The paint...finally gonna address it.

[a_d_a_m]

Well, although it was already 'fixed' by Ford under warranty or recall (can't remember which), the roof and hood of my car have worse acne than a 14yr old science geek. The car is still a great ten-footer but the roof is starting to concern me as there is a little bit of rust starting.

My pal owns a small shop and does paint work. He's handled minor projects as well as full-on restorations (he did an MG for my friend and it's AWESOME).

So I had him look at it and he gave me what I think is a pretty spectactular price. $650-700 will get my roof and hood blocked down to metal, rust removed/repaired/whatever, and repainted. I'd been quoted more than twice that by full-time shops, and I'm sure I'm getting the friend discount, but...I'm not complaining.

We also discussed having the front bumper resprayed and having the license plate bracket holes filled in. Not sure if I'll have the money for that, but...that'd be a cool little project to throw in.


Wanna get the whole thing ready for Hot Rod Power Tour next year... :banana2:

It'll be going in for hibernation in a week or three, so the plan now is to have it out by March 1st-15th (somewhere in there), have the paint done by April 15th, and then have a few months to do other little projects on it.

[Motorhead350]

Very nice Adam.

[Ninoblack1]

sweet thats a nice price hope i can find something that nice come tax return time lol

[RubberCtyRauder]

Awesome Adam!

[Bigdogjim]

Yes great to hear your getting the paint fixed, it will be like a "new" marauder again:up:

[a_d_a_m]

I know the thread is a little early in the posting, but it was the first step and it's something. :D

[Mr. Man]

I know the thread is a little early in the posting, but it was the first step and it's something. :D
The way to end a journey is to take a first step.

Before and after pics please :)

[FastMerc]

I went through this before make sure the bumper gets stripped, otherwise your new paint will crack. I know from experience.

[Wags]

The roof was reshot under warranty and part of a fender if I remember correctly. That was back in 2002 I think. Hard to remember yesterday yet alone 11 yrs ago!:o
And the holes in the bumper cover were not supposed to even be there. I told them not to put the bracket on, but when I picked up the car, they had already put it on.

Wags

[JoeBoomz]

DO IT that's an amazing deal and will make the car look like new again!!!

[a_d_a_m]

The roof was reshot under warranty and part of a fender if I remember correctly. That was back in 2002 I think. Hard to remember yesterday yet alone 11 yrs ago!:o
And the holes in the bumper cover were not supposed to even be there. I told them not to put the bracket on, but when I picked up the car, they had already put it on.

Wags Wags! Hey, long time no see! T'was the passenger fender based on correspondence I still have from when I bought the car from Darkside six months after he bought it from you. That repair looks good still and most of the paint still shines amazingly.

Interestingly enough, the 'fixed' roof is the worst part on the car!

My friend bought an OE front bumper for his old Marquis and never put it on. I am going to try to convince him to sell me that, and I'll sell him the one that's currently on the Marauder. This one has no holes.

Since you posted, maybe you wanna see it in action:
https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/550721_4812122979179_1259562_o .jpg

Still looks great in pictures and from a few feet back.

[sflrainmaker01]

Sounds like a really good deal. I have a friend that has offered to fix & paint RescuRauder for a fair price, but, I can't help wondering what would happen if the job doesn't come out as good as I may expect. So, I decided to shop around and have a regular shop paint it. That way, if there is a problem, it doesn't get in the way of a friendship.

BTW, car looks super! Mine is the same, from 10+ feet it looks great. :depress:

[Wags]

Hey,

It still looks great! It's nice to see it went to someone who takes care in what he drives. Most of my old cars end up getting trashed and abused. Hard to see that happen but it's their vehicle so they can do what they want. Hope you get many more miles out it.

Wags

[a_d_a_m]

I better get 'many more miles' out of it! I lost compression on #8 last year and had to fix that (in my driveway, no fun!). Other than that, it's been trouble free.

[a_d_a_m]

Okay, question for the group. Even though it's a long time off, I figure early education is probably for the best.

I think I remember hearing/reading/something that the black used on our cars was not actually true black and is slightly off from the Ford factory code. Something about maybe there was thinner in the lines or something? (I realize that sounded moronic, but maybe someone knows what I'm talking about)

So my question is, when we go to buy the paint, am I telling the shop to mix up a gallon of UA? I don't want the new paint to be 'too black' and make the rest of the car look funny.

[Mr. Man]

Okay, question for the group. Even though it's a long time off, I figure early education is probably for the best.

I think I remember hearing/reading/something that the black used on our cars was not actually true black and is slightly off from the Ford factory code. Something about maybe there was thinner in the lines or something? (I realize that sounded moronic, but maybe someone knows what I'm talking about)

So my question is, when we go to buy the paint, am I telling the shop to mix up a gallon of UA? I don't want the new paint to be 'too black' and make the rest of the car look funny.
Two points: It will be hard to perfectly match because of Sun fade, acid rain etc. 2 Since you're concerned about getting as close as you can have your painter try a couple of test coats on a junk fender he might have laying around. :)

[a_d_a_m]

That's not a bad idea.

[a_d_a_m]

It's official: The car will be dropped off on May 11th for paint work. :banana:

[1Marauder]

congrats... PHOTO's PLEASE before (close ups too) and AFTER

[a_d_a_m]

I will definitely try to get some good pictures of before and after.

The car is going in a couple months on the late side due to a couple other projects at his shop, but I was able to do rear brakes and a rear sway bar already. So it wasn't completely wasted time.

The only drawback is that I won't be able to wax it prior to taking it on Power Tour. Oh well.

[a_d_a_m]

May 11th has come and gone and the car still sits in my garage.

The problem with getting the 'friend discount' is that you have to do it on their time; he's currently backed up.

The paint will probably not be done in time for Power Tour, which has me thinking that we may take Dad's '03 GT instead.

:(

[ChiTownMaraud3r]

My buddy's dad who has been painting cars for 20 years + told me black is black after looking at the car when I expressed concerns regarding my spoiler paint matching up. I said ok and sure enough it matches perfectly.

That sucks your car hasn't been worked on. I had a local restoration shop repair and paint the entire roof for $400. Took them about a week to do it last summer and so far so good.

[a_d_a_m]

I might call around and see if I can get a similar quote. I have $800 socked away for it right now...

[joe mosely]

My paint looks horrible up close. Its a "20 footer" for sure. Not a huge concern, I'm trying to square away mechanical things before I worry too much about the body. Except the rear bumper sag, that drives me car-azy.

Good luck with paint, also looking forward to some before and after pics.

[svtguy]

My buddy's dad who has been painting cars for 20 years + told me black is black after looking at the car when I expressed concerns regarding my spoiler paint matching up. I said ok and sure enough it matches perfectly.

That sucks your car hasn't been worked on. I had a local restoration shop repair and paint the entire roof for $400. Took them about a week to do it last summer and so far so good.

Wow GREAT deal. I paid about $1100 to get my roof and hood done last summer. Where did you go? Might need to get my trunk lid done.

[ChiTownMaraud3r]

Wow GREAT deal. I paid about $1100 to get my roof and hood done last summer. Where did you go? Might need to get my trunk lid done.

Small shop in Tinley called Johnny's by oak park ave. It's doing fine, but the repair seems to have wavy almost dent like reflection right above the driver's door now. Almost as if small hail damage. It's difficult to see so it doesn't bother me much, but may or may not have been them. For the price I couldn't complain.

[a_d_a_m]

The best quote I got around here was for just shy of $1000. I'm just gonna enjoy it through the summer and have it painted over the winter.

[vtwoodsman]

I had my MM's hood, roof, trunk painted last October. Pro paint shop used VIN to get correct paint color/type. My MM was built 9/02 and had been previously repainted under warranty. The paint shop guys found 6 layers of black base coat while stripping down to metal. Needed repainting because of base coat chalking under the clear coat.
Note: Hood and trunk are aluminum and need special prep for painting.
End result: Fantastic restoration !

[a_d_a_m]

After a bunch of delays (mostly due to a Camaro restoration that fought him every step of the way), my buddy and I did some work!


Before:
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w110/jackiegleason/B6F957DD-4FE2-41AF-BB87-705995D9EF59_zpsrgklmvzu.jpg

During:
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w110/jackiegleason/317FD5CA-145A-4528-93F9-37AE77B493C9_zpsofnkhpmb.jpg

After:
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w110/jackiegleason/975CE1AA-22D8-4116-BFFD-938E78602425_zps81cvjvwx.jpg


And the hood's off, too.
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w110/jackiegleason/D1303972-1093-4D98-B0F0-F6EF4DD36664_zpswxwupvwp.jpg


There's still some sanding and bodywork to be done, of course, but to be able to take these two panels down to bare metal in under two hours (including masking) was fairly impressive. I was scared ******** about using a chemical stripper. Even after, I gave the car and hood a good rinse afterward, and then a nice sudsy bath to make sure all the bad crap was off.

No idea when the next update will come, but here it is...

It's finally happening.

[fastblackmerc]

Nice!

My MM is in for a repaint in the near future.

[CHSurvivor]

Can't wait to see it again at Sparta!

[Sully008]

Thanks for the update. I'm going to have to get my roof repaired too as it's blistering something crazy. Hopefully this spring/summer.

[vtwoodsman]

Had my 03 repainted last year; just the horizontal surfaces. I believe it was a Ford warranty repaint as well, according to the paint shop that did the work for me. The
clear coat was ok, but the base paint was chalking. Anyway the new paint job (down to metal) did the trick. Good luck with yours.

[a_d_a_m]

That's odd that yours was a problem as you have a sort-of-late-build '03. I thought the paint issues were predominantly with the early (pre-1000) cars.

[03blackvegas]

Okay, question for the group. Even though it's a long time off, I figure early education is probably for the best.

I think I remember hearing/reading/something that the black used on our cars was not actually true black and is slightly off from the Ford factory code. Something about maybe there was thinner in the lines or something? (I realize that sounded moronic, but maybe someone knows what I'm talking about)

So my question is, when we go to buy the paint, am I telling the shop to mix up a gallon of UA? I don't want the new paint to be 'too black' and make the rest of the car look funny.

First let me give you my qualifications in response to your post, I have been a Body Shop painter for 16 years, and have worked in paints shops for 35 years. Ford paint code UA has several different toners in the formula, obviously black, but also blue, yellow, white, and red. Out of 50 different blacks on 50 different vehicles, maybe 4 or 5 would be close to pure pitch black. As a painter, I picked the black I knew to be the closest to pitch black when I was repainting my first Marauder because I wanted to get away from the Ford "off" black. It would be best to talk to a Painter, not a paint shop, in your area, and have him recommend a truer black if that was your choice. The best way would be to use a straight black toner off of the mixing bank in the paint room of a paint shop, but spray out's would need to be done to determine if the black toners were even dark enough.

[crownvic05]

Is that stuff safe to apply on bumpers?

[03blackvegas]

Is that stuff safe to apply on bumpers?

No it is not, to much heat is generated, and will blister the bumper.

[a_d_a_m]

Late last night after band practice, I checked my phone and was surprised that my buddy was at the shop. Popped over and found the hood and roof down to bare metal and ready for primer.

Get the Back To The Future jokes out of your system before you respond.

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w110/jackiegleason/mmhood2_zps13f9f52e.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w110/jackiegleason/mmhood1_zpsb046dccc.jpg

I was really happy to see that the rust hadn't gotten too out of hand, especially on the front of the roof. It required no body filler, contrary to what I was expecting. :D

After this, we masked it off and got it primed. I forgot to take pictures of that. He wants to let it sit in the heat for a couple days to let it cure. After that, it'll have to be blocked and sealed, then...painted? It's happening!

[Zack]

You should paint the roof silver.

[RR|Suki]

You should paint the roof silver.

hmmm, I wonder how that would look.

OP we need a wide angle of the entire car now :D

[a_d_a_m]

It'd have to be sanded back to steel. There's four coats of primer on it as we speak.

[Zack]

It'd have to be sanded back to steel. There's four coats of primer on it as we speak.

WAT.
is it black primer?

:confused:

[Bigdogjim]

That's odd that yours was a problem as you have a sort-of-late-build '03. I thought the paint issues were predominantly with the early (pre-1000) cars.

Biggest issues were the first 2 weeks in August of '02

[a_d_a_m]

WAT.
is it black primer? Nope, it's pink, because my car is fabulous.

[a_d_a_m]

I showed up at the shop last night to find the primer being sanded with 600. He said there was a decent chance we might get some color on it last night.

Here he is, blowing the excess dust off the car.
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w110/jackiegleason/6934D54B-EF1B-47B2-AB6C-D2D56C8AB104_zpsabdefejk.jpg

A bit of sad news: one of the mounts for the grille (top driver's side) snapped off during removal. As everything else is intact, I am hoping to be able to re-use the grille.

At this point, we were thinking of putting sealer on it and proceeding with paint.
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w110/jackiegleason/1B67E8FB-99EF-4A41-A5F2-03F46B79D875_zps3jagralz.jpg

Then we got to masking.
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w110/jackiegleason/116524A9-5906-4C8E-A038-1A803DE55158_zpspbbx4gxw.jpg

By the time we got this done, it was almost 1am. We both agreed that it was probably too late to start going ahead with paint.

The plan is to lay paint down today after he leaves his full-time job. I'll be at band practice when that happens, so I probably won't get any 'during' shots.

[2mercs]

You can plastic weld that grill tab back on as long as you have the broken piece.

[clmrt]

That's it - I'm bringing mine over and we can do both at the same time.

[a_d_a_m]

Car is painted, hood is mounted.
Header panel and hood are both wet sanded, polished, and glazed.

The roof is the only thing left to do. Well, that and the grille:


You can plastic weld that grill tab back on as long as you have the broken piece. He saved the tab, so we're good! :beer:

I know this has taken a long time but hey, FREE HEATED STORAGE!!!

[a_d_a_m]

Holy tits! Finally got the car tonight. Worst picture ever, but it's all I have. I got mobbed (seriously) at the gas station shortly after taking this picture.
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w110/jackiegleason/277D1B7C-D41A-4554-9B92-4DE578A20CD1_zps9m7qfcas.jpg


More pictures whenever it's sunny and I have a real camera.

[8UWITH6]

Congratulations. Paint is a scary transformation. Looks like yours turned out well.

[MarauderMatt200]

that looks really nice man...well done. By the way what type and size tires you running front and back?

[a_d_a_m]

235/50/18 Fierce Instinct ZR (http://www.goodyear.com/en-US/tires/fierce-instinct-zr) up front, 285/50/18 Continental CrossContact UHP in the back. Both are probably on their last season.

[RubberCtyRauder]

Looks great Adam!

[FastMerc]

Car is looking good Adam be proud.

[crownvic97]

Looks great Adam!

[loud2004marquis]

Very nice sir!

[BeeDamn]

It's like GLASS wow that's shine just right congrats man!

[Gerry24]

Congrats ADAM!! enjoy the new paint job!! Looking real nice...

[a_d_a_m]

:D
I promise I'll get new pictures ASAP. Couldn't drive it to work today due to being ordered for 12hrs (which = my dog goes to mom's house = Roxy doesn't ride in the MM, ever).

I haven't seen it in sunlight. It may look atrocious...

[CHSurvivor]

Coming up to Sparta again this year? Love to get a pic of both of ours side by side :)

[a_d_a_m]

I don't think a meet is being planned for Sparta this year but you never know. Maybe I'll do the Erie loop just for fun.

[a_d_a_m]

Took it on some errands today and snapped a few slightly better but still crappy pictures, including a couple that show a zit-free hood and roof.

Yes, I know I'm pushing it on this street parking job, and YES, I did go move it forward a couple inches after taking this.
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w110/jackiegleason/D6F01DAE-2A3B-46FD-831F-0B640BDEA226_zpsslfw1ext.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w110/jackiegleason/27A36089-586F-46AA-A6AB-E80639F0238E_zps7ivumhpc.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w110/jackiegleason/51463D5B-1A6D-41EF-B0CE-6CE334077237_zpsygplekft.jpg

Roof:
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w110/jackiegleason/AFEA2AAB-1626-45BB-9C11-140B065B7FE7_zpsd63hzafh.jpg

Hood:
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w110/jackiegleason/D509C4F8-7BD9-4247-8912-39042AE7FCE2_zpsw9vyfko8.jpg

[loud2004marquis]

Jealous over here

[crownvic97]

Looking real good!

[MGDriver]

Looks fantastic Adam, was well worth the wait for it!

[CHSurvivor]

great pics but your phot reminds me how much I hate front plates in Ontario

[a_d_a_m]

We are supposed to run them in Ohio, but I don't on this car.

[CHSurvivor]

little birdie told me you might know the odd cop or two...hehe

[a_d_a_m]

little birdie told me you might know the odd cop or two...hehe Most cops in Ohio don't even care about the front plate rule.

Just the occasional state trooper with no sense of leniency.

[CHSurvivor]

Its law here...so last fall I am at a restaurant and a yellow ferrari pulls in with a cop behind him. My son and I decide to go look. I noticed immediately no front plate. Cop gives him a warning. Guy says hey Ill pay the ticket....cheaper than getting a $2500 bumper with a front plate.... Police here feel its easier to detect, run a plate if coming in opposite direction. I think its just a tax grab....I have friends with new Corvettes and cringe at putting plates on the front. I know a few gear heads here and they wont run a plate. But they are pre 60 hotrods....

[MGDriver]

There's absolutely no way I could get away with not having a front plate, police will immediately pull you over and impound your car if you can't install a front plate properly on the spot.

I already run an illegal plate size as my front plate is actually a motorcycle plate, I'm supposed to put a long car plate on the front but that's not gonna happen.

[ncmm]

that roof shot is stellar. . .fabulous looking

[a_d_a_m]

Thanks!
Went out a couple nights back and stretched its legs with a pal.

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w110/jackiegleason/595CD093-3C1D-456D-8D2E-3A7D2AB32B5F_zpsb1x2gejh.jpg


At one point we switched cars and I couldn't believe A) how good mine looked B) how different the '02- steering is (and I kind of preferred it)

[MarauderMatt200]

i live in Texas and we are suppose to run front plates as well. But i have never used one on the front it will never happen on my cars. The city police dont really give a crap about it. Ive only been pulled over once for no license plate but he just let me go. Its usually the state troopers who can be an ass about it. but so far ive been pretty lucky

[a_d_a_m]

Took advantage of the 60-degree weather and washed both cars today. While doing so, I found some primer overspray on the windshield of the Marauder, so I had to razorblade that off. The painter's detailer also swirled the hell out of the passenger side, and I'm not really happy about it but it's only noticeable in very bright and direct sun, which is something we never get around here except for today. I'll be able to take care of that when I lay my first coat of wax on the car. Rather do it my way than be without the car for another godknowshowlong.

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w110/jackiegleason/4F586AD4-DB48-4E3B-9E21-FB6F29C2881C_zpsg5g8rk9o.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w110/jackiegleason/823EDF79-5CEB-48AA-B1D3-7FA89410BE57_zps1dzkhimo.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w110/jackiegleason/3C064BE7-9724-4194-B5A3-CDD1078E950E_zpsasaptsv4.jpg

[ncmm]

Marauder love is undeniable. . .