Assemble now?

[btceng]

So, I finally got around to getting my project epoxied. Being a newbie to the paint and body world, I need to ask when to assemble the car. It currently is just the shell and framerails. I think that I should assemble the panels and doors now. Then start my build primer and blocking in order to get a better fit. My concern is the doorjambs and similar areas getting enough paint coverage. If I go ahead and paint the jambs and under the hood, It seems difficult to work around that during the priming and blocking.

Thanks for the advice.

 

[btceng]

Forgot to add that the final color will be TorRed (Hemi Orange) so I will be using white or gray build primer. The area behind the master cylinder has been coated now. All other panels are epoxied also. There is a little bodywork left to fix a couple of small dings and a small patch on the lower rear quarter.

 

[Leonard1]

I would assemble it to make sure of my gaps, and alignment, then disassemble and paint in pieces.

 

[ryan1]

I would assemble it to make sure of my gaps, and alignment, then disassemble and paint in pieces.

same here ...more work but probably worth it

 

[btceng]

So...assemble, prime, block, disassemble , paint, and re-assemble? Then I guess I touch up bolts and anything damaged during assembly. No helping hands here so I have it by myself, except for my 12 year old.

 

[ryan1]

maybe re assemble with zinc or cad plated bolts ...cad colored spray paint bolts?

 

[btceng]

I found a kit that contains all of the exterior bolts and screws in their correct finish. Problem is the $135 price. I figured hinge bolts and the like to be correct in body color. Not sure.

 

[Chad.S]

So...assemble, prime, block, disassemble , paint, and re-assemble? Then I guess I touch up bolts and anything damaged during assembly. No helping hands here so I have it by myself, except for my 12 year old.

Yes, it seems like I sometimes put a car back together and tear apart more times than I should but when it all comes together it seems to all be worth it..

The last few I did I painted the bolts separate and somehow managed to get it all back together with minimal bolt head damage, the bolts I painted were new, so they only had one coat of paint.

 

[btceng]

How concerned should I be with the build primer in the jambs and unseen areas?

 

[ryan1]

well if the areas are not seen and they are properly prepped /cleaned/ and epoxied and not a cosmetic issue (dents ,sand swirls, rust etc.)
if you prime and block it out with all of the parts on the car you will probably want to detail the jambs and tedious areas last ...or you will have to redo them every time you re-prime with the build primer..

 

[Bob Hollinshead]

How concerned should I be with the build primer in the jambs and unseen areas?

Masking paper or plastic works really good for controlling the amount of primer buildup in the jambs, interior, and any areas you don't want materials applied... You can work the exterior of the body assembled, bumping, blocking, priming... then when everything is dialed in disassemble the car, work on the jambs, and final prime each part complete. At that stage all parts are then ready for a final sanding then paint. Use substitute generic bolts with plastic washers to final assemble the car without damaging the paint-then when all the panels are aligned you can go back and change the bolts one by one. On painted bolts use a six point socket and cover the bolt with some thin plastic-a zip lock bag works well, if your painted bolts were properly prepped and epoxy primed and paint buildup is reasonable you will not damage the paint.

 

[btceng]

Thanks all for the advice. So, I guess it is time to put it together. White or grey build? I am planning on a white sealer coat prior to base. I assume the red scotch brite or hit the epoxy with 180 is next step after assembly. Epoxy on some panels is months old.