After having my car for a week I had to let it go to the paint shop for 7-10 days to get painted stripes, side mirrors painted, and window louvers painted and installed. Here are some pictures of the progress. Makes me real nervous to see it like this. The shop is only 5 minutes from the house so I can't resist following its progress. I will update this thread as I get more pics.

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Yes it is a bit nerve racking, to see your car looking like that. I remember having to go to the body show while at work, to drop off another car, and I spotted my car in the paint booth. Both bumpers, and rear lights were all removed. It quickly passed as I knew just how good of hands my car was in. One question for you though? I see that your shop took all the paint off the hood, roof, and trunk lid, and not just the paint where the stripes would be layed out. Why are they going with this approach? Most that I have seen, they mask off the width of the stripes, and then sand down the exsisting paint between the tape, and then take down the factory clear. Once the stripes are painted, then they clear the stripes, and the factory paint on the rest of the hood, roof, and trunklid. I'm just curious thats all. BTW, which color are you going with? The traditional white, or something different? Can't wait to see the final pics.

 

Sheesh... and to think that my car is going to be going through this next week. Guess that is will be worth it.

 

First off I don't know jack sh** about painting a car. I saw some of this guys other work and was quite impressed and was also satisfied with the price so I went with him.

The reason he does the entire surface is because he told me if he cleared just where the stripes were painted, over time it would start to show or I believe he said "delaminate". I was rather surprised to see the condition on the car when I showed up today to take the pictures because I did not assume he would be doing the entire body part. Makes me wonder how he is going to do the bumpers because I assume you can not do the same thing to plastic. This is what he is doing with the bumpers presently.

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I forgot, also the stripes are performance white. Front to back only, 11" wide with 2" gap. I decided against the lower side stripes...for now.

 

I'm sure you will, but make sure you post pix of the final product.

 

Went by the shop this morning, he was laying out the stripes, hopes to paint today. I am going to go back by around 5 and try to get some more pictures.

 

can't wait to see the pics scott

 

Scott, good color choice for white. Same as my car. About the side stripes. I too was thinking of not adding them, but after seeing my car with them on, I couldn't imagine the car without the side stripes. I got mine form Graphics Express in Florida. Great place to deal with. To me the side stripes just add to the cool factor of the LeMans center stripes. Can't wait to see the final results.

BTW, do you have a spoiler on your car? If so, which one?

 

Man, while I know thats going to look amazing, the thought and look of seeing a new GT ripped apart like that almost made me throw up in my mouth, lol. You have stronger nerves than I do my friend, hehe. Pics when its done, keep us posted.

 

I don't think the shop has taken it down to bare metal. They've only just lightly sanded all the areas to give it tooth so the new paint (stripes and clear) will adhere properly.

90% of a good paint job is in the prep. Looks like they know what their doing for quality work.

 

That is SO TRUE! Prep work is the key to a great finish. When I hear that some people can get painted stripes for under $1000, (I heard someone say $600), I get a little nervous, and tell them for $600, your going to get a $600 paintjob, and don't be critical on the final results.

 

He has spent about 5 days on prep, while I am anxious to get ot back I am glad he seems to be doing a good job. I will post some more pictures Monday. Actually the above poster was correst, it is just ruffed up a little for paint adhesion.

 

Went to the shop this morning. He is laying out the stripes and will be painting the white later today. Hopefully more pics tonight.

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Looks to me like your car is in good hands, it'll come out looking great.

 

Great shots so far. Can't wait to see what it looks like when its all finished.

BTW, have you decided for sure against the side stripes?

 

not doing the side stripes right now for sure. May add them later, but I think I like the clean look of it. But then again, the side stripes look awfully good as well.

 

Progress is slow but he is painting today, I am going back over to the shop to watch. Luckly I live 3 min away and the guy is super cool and does not mind me hanging around.

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making some real progress now

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painting in progress

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