DIY Network

1962 Fort T-Bird: Repairing Paint-Scratches and Chips From "Classic Car Restoration" episode DCR-306

Kevin Tetz, paints specialist with paintucation.com, provides some pro's secrets on repairing scratches and chips in paint.

In this segment Kevin Tetz, paints specialist with paintucation.com, provides some tips on repairing scratches and stone-chips in paint.

Materials:

Automotive paint kit with paint color-matched to the vehicle
Small modeler's paintbrush
Single-edged razor blade
1000-grit and 2000-grit automotive sandpaper
Spray bottle
Plastic containers
Eyedropper
Electric buffer and pads
Polishing compound

Note: This is a summary of steps included in the automotive restoration procedures shown in this episode of Classic Car Restoration. These are general guidelines for restoration procedures on this particular make and model of vehicle, and for the level of restoration selected for this project. There may be variations in procedures depending model, condition of vehicle, level of restoration undertaken and the types of replacement parts or upgrade kits selected. Always follow proper safety precautions, and read and follow manufacturer's guidelines, diagrams and safety notices that come with any replacement parts or kit that you select.

advertisement

Figure A

Repairing Scratches, Stone Chips and other Paint Blemishes

As seen on our sample fender-piece, surface scratches and paint-chips from rocks (figure A) are among the most common types of damage to painted surfaces on a vehicle. Problem areas like this can be fixed using the correct paint that's mixed in the proper ratios and color-matched to the vehicle.

• Kevin begins with pre-mixed color (available from car dealerships and some auto centers) matched to the color code of the car. The paint-code data is typically found on a trim-tag on the car. The vehicle's VIN number can also be used to obtain the proper paint code.

• He prepares the paint solution, which is a two-part solution of paint and a catalytic hardener. The hardener serves to make the paint very durable. Using separate containers for the paint and hardener, Kevin can easily mix up the proper amount of the solution he needs using eyedroppers (figure B). The ratio is 4 parts paint to 1 part hardener.

• Using a small modeler's paintbrush, he adds a small amount of paint onto the chipped or scratched area (figure C). The paint is used to fill in the damaged area, and is applied so that it is slightly raised above the surrounding area. Once it dries, it can be leveled.

  Figure B

  Figure C

  
  
• If the damaged spot is bad enough that metal is exposed, and rust has begun to form, the rust can be scraped away using a single-edged razor blade before the paint is applied.

• Once the paint has dried, it needs to be leveled with the surrounding areas. For this, the single-edged razor comes in handy again. First, however, the blade must be "dressed" to prepare the surface. Kevin preps the blade using 1000-grit sandpaper. He moistens the paper, and scrapes the edge of the blade over the sandpaper in one direction only (figure D). The objective is to create a burr on the upper edge of the blade, making it more suitable as a tool for scraping the paint down even.

• Kevin bends the blade so that the edge has a slight U-shape. This prevents the corners of the blade from scratching the surrounding paint as the center of the blade us used to carefully level the newly applied paint. He then uses the modified razor to carefully scrape away the raised layer of repaired paint (figure E). He uses fingertip pressure and planes the area until it is flat.

  Figure D

  Figure E

  
  
• Once the area has been scraped, he uses the lubricated 1000-grit sandpaper to carefully sand the area completely level. He follows up with 2000-grit paper to create an even smoother surface (figure F)..

• To finish up, Kevin uses polishing compound and a foam buffing-pad (set on the low speed) to buff out the surface (figure G).

  Figure F

  Figure G

  
  

RESOURCES :

Classic Car Restoration Guide: The Complete Illustrated Step-By-Step Manual
Model: 1850108900
Author: Lindsay Porter
Order this book from Amazon.com
Haynes Publishing

Classic Car Restorer's Handbook: Restoration Tips and Techniques for Owners and Restorers of Classic and Collectible Automobiles
1557881944
Jim Richardson
(November 1994)
To order this title from Amazon, click here.
H.P. Books

Thunderbird Restoration Guide, 1958-1966 (Motorbooks International Authentic Restoration Guides)
by William Wonder
Published by Motorbooks International, June 1997
ASIN: 0760303908
To order this book from Amazon.com, click here.

Illustrated Thunderbird Buyer's Guide (Motorbooks International Illustrated Buyer's Guide)
by Paul G. McLaughlin
Publisher: Motorbooks International (July 2000)
ASIN: 0879388706
To order this book from Amazon.com, click here.

T-birds.com
T-Birds.com
A website dedicated to the appreciation of 1961 through 1963 Ford Thunderbirds. Hard-to-find restoration parts and materials, including reconditioned original t-bird body parts, can be found through t-birds.com.

The Eastwood Company

The Eastwood Company is a supplier of automotive-restoration parts, tools and supplies.

The Easthill Group, Inc.
The Eastwood Company
Website: www.eastwoodco.com

GUESTS :

Kevin Tetz
paintucation.com
Paintucation.com specialized in automotive body, paint and restoration services and instructional restoration videos.