Tips on painting a 914 needed, Getting ready... Options

[Bogaat]

I am preparing myself for my first paint job. I have the car mostly ready and most of the materials purchased. I bought a set of the Devilbiss guns from Eastwood (and it came with directions). I am looking for advice on which areas of the car to paint first, in what order, panels to take off, etc. I am planning on painting the trunks, engine compartment and door jams as well. I already have the doors off. It would be great to do all of the painting in one day. I would also be interested in painting techniques as far as top to bottom or left to right when working on a panel. I obviously have some practicing to do before I slap the paint on. Again, all input is appreciated. I am planning on doing a base/clear. Here are a few shots I pulled off one of my other threads. They don't show much of the body, but it is basically primered in spots and the original single stage in others. I did have the rear reflector holes sealed up and a new battery tray installed. Thanks guys!
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[Kargeek]

If you have never painted a car before I suggest that you go by a book on the subject and read about preparation and procedures before you lay down one pint of paint.

Also, discuss with your paint supplier

Preparation is key and paint is expensive to not know what you are doing.

Metallics are more difficult to spray than solids so you might want to consider a solid for your first paint job.

If you are going to paint the interior sections of your trunks and engine compartment, I suggest that you paint the outside of your car first. Yes, that's right as the flat sides of of the 914 body panels make it easier to mask off to protect from the over spray while doing the inside areas. Masking off the inside areas to protect them while painting the outside of the car is a pain and over spray still gets into nooks and crannies and everything. You will probably color sand and the buff the outside anyway.

Another tip for perfect door, hood and headlight door alignment- especially if your car has never been apart and has perfectly aligned factory panels. Measure and drill a 1/16" hole right through the door and hood hinges and the locationg brackets on your headlight doors. If you do this properly, center the holes to make them look like they came that way, no one will notice after the car is back together. When it comes time to reassemble, just take a locating pin or drill bit to align things back together.

DH