Newbie with a few questions.

angecarl

Promoted Users
Hey guys, I have a few technical questions on what processes to follow when restoring a classic. I'm definitely doing this as a hobby and my end product hopefully is a car that I will be proud to drive and maybe take to local car shows. This car was given to me by my uncle and has alot of family history. I'm working on a 66 Olds 442 and currently have the main body of car in epoxy. I had removed all the paint prior and replaced multiple panels that were beyond repair. My questions are, now that I am in the body filler stage, I have spots around the filler that I sanded thru the epoxy. What is the best way to protect those shiners while I wait for warmer weather.

Next question is, after filler is done what is the usual steps after that. When I bought the SPI epoxy, we went over briefly on the phone but it's been two months and I have forgot. Just need your expertise on what works best. Paint removal -> epoxy -> filler -> then...

Here are a few pics of my restoration.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/WatooeMryoPkzMFS6

Sorry for the newbie questions but this is my very first restoration and first time painting.
In advance thanks for the help!!!
Carl
 
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As far as an overall process to follow the forum here has a wealth of information, SPI's main website also has some great sources. On the main website you will find a lot of good info under the products tab as well as the faq tab.

This is a link to the Tech Manual. In addition to details on each product it also includes several great tips starting on page 36. Starting on page 39 you can find The Perfect Paint Job, which is also found on the website, this will outline some of the steps you should follow and is an absolutely fantastic piece of information. I followed it as a rookie and cant recommend it enough.
 
The search function on this site will yield a lot of good info. There have been many posts over the years detailing all of what you are asking about. Incredible amount of good correct information on this site.
 
Luv the Oldsmobiles...helped do a 67 Cutlass vert many years ago...best running long lasting engines I've ever seen.
 
One thing to your advantage when doing body filler & getting sand throughs is the pot life of mixed epoxy, which can be about 4 or 5 days in sealed container. Bring unmixed & mixed indoors where it can maintain minimum temps. Get infared gauge & practice using learning metal & mixture temps. A small infared heater or simple 250 watt heat bulb a few feet away can warm small area before & after a touch up. Try for metal temp not under 70 & approx. max safe high of 120 to 140 after flashing, approx. 170 risks bubbling damage.. For tiny spots, if spraying now is too inconvenient, you could cheat & lightly brush on epoxy . Come spring, I'd block sand & give everything fresh epoxy coat for best adhesion before next steps.
 
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