Full resto project white '83 tin top

Hi Folks,

I bought an '83 tin top just over a year now and had various jobs done on it. If i'm totally honest i didn't know the scale of what i took on till it became apparent later on. Unfortunately i haven't been doing the work myself but have had a bit of bad luck with one bodyshop - the guy was a complete tool so i took it somewhere else. The guy who its with now had done a fair bit to his credit and its getting ever closer to going to be painted.

So far i estimate i've spent about £2,500 on the car the initial purchase, labour and various parts (2 new front wings, rear valance and second hand airflow metering unit)

I just wondered if anyone could give me some advice on what the best way to go with painting would be. The guy who's working on it doesn't sound keen on dropping out engine and gearbox as i was keen on having the engine bay done in Alpine white too. He seems to think that this is a 15 hour job so that would be 30 hours of labour i.e. 15 in, 15 out. I'm obviously trying to keep costs spiralling out of cost but at the same time i don't want a finish at the end of it all that i'm not happy with.

Is it normal to paint a car of this age in white and not do the engine bay?

I'll try and post some pics later

Cheers

Paul

Bump!

If anyone has any thoughts on paint etc, i'd be very grateful to hear what you all think.

Cheers

Paul

hi paul, nice project you've got there, as far as painting under the bonnet, i would, imagine having a mint restored car, then lifting the bonnet and goin, ooh! i think it would let the car down if you didn't do it? i know it's personal choice, but you did ask! lol, anyway good luck with the rest of your resto', and keep updating, take care bud,    al

Thanks Al, this is exactly the way i'm feeling about it. But having been told that its going to take 30 hours of labour for engine in and out it's made me think twice. Given that i'm going to be looking at labour costs of £750 alone for the job. Do you think 15 hours for engine and gear box out is unreasonable?

Cheers
Paul

hi paul, 15hours does sound a lot, but thinkin about it, the whole bay would need clearing to spray it, all cables, clips, bracket's etc, so i suppose that could add up the time?, there's a guy on here say's he's spent 5grand on his, up to now! and he's not finished yet!, doe's it need re-sprayin under there? or would a good t-cut n' polish help? difficult decision paul! rather you than me! lol take your time mate, i'm sure you'll do the right thing, good luck,    al

Yeah i've spent almost £3k to date getting the body prepped. It's getting there but things keep popping up unexpectedly, like filler you didn't know was there etc etc. I'm going to go have a chat with the bodyshop on Saturday about what i'm going to do with with regards to the engine bay. Just wanted to get a feel for what everyone else thought, so cheers for the advice mate. Will let you know what route i go down and will post more pics as it comes along.

Paul