Painting the roadster.

[rickscobra]

My kit will not arrive till fall, but looking for a list of Cobra paint shops in the Northeast that members have used. I know up front this is one of the major budget busters, but want a shop that has painted a number of roadsters. Along with the agony of waiting for your kit to arrive, waiting for the car to be painted probably ranks a close second to that.:confused::)

[CraigS]

Can you get a little narrower than the NE pls? Also you can put a few details like this under your name or on a line under each post.

[rich grsc]

Best advise I can offer, drive the car in jel-coat for 6-12 months, then paint.

[rickscobra]

I am in Maine about a four hour drive to FFR. Mass, ct, NY easy drive away.

Formerly from Warrenton, VA. Know Manassas well.



FFR MKIV,Forte 306/345hp.T-t,2015 Mustang IRS,18' wheels, Wilwood brakes.

[racephotoman]

Best advise I can offer, drive the car in jel-coat for 6-12 months, then paint.

I too have been looking around for paint shops on Long Island - found a few, not cheap - so decided to wait and agree with Rich - don't rush - build and drive in gel coat for a while (Since on the road, I'm still tinkering with a few issues that need my attention w/tools at times - another good reason not to jump to paint + plus spend the "gel" time developing good habits how to get in/out of the car, unbuckling the harness - I still when not thinking occasionally place them on the body when unbuckling - a no-no once painted - won't mention my wife's habits). I'm actually liking the red gel coat - strangely most think it's painted anyway, and I stopped explaining the it's a replica, too. Enjoying the gel and not worried where to park! Two summers and approx. 3000 miles on car. I'm even testing those static decals/numbers on the gel to see if I like them when I do get it "professionally" painted.

Walter

[rickscobra]

Thanks for the reply Walter. Sounds like very good advice which I will probably take.

Rick

[bil1024]

Dartmouth Collision in MA, FFR uses them

[FFinisher]

Dartmouth Collision in MA, FFR uses them

Actually FFR Uses Carl's Collision in Fall River.

[JIMOCO]

I had my roadster painted by Dartmouth Colision. The car was finished being painted the beginning of June 2015. I could not be happier with the job they did. I chose black with silver stripes and the black looks beautiful and the lines are chrisp and smooth. I cannot feel the transition between the body and stripes. I am not on the road yet but those that have seen it have been very complimentary. I went back and fourth in my mind about waiting until after completion before painting. I decided not to for several reasons. I am not a fan of the color red for cars, I did not like the thought of the seams showing until the body work was completed, I did not want to tear down alot of stuff to prep for paint and lastly, I wanted to show off a completed car. Thats my 2-cents.

[rickscobra]

Jimoco, That was a pretty good drive from Camp Hill. How many shops did you evaluate before picking Dartmouth, and what made you chose them?

Rick

[JIMOCO]

I looked at three locally but none had experience with roadsters. One specialized in fiberglass with both Corvette and boat experience as well as fiberglass fabrication capabilities. They were very expensive. I was working with Whitby Motor Cars but because of the distance we were not able to work out the logistics. Mark Dougherty (The Traveling Builder) recommended Dartmouth Collision and happened to be taking a roadster he is building to them and had a trailer that fit two cars. He took mine there and brought is back. As part of the fee he also did an allignment and safety inspection. He and his son Brenden did an outstanding job and provided me with comfort regarding the quality of the my build. Additionally, Dartmouth offered me the best price, they used to be the painter for FFR and had significant experience. I do not know how to send pictures so if you want to see the results please send me a private message with your email and I will send you some.

[Cobra8592]

Jimoco,

I live in Lancaster and started my build in May so I still have some time until I go to paint. I have just started looking into paint shops in the area, very few have Cobra experience. Would you let me know if you are going to any local shows, I would like to see the paint work on your car.

MK4, Wilwood Brakes, 3-Link, Picked up 4-25-2015, 289-302, T-5, 3.55 rear.

[JIMOCO]

I am hoping to take my car to some shows this year. I am down to a few finishing items before sending my car through the PA enhanced inspection. If all goes well I expect to be on the road in a couple of weeks. I will be scouting out some shows. If there are some coming up in Lancaster please let me know and I will try to attend.

[KDubU]

Metalmorpheous is another in MA to consider.

[olda4guy]

I've just taken my first drive in "go kart" mode, so it's time to start looking for a paint/body shop with roadster experience. Does anyone out there know some good shops in the Northern Virginia area? I live in Great Falls.

Jim