Pontiac Grand Am Questions

  • Thread starter Thread starter massey
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massey

hello all,

I my self drive a 1994 Pontiac Grand SE. I love this car and the engine is strong. im hoping that someone could help me. i would like to know is it easy to put a body kit on a grand am yourself or would it be better to have it done. i would like to do it myself because i want this to be a learning experince for me. and paniting it i thought about having it done myself.

Massey
 
Well it depends. Are you mechanically inclined? Body kits usually aren't all that difficult. Body shops may tell they are because they need to make a profit, especially if you buy the kit and ask them to install it. If they buy the kit, they will be making money on the kit so the labor charges will be a little less than if you bring them the kit. You will save a bundle doing yourself.
Now keep in mind the kits usually aren't a perfect fit. The parts will need some tweaking here and there. Also remember your car is over 10 years old and some body parts may need to be re-aligned before attempting to install the kit. Any sagging door hinges will need to be replaced and clearances between doors and fenders need to be enough to allow the doors to open w/o snagging the add-on parts.
Stop by a local automotive paint supplier and bring him a piece of what you are painting. Different plastics will need flexible paint additives. If the parts are all fiberglass, you can just use the regular paint for your car. Prep is everything in painting. Take your time to make sure all parts fit the way you want. Be sure to fully scuff sand all parts and wash them with prepsol or a similar wax and grease remover. Then prime the parts and use a sanding block or double-density sanding pad to wet sand the parts. Ask the paint store for the proper grit paper for the primer you are useing. Then blow off all the water with compressed air and wipe down with prepsol. Use a tack rag to remove any dust and apply the color coat as per manufacturers directions followed by 3-4 coats of clear. When fully cured wet sand again with microfine paper 1500-2000 grit and compound with 3M microfine compound or similar product.
Bodywork takes a lot of patience and trial fitting of the parts. If you feel you have the time and patience then go for it! It is a great feeling to stand back and look at the finished project and say "Yeah! I did that!"
 
Massey

yeah i know its going to be a challege but im wanting that challege. i love being able to do something myself and look at it and say wow i did that lol. its the greatest feeling you could have. and have people say that looks good. makes it even better. i really do thank you for the info you gave me. its going to be very helpful. thanks again.

massey
 
Hey, anytime! I worked as a bodyman/painter for 18 years before becoming a mobile tool distributor. Feel free to ask anything that comes to mind.
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Massey

i do have a question what size air compressor do you perfer to do the paint for are selves? because i dont want to get the wrong one and not have enough pressure to get the job done right. know what i mean? and would i have to go through the dealer to get the paint that matchs my car? or would a body shop sell stuff like that?

Massey
 
For a compressor just for painting you could do fine with a 3hp 20-25gal tank. Ingersoll-Rand has some nice vertical 5hp units that run on 115V/20amps. With these you could also run a DA sander, air grinder, etc without running out of air. Just as important as hp and tank size is the scfm(standard cubic feet per minute) of air. The higher the better. But also look at "where" the unit makes the most air. If it has the cfm you need but only at 125psi for example you'll never be satisified as the compressor will usually run at about 80-90 psi when in constant use with air tools. Spray guns really don't use much air, especially HVLP(high volume low pressure)guns which run at about 20-25psi rather than 40-50psi of the conventional guns. HVLP also produces less overspray. This is very important especially when you don't have a spray booth. Be sure to wear a NIOSH approved respirator when spraying. Today's paints contain isocynates which is some pretty bad stuff.
Check your local yellow pages for body shop suppliers. Go to your local store and explain what you want to paint. They will be able to match the paint for you with both the paint code from your car and can get it even closer by matching it to the gas door which you should bring with you. I'm sure they will agree, but try to stick with one brand all the way through. Something like PPG or DuPont from primer to basecoat to clearcoat.
And also keep in mind that the new freshly painted part will never exactly match the older painted parts of your car. You will probably need to blend the color onto the car and then clearcoat the entire panel.
 
Massey

thank you man that is some great information you gave me. i cant wait to get back from the army next month and get some stuff started on this. when i get done with it all ill send some pictures. is there anything else i need to do for this projcet with body work. so i dont get caught up with something and should of know it but didnt? so far this sounds fun. cant wait!!!!! :)


Massey
 
Well it's hard to say w/o actually seeing the car. I would say if it's in better than average condition, it should be pretty easy. If the car is showing it's age, then you'll have to align the different body panels and do any body work necessary to the body in order for the body kit to mate up.
Like I said before, feel free to ask anything that comes to mind. I should be able to walk you through it.
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