I'm in the middle of my first automotive project and I have NO experience so please excuse what may seem like oversimplified questions. I have the hood, doors, and front quarterpanels removed and I want to try my luck sanding and priming. Thankfully there is no rust but I will have to work on a deep three inch scratch in the hood (bondo?). Since I've never done anything like this are there any hints or tips that would help the process along? In case you're wondering; I plan on doing everything myself (body, mechanical, electrical, etc) except the painting and clearcoat. I appreciate any information you may be able to provide.
Leroy Gibson
1978 XJ-6
Submitted by NE52-32043 on Wed, 07/20/2005 - 09:51
IN THE FUTURE, PLEASE POST MODEL-SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO THE CORRECT FORUM.
That said, before you start sanding and doing things to the car, pick up a book on auto painting. I've seen them on Amazon.com and in various bookstores and auto parts stores. If you want to paint to come out looking good and stay on the car, there are some very specific procedures and step you must take to prepare and treat the surface to assure an even finish and good adhesion.
As for the remainder of the work, pick up a factory repair manual and a factory parts manual. I believe there may also be a Haynes or Chilton's for that model, which sometimes give additional or more detailed information on how to fix certain parts of the car.
One warning -- you THINK there is no rust on your car. HA! It's a 30 y.o. Jaguar. Trust me, once you start digging into the car, you will find rust. Read as much as you can about rust proofing and rust repair. Don't, if you can avoid it, repair rust with Bondo or similar products. Find a good local body man who can weld in repair pieces for you and blend them in. You can take it from there.
Good luck.
Steve Weinstein
'70 XKE FHC, '69 XKE OTS