gc8overlord
New Member
Some background: I have little experience with body work but I have a fiery passion for cars and have been wrenching since I was 8. The vehicle in question is a 2001 Subaru Impreza 2.5RS. It was my first car and I bought it because I could not afford a WRX. I have since moved on to bigger and better, but I have fallen in love with my little RS and I cannot bring myself to sell it. It has been stored in climate controlled garage space and brought out on sunny days for the last several years. I have finally found myself in the position to address the fading paint and rust starting to bubble through the rockers and rear quarter panels. I have been trying to find a shop to handle the project, but I have decided that I am the best person for the job. Despite my lack of significant experience, I am dedicated to learning the skills and putting in the work. If you want a job done right, you do it yourself.
Where I am now: I have sourced proper patch panels for the rust areas (common on these first gen Imprezas) and plan to MIG weld them in and completely remove the rust. Obviously for this process the rockers, jambs (its a sedan), and quarter panels will need to be completely stripped and started from bare metal with epoxy primer. The rest of the car has the factory primer/base/clear and besides faded/chipping/oxidized clear coat, the car is somewhat straight and solid.
The Question: How would you handle this project?
Option A: I trust the OEM paint, save your time.
strip, weld, epoxy prime, filler the rockers/quarters/jambs
block car with 320
primer-surfacer
block car up to 600
spray base and clear
Option B: Car is 23 years old, I don't trust the OEM paint.
Strip all paint, weld, epoxy prime whole car
filler whole car
block up to 320
primer-surfacer
block up to 600
spray base and clear
At the end of the day, this car is my baby and my dream car. I would like it to look good for years to come, but the car isn't perfect and will not ever be. It will be garaged and cleaned often, but it will be driven and enjoyed. Sorry if that was long, I appreciate any and all input. Thanks!
Where I am now: I have sourced proper patch panels for the rust areas (common on these first gen Imprezas) and plan to MIG weld them in and completely remove the rust. Obviously for this process the rockers, jambs (its a sedan), and quarter panels will need to be completely stripped and started from bare metal with epoxy primer. The rest of the car has the factory primer/base/clear and besides faded/chipping/oxidized clear coat, the car is somewhat straight and solid.
The Question: How would you handle this project?
Option A: I trust the OEM paint, save your time.
strip, weld, epoxy prime, filler the rockers/quarters/jambs
block car with 320
primer-surfacer
block car up to 600
spray base and clear
Option B: Car is 23 years old, I don't trust the OEM paint.
Strip all paint, weld, epoxy prime whole car
filler whole car
block up to 320
primer-surfacer
block up to 600
spray base and clear
At the end of the day, this car is my baby and my dream car. I would like it to look good for years to come, but the car isn't perfect and will not ever be. It will be garaged and cleaned often, but it will be driven and enjoyed. Sorry if that was long, I appreciate any and all input. Thanks!