My 1st Full Paint Job

[LAKES]

My car was painted in 1986 with about 4 coats of lacquer paint and about 6 coats of lacquer clear. The car has been in storage and needs a little body work. The paint is solid. There are no cracking areas. I do not want to strip the car down if all possible. I want to paint it with a base garnet red with ghost flames. What is the best clear coat system for a beginner and what kind of primer should I use? Does the car need to be totally primered? Also, what is the best spray gun on the market? I have only worked with an air brush in the past.
Thanks for all advice.

 

[rex]

If you don't intend to stay with lacquer you need to get rid of all the lacquer on it now.I don't care what they say to use for a sealer,don't topcoat it.If you want a nice job and don't want the maintenance,go urethane.Otherwise,sand it and add everything in lacquer.

 

[LAKES]

Thanks rex,
I was hoping that I wouldn't get an answer like that but better now than later. Sounds like you had a bad experience with sealing off the laquer to paint with clear coat. I hate the thought of stripping 10 coats of lacquer off

 

[guest01]

The Question is what type of paint are you planning to use. And how long do you want your paint job to last. it sounds like the mils are getting a little thick with what you described. And if your planning on doing body work why not strip the paint then go woth a filling primer. I use Dupont URO or House of Kolors KP primer. If you plan on keeping the vechicle a while then it will be worth the time and effort put in to it. As far a paint guns, remember you pay for what you get. I prefer Optima or Binks. They are a little high on price but worth it.