Expert: William Forster - 11/17/2006

Question
Bill, I have a spot about the size of a dollar bill on the driver  side just under the flip up headlight. It looks like that something hit it and a this part of the paint popped off. also, it looks like that it was filled at one time to be even with the fender. the fiberglass seems to be a little dirty, (a little Black). I have never painted fiberglass,is there certain steps to take to get this ready to paint? and do I paint all the bumper? The bumper isn't damaged, but I'm more of a mechanic than a painter, so all help would be appreciated  

Answer
It sounds like there is some degeneration of the fiberglass, like water has wicked into someones crappy repair. I would brush the damage clean with a stiff brush and soapy water, and clean the entire area to be painted with it. Then, clean ONLY THE INTACT PAINTED AREAS with mineral spirits to remove wax. You know what? This is a repair for a pro. A corvette isn't something you learn to do bodywork on, and I'd be kidding you if I told you that I thought you could do a good repair that will last, and look like it wasn't painted by a mechanic in his garage. Buy the wife some flowers, hide the rolling pin and frying pan, and make an appointment with a reputable body shop. The repair will look good, the paint will match, and you won't aggravate the hell out of yourself for an entire weekend before you give up and wind up on a shop's doorstep. Expect to pay at least 350 bucks to have this nice car properly repaired and painted. Bill