Cheap alternative to respray????????

**Astra** · 06-07-2002 13:42

My car needs a respray very badly as it is in various shades of red at the mo and looks cack. At £800 upwards for a decent spray job I've been thinking of a cheap but reliable alternative to spraying and came up with the following.

As you may or may not know, radio control aircraft use a heat applied plastic coating, that is available on rolls and in many different styles including flat colours, metallics and pearlescents. The materials and tools needed to apply these coatings is readily available and apparently you can get nigh on seamless joins between sheets if done properly, which would be critical when covering large ares like roofs, bonnets and rear quarters, etc.
You can also get special waxes and polishes that do not deteriorate the plastic coating, and of course the main advantage would be the lack of colour fade, weatherproofing, and of course unparalelled protection against rust.

the downside is that the rolls, within reason can be as long as you want but are only available in set widths.

I am currently working on developing a template for the Mk2 Astra body parts to be used in forming the sheets to apply to the bodywork.

Basically, I just wanted some feedback on what you guys think of the idea and if any of you have tried anything similar and what experiences or views you have on this.

Andy (Astra)

**Engine_Swap** · 06-07-2002 17:26

Ive got a mate in the trade that would re spray your car for about £350..... good too...

**Dutch** · 06-07-2002 23:45

I wouldn't.... may look really good or then again like a 1:1 scale radio controlled car with aircraft covering material all over it...

Then you have the task of removing the stuff and what if you want to sell

Reckon you would be better saving the pennies and getting a respray.....

**Dav1d** · 07-07-2002 00:03

I wouldn't get carried away with the rust prevention properties. Most cars rust where they don't get the dirt washed away properly, allowing it to build up and retain moisture. Places like the inner lip of wheelarches, where the wing meet the inner wing at the bottom etc.
I also think it'd look a bit crap, but that's just my opinion.

**Joy** · 07-07-2002 16:52

Save your money for a respray mate, you shouldn`t need to spend much more than £500 to get a good job.

**Astra** · 07-07-2002 17:22

Thanks for all the replies guys, as I said it was just an idea coz most spray shops in London require you to have a mortgage and own your own home before they'll do a thing.

Engine-swap. I sent u an e-mail regarding a respray.

Cheers again lads,
Andy

**mavvmad** · 07-07-2002 18:26

I would love to see a good respray for 500 sheets, no way that would happen round here.

Double it then your talking reasonable I reckon.

**Mike007** · 07-07-2002 21:41

I wouldn't bank on the colour not fading. I bet it would be 10 times worse than paint.

If you want a cheap paint job do as much of the prep yourself. Prep takes far more time (££££s) than painting does.

Mike

**djadam** · 07-07-2002 21:45

could you not try it on just your bonnet say??

leave it for a bit to see how it goes and any reactions u get off people...

**Genterz** · 07-07-2002 21:49

Would be a good idea to try the bonnet first. Lets you see the effect of continued heat - blisters etc.

**paul maxwell** · 07-07-2002 21:52

eeeeehhhhhhhhhhhh.....?

**djadam** · 07-07-2002 21:57

genterz.....

wake up mate!!!

ya need more pro plus than ya takin at the min!!

**tomstickland** · 07-07-2002 22:02

Well if money was no object then I'd say "get it sprayed". However, I'm prepared to give your crazy arse idea a chance. As said, try one item, like the bonnet and see what happens.

**alagermound** · 08-07-2002 10:43

astra

interesting i dea but i would also consider hiring / borrowing a compresser and buying the paint and having a go yourself.
cos as already stated its all in the prep. and i can tell your not afraid to have a go judging by some of the b allsy decisions youve made already.

i checked a few prices when i considered this on my old car
the paint itself is peanuts from the paintfactors £20 a tin i think

id give it a go on an old panel
you wont be allowed 2 pac tho unless you have breathing equipment but normal stuff is easier to use anyway

and as you said the car is all different shades any way then youve got nowt to lose

**Evil** · 08-07-2002 10:51

I know a guy with a Lotus Carlton who had vinyl film put all over it making it look like it'd had a Union Jack respray..
Looks awesome and it's been on there a while with no fading, blistering etc.
And it's removable if he wants it back to the original green

Still think I'd save for a respray though

**Astra** · 08-07-2002 13:38

I've got access to spraying equipment but no garage to use them in. If I did then I'd give it a go myself cos I don't give a **** about ****ing it up as it looks awful now. I just need some space to do it. Any ideas?????

Andy

**stranger** · 08-07-2002 13:50

hmm, I'm curious of this idea - sounds like it could be good - try it on something and let me know how ou get on cause I have a hand painted mini at the moment and it looks fowel and I can't afford a respray either!!!!!!

cheers
mark

**alagermound** · 08-07-2002 14:02

i have the same prob, ive got the gear but my garage is filled with a rusty old jag which doesent move

need to find youself an understanding mate?relative who doesent mind you taking over their garage

or

worst comes to the worst ive thought about using an old tent???

might work

**Astra** · 08-07-2002 19:14

Great idea Damon, ****ing great tent in the middle of my road. Neighbours would luv me!!!!!!!!!!

Gonna try the covering on my bonnet when I come back off holiday and finish blending in the vent. Should I try to match the colour to the car or just try something nice to see if it works then carry on?

What do you reckon?

Think I might try a nice dark Purple or something. What's your favourite??????

Blue (Not Bad)

Green (Not Sure)

Purple (My personal fave)

Red (This is the colour my car is now, well parts of it....)

Turquoise (mmmmmmmmmm?????)

Let me know what you think.

Andy

**alagermound** · 09-07-2002 08:20

i take you havent got a drive you can use then ????if not im sure neighbers wont mind you blocking of half the road just use police tape and say its a crime scene!!!

ill get my coat

blue or purple are my personal faves,but difficult to say which will look better in the flesh.

**tomstickland** · 12-07-2002 18:33

Blue then Purple.

**JAMIE B** · 13-07-2002 17:36

where can you get the paint and can any1 buy it or have you got to be a pro.

**Paul** · 14-07-2002 12:44

Anyone can get car paint from Motor Factors.

Paul

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