Painting a car in So. Calif., have some Qs

[n/a]

I had my '69 280SL repainted two years ago by a top quality shop.  They used Glasurit paint and did not put a clearcoat on top.  Came out just like the factory finish.

I have a another car I'd like to paint but this shop can't take it until summer.  Seems fewer and fewer places want to do restoration work.  

Anyway found another shop that is said to do excellent work.  Certainly my three meetings with them has given me confidence in their abilities.

Shop is Quality Craft in Huntington Beach, Calif.  They say they used Glasurit until a few months ago and are now using Sherwin-Williams.  They say it is much easier to work with and SW has excellent service and support.  Also it seems Glasurit pricing has gone through the roof.  Does anyone have any experience with SW automotive paint, is it any good?

The shop says it is illegal in their area of So. Cal. to paint just basecoat like it came from the factory.  They say paint must have a clearcoat.  I don't have a huge problem with that because I know the paint will look good and last a long time.  But it will look slightly different than the factory paint and I struggle between appearance and originality.  Would like to hear any thoughts on this and if what I'm hearing from the shop about no basecoats without clear sounds correct to you.

Thanks.

Pete
'69 280SL
4-speed

[Bob G ✝︎]

Peter:

 Try Calling Bill Stoessel The Orginal Coach Craft. He has been restoring old enamel paint jobs on Prosches and lacquer on Ferraris for a long time. 805-524-3522 302 Orange Grove Ave Fillmore CA 93015-1938
Bob Geco

[Douglas]

What color is your car going to be, Pete?

Douglas Kim
New York, NY
280 SL #018260

[n/a]

Douglas, the car is a 1970 Porsche 914-6.  I bought it last summer from the original owner.  I'm going to paint it in the original color, Irish Green non metallic.  

Wish I could get an old fashioned enamel paint job like I have on my 280SL.  I got that done two years ago at Brace's in Marina Del Rey.  Looks like porcelain.  

The place Bob mentioned in Fillmore sounds perfect but it would be too far to take a peek on once a week.

By the way the cost of parts to restore a 1970 914-6 is ridiculous.  My SL is the same age and parts are much cheaper.  Everything is available whereas many of the parts for the 914 are discontinued!

[George Davis]

Pete,

what the shop is telling you about the paint may be correct.  To reduce pollutant emissions, especially in places like LA, auto paint shops must use basecoat/clearcoat paint systems.  That's even the case here in Portland.  Small-volume restoration shops might be able to use enamels, otherwise you may be stuck unless you can take the car out of the area.

George Davis
'69 280 SL Euro manual

[n/a]

Strange. Clearcoat is still paint, isn't it ?

[George Davis]

Yes, basecoat/clearcoat systems are still paint, but they are formulated differently than enamels, with less solvent (called VOC, which forms smog).  The result is fewer VOC emissions per paint job, which is why basecoat/clearcoat systems are mandated in a lot of places now.
 
But there may be exemptions for small volume work, so if enamel is desired, it may be worth it to look around and see if a specialty shop can shoot enamels.

George Davis
'69 280 SL Euro manual

[n/a]

Wow what great replies.  I figured it had to be something like fewer VOC emissions for the base / clear.  Now my question is about the difference between base / clear and enamel.  Two years ago when they were painting enamel in my area the shop gave me the option so it's not like enamel is the obvious choice.  

I know for durability and ease of repair base / clear is the way to go but I'm worried about a "too glossy" appearance especially in a compartment.  Would it be possible to dull down the formula for the clear coat to make it less glossy, more satin?  Has anyone tried that for like a trunk?

For those of you who had a solid (non-metallic)color repainted in base / clear how did it come out?  Was it weird looking?  

If you don't know for sure how do you think base / clear would look in place of enamel?  I'm cautiously optimistic because Guards Red on a Porsche looks very similar in enamel and base / clear.

I must say I am very satisfied with the enamel paint job on my 280SL.  It looks more like porcelain than paint.

Pete

[jeffc280sl]

Pete,

I assume you object to the clear coat because of the orange peel effect.  The shop that I used wet sanded the car after the clear coat to even out the surface.  I think it looks great.  Just another idea.

Jeff C.
1970 280SL 4-speed