Paint on fender wells and firewall

dakotakid · #1 02-13-2011, 08:54 AM

I have a '69 Berger Camaro with a fairly decent restoration. One problem though...when the restoration was done, the fender wells and firewall were painted gloss black. Rather than take everything apart and redo it all, is there a way with some type of compound or mild chemical to "flatten" the paint somewhat (without removing it), so that it has a semi-gloss satin appearance? Thanks.

**Salvatore** · #2 02-13-2011, 01:11 PM

shouldn't the fenderwells be undercoated?

**Dave Rifkin** · #3 02-13-2011, 02:53 PM

I think he's referring to the fenderwell that is seen when you open the hood; or maybe they're called the inner fenderwell?

**Lynn** · #4 02-13-2011, 05:16 PM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dakotakid</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have a '69 Berger Camaro with a fairly decent restoration. One problem though...when the restoration was done, the fender wells and firewall were painted gloss black. Rather than take everything apart and redo it all, is there a way with some type of compound or mild chemical to "flatten" the paint somewhat (without removing it), so that it has a semi-gloss satin appearance? Thanks. </div></div>

On an inconspicuous place, try scrubbing it with Comet abrasive cleaner using a sponge. Seems like I did this about 30 years ago on a part that was too glossy. I believe a very fine brass wool dipped in water might accomplish the same effect. Don't use steel wool, as the fince particles left behind will rust residue.

**m22mike** · #5 02-13-2011, 06:05 PM

I was going to even suggest trying some very course rubbing compound. Anything with course abrassive is going to give it a hazy apperance, may look funky when the sun hits it ?

Mike

x Baldwin Motion · #6 02-14-2011, 01:03 AM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: m22mike</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I was going to even suggest trying some very course rubbing compound. Anything with course abrassive is going to give it a hazy apperance, may look funky when the sun hits it ?

Mike </div></div>

That's correct Mike, any abrasive will show scratch(swirl) marks on a former gloss finish when the sun hits it. Maybe a product like Prepsol or another cleaning solvent with isopropoyl alcohol. Like above, test a small area.

**Alss** · #7 02-14-2011, 04:58 PM

I dont think anything will work..you can never replace a sprayed finish with any kind of rubbing..its impossible to make all the tight areas uniform..bite the bullet and do it the right way..the car deserves it!

Schonyenko2 · #8 02-14-2011, 07:39 PM

I agree with Albert.

**firstgenaddict** · #9 02-14-2011, 11:17 PM

Best thing to do is to dis-assemble the front end and take the parts out and have them done right, you won't regret the decision to do it correctly and I know I would kick myself for not doing it right to begin with.

**WILMASBOYL78** · #10 02-15-2011, 02:47 PM

I had a similar situation on a car a couple of years ago...the underhood pieces had a little too much gloss (inner fenders, rad. support, brackets, etc.) good thing is they weren't installed yet. So we mixed some clear that had a soft dull finish...resprayed all the parts and it came out perfect. It covered the sheen and gave it an original look and added a layer of protection. Take it apart and do it right...it is really the only way.

wilma