Metal Flake Gel Coat ???

[texastiedye]

We have a Manx that we are getting ready to redo. I have my heart set on getting it metal flaked with a gel coat to protect it from scratches getting in and out, etc.

I don't want to take it to just anybody....I want it done right, but I'm having a hard time finding someone who does the gel coat process now. The one's we have talked to will do the metal flake, but do not do the gel coat, just a top clear coat.

We are in the DFW area, but willing to travel to get it done right.

Does anyone have experience with a painter who does this kind of work that you would recommend?

Or do you have any information that would sway me to just go with the metal flake with clear coat?

Thanks for you help!

Karen

[BrianB]

Karen the Gelcoat is a process that encompasses both the flake and clear. There is no need to use gelcoat for repainting the buggy. Today's clearcoat are just as good and hold up well as long as the prep was done right. The way it works with paint is you would have the base sprayed on then there is a midcoat which includes both clear and flake. The next step is covering it all with clear. It is up to you how many coats you want depending if you are going for the show car look or not. A lot of us have painted it ourselves in the garage and results are pretty good. I am sure there is someone in the Dallas area on here that can steer you to a good buggy painter(Neil? Cory?). Good luck with your project and be sure to post plenty of pictures along the way. Also your deadline to get it back together is Memorial Day weekend for the big buggy show in Salado.

[Bill K]

Amen to Memorial Day, Karen. We'd love to meet you and your buggy, so I hope you can make it to the Buggy Blast in Salado.

[GregR]

I'm on the north side of Dallas.

I might recommend checking with some of the hot rod shops and clubs around the are or maybe Doug at Qualitat in Grand Prairie (one of our sponsors) or Ed at Classic Coach Update can steer you toward a good painter.
The guy who painted David Head's buggy and my buggy I believe left the business, his name is Zig Eble, great work, not cheap.

I think I would go with the heavy flaked paint over gel coat all things considered, just my 2cents

In what part of DFW are you located

[texastiedye]

Thanks guys! We'll check out some of these and hopefully get the paint out of the way. I just want it done right and don't want to skimp on getting the fiberglass work and paint done right.

We are actually in Weatherford, Texas, but work in Fort Worth.