What would you guys suggest to use to prepare the rear panel for painting? I just got a spray can of gray paint from Les at Classic Datsun Motorsports and want to do this right.

Thanks,

Bob

Wash them with a good degreasing soap, making sure you scrub them well.

Next, if they do not have a bunch of scratches and/or nicks and chips then use a maroon scotch brite pad and scuff them well. Be careful to NOT cut through to the metal.

If you do cut through to the metal, then you'll need to re-prime at least those spots. Once the primer has dried, you'll need to scuff it as well.

Last cleaning step is to use a Wax and Grease Remover. This makes sure that you haven't left any oils or other substance that could cause problems.

Spray the paint. Since it is a spray can, spray a smooth even coat trying to NOT go too slow (to avoid runs) AND not too fast (to avoid dry coating), but be sure to overlap your passes (this minimizes the obvious "lines" of paint). Allow the paint to set between coats long enough to "flash" the solvent, but not so long as to dry. Apply at least 2 coats, more only if you want but not really necessary as long as you have even coverage.

FWIW

E

Having just done this recently, I'll add that to get the most original looking finish with this paint, apply the last coat rather 'dry' so that it doesn't flow out well.

Thanks Enrique and Arne--there was more to this than I thought.

PNW comes through again.