72 ghia rat

[Oldboy]

Hello from upstate newyork.
Been awhile since I posted. My old Plymouth rat still bringing smiles.
I have a ‘72 karmann ghia which I purchased 2 years ago, expecting to get running, thenwas going to be flipped. I should know better.
It now is in the “keep” department because it needed way more than expected and I have grown fond of working on it.
So question, do I clearcoat it and keep it with all of its patina and dings, scratches? Or , do I strip and give it actual paint? Has only had one paint job when it was 20y/o. Thoughts ideas?
If it turns out to be fun, I may do a Subaru turbo swap in the driveline.

[lowbudget50]

I'd leave that patina, gives it character!!

[05snopro440]

Originally Posted by Oldboy

Hello from upstate newyork.
Been awhile since I posted. My old Plymouth rat still bringing smiles.
I have a ‘72 karmann ghia which I purchased 2 years ago, expecting to get running, thenwas going to be flipped. I should know better.
It now is in the “keep” department because it needed way more than expected and I have grown fond of working on it.
So question, do I clearcoat it and keep it with all of its patina and dings, scratches? Or , do I strip and give it actual paint? Has only had one paint job when it was 20y/o. Thoughts ideas?
If it turns out to be fun, I may do a Subaru turbo swap in the driveline.

Leave the patina and use Patina Sauce.

[soltz]

Leave it Paint is mostly over ratted

[BillM]

I agree with Snopro - Sweet Patina is my go to.

[Oldboy]

Hey thanks,
Appreciate the imput. Guess I need to read up on how to prep for clear coating. Got couple places that need repair, over the headlamp buckets, and left 1/4.
Clear it is!
-Russ

[05snopro440]

Originally Posted by Oldboy

Hey thanks,
Appreciate the imput. Guess I need to read up on how to prep for clear coating. Got couple places that need repair, over the headlamp buckets, and left 1/4.
Clear it is!
-Russ

Clear over patina leaves a lot of opportunity for adhesion issues as you're not getting the chemical bond that most clears require. You either need to use the right clear, or look into a product like BillM and I mentioned.

[Oldboy]

What is the proper top coat to use? Brand name?

[lowbudget50]

I use permalac. It's an out door art clear coat designed for bare metal but will stick to paint, wood and stone. It doesn't build up like a normal clear coat. It soaks into the metal it's crazy. I recommend practicing on something before spraying it the first time. Just to get the hand of it.

Snow pro is talking about patina sauce. I have never used it but seem it uses and it leaves a nice finish also!

[hansgoudzwaard]