Headlamp lid solution?

Sat 05 May 12 16:29

Headlamp lid solution?

I am about to attempt to address the problem on my left hand headlamp lid, reaction on the alluminium causing bubbling. Been reliably informed that the actuall reaction problem is simple to sort out, but I am now in a quandry about how to repaint the lid. Chances are that the paint will not match, resprayed around 11 years back by Mechspray. So I am considering a radical approach, to respray both in Satin black, as shown in this photoshop iamage.
So, just after other's opinions, good idea, mad, or just too gay for words

Last edited by Mick Howes on Sat 05 May 12 16:30; edited 1 time in total. [0 %]
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C3-Drive it like you stole it!
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Sat 05 May 12 16:45

Re: Headlamp lid solution?

Colour match the paint, be positive.

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www.L-88.co.uk

Sat 05 May 12 16:47

Hmm, I don't know. It's sort of fashionable again to do the black hood/roof thing.

You're no worse off if you try it, as you'll only be back into getting it sprayed body.colour if you don't like it.

Any decent bodyshop (or even just talk to Mech Spray again) could match them up, but they may want to blow it in to the surrounding bodywork.

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1995 Corvette LT1 6-Speed Coupe
1990 Japanese thingy (MX5)
2007 Honda UFO

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1986 Corvette Z51 Coupe

Sat 05 May 12 16:53

Re: Headlamp lid solution?

Yes to painting them... ...No to satin black!

Both my lids were corroded. Rubbed them down, matched the unknown colour, resprayed them and now they look as good as new, it's a shame the rest of the car lets them down!... ...

Are you thinking of doing them with a rattle can on the car?

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Sat 05 May 12 17:03

Re: Headlamp lid solution?

VetteWeekend wrote (View Post):Yes to painting them... ...No to satin black!

Both my lids were corroded. Rubbed them down, matched the unknown colour, resprayed them and now they look as good as new, it's a shame the rest of the car lets them down!... ...

Are you thinking of doing them with a rattle can on the car?

got 2 cans of spray paint, color matched to the original, but like I said, unlikely to match now, some 11 years on

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C3-Drive it like you stole it!
www.mickhowes.freewebspace.com

Sat 05 May 12 22:19

Re: Headlamp lid solution?

If you have the colour in cans then I would try to match up as best as poss. They may be a tad off but chances are no layman is going to notice, they will be too busy being awe inspired by the whole car.

Only yourself and the rest of the forum will know and it will be our secret.

Of course we will point it out to you at every opportunity just to annoy you with a polite enquiring ''Is that a can job matey? Shade looks a bit off to me''

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82 Corvette C3 - Just needs waxing + total restoration!

Mon 07 May 12 09:11

Re: Headlamp lid solution?

Mick, IMHO stay with original colour, as it looks like its been in a fight with the black eyes
As it happens, I've just finished doing my lids (and now waiting for clear coat to dry before polishing)
and the secret on matching is...
Take fuel cap lid down to local car paint supplier and no, NOT Halfrauds... and ask for their colour match swatch book, in your case, the reds (you just wont believe how many shades and hues there are!!!)
Allow yourself about 1 hr looking through them and remember to check the close ones in daylight too, before deciding on closest and asking for their honest opinion on the best match between the 5-6 you've selected.
Then ask for couple of cans in that code and you're sorted....just keep a note or can for the code in the future!

Mine is a metallic blue, I only had 2 BIG books to look through
but got there in end, (it seems mines a Mazda!)
I first sprayed my rear spoiler,then my front nose cone and now the lids and even the paint supplier are impressed with the finished article!

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Mon 07 May 12 10:59

Re: Headlamp lid solution?

Hi Pigginvet, I have the original color match (Nissan 013 believe it or not! seems the Japs have a foothold in the Vette market ) I resrayed my front spoiler a while back, and that's when I noticed the slight color variation, darker than what's on now, that's the problem with red, it does fade over the years. I work in a motor factors store these days, and they make up paint from original specs and color swatches, the guy that does the paint says this is a common problem.

Reckon what I will do is try out the red, and if it does look too different, then try out my second satin black option. However, this could be a while away going by the current drought??? wet wether. No garage, so do need a period of dry weather before starting.

Keep you posted, wonder what i will turn up with in September

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C3-Drive it like you stole it!
www.mickhowes.freewebspace.com