...which by the way, if you want paint guaranteed to match, they are awesome....

Anyway, I got half a spray can left from my last painting episode, and order 2 more cans. I so far have painted the front bumper, grill and cornering lamps to match the rest of the car. I'm hoping to fix the streak on the driver's door from when I removed the trim, paint the rear bumper trim, and tailight light trim to match the car. However I'm still considering a few other things...and wanted some feed back. I'm thinking of painting the front air dam too....but I'm not sure. One guy did it on his 86, and it doesn't look that bad but I wanted more opinions. Here is a pic:



Here is a shot of the front of my car:



I plan to leave the trim around the windows/doors black. My whole idea is to make my paint scheme like an 88 Shiro Edition...but in Dark Red Metallic as opposed to the White like all the shiro editions came in. In fact, here is a pic of a Shiro Edition:





I'm also thinking of maybe painting the center caps red, along with my mud flaps....but I'm not quite sure yet... What do you guys think?

S

 

I dunno about the flaps and center caps, but I think the color matched airdam looks really good. I'd go for it. And pick up a spraycan of adhesion promoter too. Actually, I kinda like those rims he has too, they are a nice complement with that color.

 

I assume the adhesion promoter is to help the paint stick?

S

 

I like the look of the painted air dam as well....I would not go to crazy with that maroon though, you want some contrast not all the same color

 

Well that is what the black around the windows is for. I'm also going to leave the mudflaps and center caps alone. But it does looks like I'm gonna paint the spoiler.

S

 

who's second gen is that in the first picture? I really like it, and I like the way the pin stripes look as well....forgive me if it photoshoped but I am a noob to all that stuff.....

-I think the spoiler would look good painted as well

 

That's maxthass's car from the 2nd gen yahoo group. Also you mentioned spoiler...you talking about the rear one? If so, mine is painted the same color as the car as well.

S

 

Sarin, yes the adhesion promoter is to get the paint to stick to the plastic.

The backyard guide to painting plastic 101:

Supply's needed

Isopropyl alcohol, or rubbing alcohol. 100% is the best, but 70% will do as well.
A grey scotchbrite pad
Adhesion promoter ( SEM makes one )
A tack rag
Paint of your choice

- Wash with isopropyl alcohol

- Lightly scuff with a grey scotchbrite pad
You don't want to sand it with sandpaper, it will make it go "fuzzy".

- Wash again to remove sanding sludge

- Blow it off, tack it, and give it a shot of adhesion promoter. The flash off times will vary depending on manufacturer ( check the can )

- Paint away!

Good luck with the painting, can't wait to see some pics!

 

Cool, thanks Wylie! BTW, should I still primer?

S

 

i'd skip painting the air damn, you never know what might scratch it and then it'll just look off.

or if you do paint it you could use a semigloss black so if it does become scratched its easily fixed/not as noticable

 

I'm actually pretty careful about the airdam since I'm lowered. I don't park to close to curves, etc. I think it won't really get scratch, and if it does, I do have plenty of touch up paint.

S

 

If your paint is a little on the transparent side, then a coat of primer would be a good idea. Just try not to break through the primer when you sand it. a quick hand sanding with 400 should do the trick.