I had a busy weekend modding!! This is so much fun!!
What I did:
1.) Painted my new Z06 Stage 1 Splitter Carbon Flash!
Still WIP....
After seeing the Z06 Stage 1 splitter, I decided that it was the best looking splitter for my Arctic White C7. My car has all the carbon flash badges and carbon flash mirror and spoiler so I thought that the stock grey/black plastic would look a little out of place on the car, so I began reading the forums and learning how to paint it carbon flash. Thanks again to Glen_E!! his basic painting tutorial gave me a great foundation to start from.
My biggest concern was how to paint the plastic and make sure the paint did not start coming off after a couple months. I photo documented the process so anyone else thinking of trying this can learn from my successes and failures.
After educating myself as much as possible, it was time to order paint supplies from Automotivetouchup.com. They have all the painting supplies you will need.
1.) 1 Can of Carbon flash paint (501Q)
2.) 1 Can of high build grey primer
3.) 1 can of Adhesion promoter (since I was painting plastic)
4.) 1 can of High gloss clear coat
5.) Various sandpaper for wetsanding (400, 600, 1000, 1500, 3000)
Ordered from Amazon
1.) Meguiar's M105 Mirror Glaze Ultra-Cut Compound
2.) Meguiar's M205 Mirror Glaze Ultra Finishing Polish
Other Misc stuff
1.) Rubbing alcohol
2.) Soapy water with Dawn
Here is the splitter before any painting began:
First step was to wet sand the splitter to scuff it up, sand down the small bumps on the surface and to take the sheen off the plastic.
Once done with the initial wet sanding, clean the splitter with soapy water and then rub down with rubbing alcohol.
Next up was to spray 2 light coats of adhesion promoter. Waiting 15 min between coats.
After an hour, the next step was 3 light coats of primer. Waiting 15 min between coats
After another hour, 3 light coats of Carbon flash (501Q) paint, waiting 15 min between coats
After a 2 hour wait, I sprayed 2 light and 3 wet coats of clear coat. Waiting 15 min between coats.
This is where I stand today. I am letting the clear coat dry for 48 hours and then I will begin wet sanding with 1500. then 3000 sandpaper, removing all the shine. I will then use the Meguiar's 105 300-500 strokes to bring the gloss back and then use the Meguir's 205 to polish to a nice gloss. I will then seal with Blackfire Crystal seal.
A quick note. I only will be finishing the parts of the splitter that will be visible.
I will update this thread with my progress over the next week..hopefully culminating with the install this weekend.
2.) Painted and installed NPP exhaust filler panel - got a great deal for the brushed aluminum version and painted it Carbon Flash!
I used a similar procedure as above, except I used an self-etching primer, since I was painting aluminum. I also wanted a semi-gloss not High gloss finish, so I did not highly polish the clear coat.
Here are some images of the process:
3.) Install Z06 Grille (Wow...what an adventure!)
Thank goodness so many other people have installed this grille...it sure helped...I found that loosening the bolt near the headlights was the key to getting the bumper cover off for sure. but I used this to easily reach those bolts. much easier than a double extended ratchet.
The install worked out great...I took my time. took about 3 hours total...I really like the look...
-M