I have a 1987 Monte Carlo SS I bought new, when I bought it we found that someone at the dealer had some kind of accident and must have had their body shop pals do some quick body work to get them out of hot water. We found this out because the day after we took delivery my wife hit the finish with a stream of water while washing it and a large section of paint flew off! It was the same color as the paint underneaith (white) so it wasn't clear. To make a long story short they repainted it (after the court made 'em) and they used their best body guy, he took 2 weeks and when I picked it up it looked great (and has for all these years). Recently, I started restoring it and noticed some stone chips and it looks like the paint is very thick, I sanded a section and when it fearhered I could see all the coats, it looked like he laid down a grey primer then a base coat followed by clear. He told me it is his habit to mix a little 'color' in with the clear coat as it makes it look better (I always thought the clear coat was to give it the shine but what do I know?).
Anyway, I want to do a color change to a very dark (almost black) non-metallic blue and wondered if all this paint should be removed? It seems o be very brittle as the chips remind me of when Porcelain chips!
Also, I have painted about 4 cars in the past and have always used laquer (I wanted to use epoxy but the paint shop told me for a novice the laquer was more forgiving) this time I would like to use somthing with more durability than laquer and would like to use some kind of tough paint with a catalyist.
What do you guys suggest?
I also notice the door jambs on my BMW looks as good as the outside of the car, I want my project car to look like that.. since I have to remove my doors on my Monte to replace the hinge pins so should I jamb it at that time? It seems like the ugly door jambs are caused by overspray.
HELP!! Please...