Respray

platypus · 18 Jan 2010 at 11:29

Am I being ludicrous and off my rocker by thinking I could attempt this myself?

I've sanded down and treated (Hammerited) some rust areas in the wheel arches on my MX-5 this weekend, and there are general patches where she's looking a bit tired; with a couple more rust patches to do this weekend. And on Sunday some cretin kicked my driver side mirror off (and left muddy foot prints on the door) so I will need to replace that, obviously the colour won't match 100%.

Should I just be realistic and pay for someone to do it?

Firestar_3x · 18 Jan 2010 at 11:31

What colour is the MX5?

I sprayed and fitted the sports sideskirts on my 5, finish and colour was 100% OEM, very happy with the results, so it can be done at home.

Used Halfords rattlecans too!

platypus · 18 Jan 2010 at 11:35

It's black, which I understand are notoriously difficult to match, but I'm not unhappy about the idea of changing it. I quite want to get some new seats as well (thats on the wish list for a few months in the future though), so might consider a new colour.

Cyanide · 18 Jan 2010 at 11:36

If it's just a mirror it shouldn't be a massive challenge to do it yourself. Depending on the colour it shouldn't be a terrible match depending on where you get it mixed.

If it's the whole car then it's a different matter. It can be done as a DIY job but unless you've got a lot of time to spare and you're very patient I'd just leave it to a good bodyshop.

Dup · 18 Jan 2010 at 11:38

If you can store it and afford the time to do it, I don't see why not if you're not expecting perfection. If you foxtrot it up though, it'll cost you to do it properly (or just hide the pain with satin/matte black). It probably won't bode too well for resale either.

£800-1000 will get you a same colour spray at a reputable body shop. At least that's what I've been quotes so far.

platypus · 18 Jan 2010 at 11:39

It's small patches at present. The mirror, wheel arches, and a few patches at the door sills. I'm not convinced I could get the matching right, let alone the finish to look like it wasn't painted by me

.

Cyanide · 18 Jan 2010 at 11:43

platypus said:
It's small patches at present. The mirror, wheel arches, and a few patches at the door sills. I'm not convinced I could get the matching right, let alone the finish to look like it wasn't painted by me .

In which case bodyshop it. There's nothing worse than attempting to do patches all over the place with rattle cans

platypus · 18 Jan 2010 at 11:44

Do you know of any reputable bodyshops Dup? I'm searching for quotes online and not having much luck.

paradigm · 18 Jan 2010 at 11:45

Firestar_3x said:
What colour is the MX5?

I sprayed and fitted the sports sideskirts on my 5, finish and colour was 100% OEM, very happy with the results, so it can be done at home.

Used Halfords rattlecans too!

I'll vouch for this, it looked spot on. The key is preparation and taking your time, never EVER rush a spray job.

randal · 18 Jan 2010 at 11:50

Seeing as you're a "I haven't done that before, but fancy giving it a crack" kinda chap why not buy a compressor and a gun off eBay then get a bodyshop to mix you up your paint scheme, buy some decent laquer from them too (not forgetting a decent mask!!).

Couple of space heaters and some dust sheeting and you can make a booth in a garage easy. Throw some water down on the floor to minimise dust kick up, and you've got yourself a ghetto bodyshop in your own home.

edit - alternatively, I know someone in the South if you want a body shop. Drop me a mail in trust.

Dup · 18 Jan 2010 at 11:52

platypus said:
Do you know of any reputable bodyshops Dup? I'm searching for quotes online and not having much luck.

I got a quote from Painter Dave on the Nutz forum (which is down at the moment). He's in Yorkshire though. I also have a place nearby called Gaskell motor bodies (http://www.gaskellmotorbodies.com) who gave a similar cost and are round the corner from me. They did this unseen. Dunno about Cambridge but yell.com might help.