This is how I would do a color change on a GT or any other car. Just about everybody will prep and paint their cars differently so this isn’t like the Holy Grail or something.
First and most important; Select paint scheme (colors, stripes, graphics, etc.) You don’t want to have a car in your shop, tore apart, taking up space, and the guy can’t choose a color, the color choice also affects the color sealer you will use.
Remove and disassemble all painted panels, glass, necessary hardware, etc. from car (be sure to document, label, and package nuts, bolts, etc. according to where they go. Also tape edges of panels as not to chip them and cause more work for yourself)
Depending on what the customer wants and how fresh the original paint is you can strip the paint down to the metal, fiberglass, or whatever the panels are made of, or you can sand the original paint and go over that as it provides a good bed for the fresh spray to lay in. In this case, we’ll strip.
Apply paint stripper, let sit until paint bubbles, then scrape off loose paint
Take some 00 steel wool with either lacquer thinner or water and thoroughly scrub parts
Sand all panels to remove excess paint and scuff panels (220-320 grit)
Repair any low spots, dents, imperfections in the proper manner
Mask necessary areas
Prep & tack panels
Prime all panels with surfacer primer (2-3 coats)
Spray on guide coat of contrasting paint or primer
Hand sand all panels to ensure smooth flat surface (320-400 grit wet or dry)
Repeat last four steps until car is perfectly smooth and flat
Sand with 600 grit wet to remove 320 scratches
Un-mask
Re-mask
Prep & tack panels
Spray all panels with sealer primer
Spray basecoat (then midcoat if it’s a tri-coat or kandy)
If you want stripes like on a GT then you should;
Reinstall the parts to be striped onto the car
Tape off stripes
Remove panels from car
Prep & tack
Paint stripes
Un-mask stripes
Clear coat (3 coats)
Wet sand with 800-1000 grit wet until flat
Clear coat (3 coats)
Wet sand wit 2000 grit wet until flat
Buff with cutting compound until there are no more scratches or haze
Buff with swirl mark remover
Buff with finish or final glaze
Spray detailing spray and wipe in ONE DIRECTION with microfiber cloth
Tape edges and reassemble/reinstall panels
Buff and detail again if necessary
ENJOY!!!!
This does not include prepping and spraying jams and anything else that isn’t removable from the car as well as anything else I forgot to mention. And don’t forget to have fresh filters in your booth, air lines, and always remember to clean your guns!!!
