paint questions" for photos showing unpainted bonding material around the recess in front of the wiper door vacuum motor.

If there's anyone in the St. Louis area willing for me to drop by and examine their car, that would be even better!!

Thanks for any/all photos and/or advice supplied...

My opinion...it's a waste of time to try and duplicate "incomplete" coverage in the wiper compartment area. I don't have photos of my 70, but my recollection is that blackout coverage in this area was reasonably complete.

Unlike other areas where incomplete coverage and inconsistency can be expected, I have never heard of any judging expectation that coverage in the wiper compartment should be spotty or incomplete, BWDIK.

The intent of this blackout was to darken the area directly under the door and plenum grill to make the busy-ness of the wiper transmissions, wiper door mechanism, and the plenum "hole" disappear from casual view. Your picture of the "pink" bonding compound appears to be way back in the corner under the fender...ANY coverage there is likely to be "incomplete" because it's basically blackout overspray.

My opinon...your wiper compartment blackout has worn away over time. Repair or replace the sealant as needed, and spray it all (or duplicate remaining coverage as well as you can) with satin black and you're done. No anguish, and in my opinion, no deducts.

[Randall K.]

Re: C3 wiper compartment photos of blackout

Hi Chuck - great advice. With your comment regarding the bonding compound and intent of the blackout, I'm going to take the approach that I'll spray toward the areas that I can see looking straight down into the wiper compartment (with masking as needed!). This should give a nice "fade" into the recessed areas if I don't get too close with the paint sprayer.

Thanks
Randy