Painting spaceframe panels

[Fastdruid]

So, I'm about to finally start sticking on and riveting the mahoosive pile of aluminium panels I have created to my GT40.

I've already decided I'm not going to stick with the plain aluminium look.

Question comes however over painting/coating. Is it better to

a) Paint first before you fit the panels (masking the bits that need to get stuck down).
b) Prime first, paint once all on.
c) Prime and then paint once all on.
d) Do something else....if so what?

[Hoonigan]

Surely powder coating would be a better option, I've seen Dan's Powder coated SouthernGT and it looks awesome.

[Camoradi]

From previous experience, I think the chances of fixing pre painted panels without some scratches occurring is low to zero.

Personally I'd go a stage further. Finish the car, shakedown, and then take off road in the first winter for paint.

[Fastdruid]

Powdercoating looks awesome.

I'd discounted it however for two main reasons and one minor

Main reasons:
1) Unable to touch up damage.
2) Actual fitment is likely to lead to damage, if nothing else from the riveting process and then back to 1 again.

Minor reason:
1) Adhesion of panels with powder coat is awkward unless some serious masking is done.

[Camoradi]

I've just realized that you said GT40. I was thinking of a seven style car with external panels. Not sure my idea is practical as it would require a massive strip down....

I would still go (if practical) with fix followed by prime and paint.

[rdodger]

Powdercoat and be careful. I managed to fit mine with 1500 rivets without damage. I drilled and pre-fitted them all with gleko's before coating.

I did see an Ultima build where the panels were anodised. That looked great, though I would imagine expensive.

[Furyblade_Lee]

My advice would always be 2k paint top coat, because you can make invisible repairs to it in the future. Powdercoat is really hardy, but harness buckles dropped on it a few times and it looks like a dogs dinner. I know.....

[Fastdruid]

I'd rather not do 2k as that means taking the whole car out for someone to do it, it's not something you just do in your garage.

Doing 2k wrong is life changing.

[Furyblade_Lee]

Fastdruid said:

I'd rather not do 2k as that means taking the whole car out for someone to do it, it's not something you just do in your garage.

Doing 2k wrong is life changing.

Eh? Of course you can, especially in small doses? Just use breathing apparatus. It's not radioactive or anything!!! ??

You should technically be using masks / BA with anything you spray anyhow, 2k or not, if you value your health.

[Fastdruid]

Furyblade_Lee said:

Fastdruid said:

I'd rather not do 2k as that means taking the whole car out for someone to do it, it's not something you just do in your garage.

Doing 2k wrong is life changing.

Eh? Of course you can, especially in small doses? Just use breathing apparatus. It's not radioactive or anything!!! ??

You should technically be using masks / BA with anything you spray anyhow, 2k or not, if you value your health.

Er no thanks. I'd rather work with radioactive stuff. 2k is just nasty stuff.

HSE said:

Direct skin contact can cause marked skin inflammation and rashes, and inhalation can sensitize workers, making them subject to severe asthma attacks causing reduced lung function with death a potential outcome.

Frankly by the time I've got kitted up enough to even consider doing it in 2k I'll have splashed out enough to make it cheaper just to get someone else to do it.

[annodomini2]

As they are ally, anodising?