The Ford Barn

JohnB15632 · 11-10-2016, 05:05 PM

I could use some help and advise.

At this point in the restoration, do I do any more work on the body, ie: roof, before the body gets painted?
The body has windows, should the window mechanisms and the felts that seal the glass be restored before or after painting?
Should the window and door mechanisms be installed before or after painting?
Should the window felts be restored before or after painting?

Thank you,

Bob C · 11-10-2016, 06:41 PM

I don't know if you have already done it but I would fit the windshield and all
the other metal to that wood header before you paint to make sure of the fit.

Bob

Doug in NJ · 11-10-2016, 08:48 PM

Based on my experience:

For the roof, I primed everything, installed the wood, installed the fabric, and the molding, masked off the fabric, and then did the final paint.

For the doors, I removed everything I could, did some metal repairs on the doors, and painted them. Then I painstakingly restored the latches and window regulators, and reinstalled them, along with felt and glass.

For some strange reason, a previous owner had stared a restoration, and the very first thing they did was to glue in new rubber seals across the tops of the window openings. they were glued in so nicely that I didn't have the heart to tear them out, so I very carefully masked them.

Doug

Tinbasher · 11-10-2016, 10:33 PM

I like to complete all my fitting and repairs before painting. I know it's a pain taking everything out but it saves a lot of grief in the end. Especially if you damage the paint and have to start over.

John Poole

marc silva · 11-10-2016, 10:59 PM

I agree with John.
I have been restoring cars and every other type of motorized vehicle, vessel motorcycle pedal car wagon matchbook vending machine etc. for over 50 years. I have learned the hard way so believe me, put the WHOLE thing together first and make sure EVERYTHING fits just the way you want it to. Then, take it apart, paint, plate, polish, install welting , whatever and then put it back together. You won't regret it. No scratches, hogging out holes after it's painted, hammering on stuff to get it to fit while not scratching anything, nothing. It takes longer but when your'e done assembling you are done..with the exception of an occasional bug or what have you. it really pays off. I can't stress this enough. Believe me.

It really bothers me to see someone restore and paint the frame, engine, transmission, drive train axles etc and then put the body on and start to do body work fit the fenders, body,doors etc. and every other imaginable thing and try not to screw up what you have already done.

Just my 2 cents worth

JohnB15632 · 11-11-2016, 05:32 AM

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Good Morning,

So, I should complete the install of the roof. I should install all of the window mechanisms and door mechanisms in the doors. I should redo the window felts in the windows. All first.
I understand the dry fit of the aprons, fenders and running boards.

Thank you,
John

bnchief · 11-11-2016, 05:45 AM

Think and research how ford did it body was painted firs primary color all other things would be added after going down the line. I definitely would fit everything before painting also might be easier to upholster car with it off of the frame before you put in floorboards so you are not cramped when installing headliner etc.

11-10-2016, 06:41 PM	#2
Bob C Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: So Cal Posts: 8,755	Re: 31A S/W 4D TS Restoration I don't know if you have already done it but I would fit the windshield and all the other metal to that wood header before you paint to make sure of the fit. Bob

11-10-2016, 08:48 PM	#3
Doug in NJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Princeton, NJ Posts: 965	Re: 31A S/W 4D TS Restoration Based on my experience: For the roof, I primed everything, installed the wood, installed the fabric, and the molding, masked off the fabric, and then did the final paint. For the doors, I removed everything I could, did some metal repairs on the doors, and painted them. Then I painstakingly restored the latches and window regulators, and reinstalled them, along with felt and glass. For some strange reason, a previous owner had stared a restoration, and the very first thing they did was to glue in new rubber seals across the tops of the window openings. they were glued in so nicely that I didn't have the heart to tear them out, so I very carefully masked them. Doug __________________ My '31 S/W sedan project:http://31ford.dougbraun.com My restoration diary: http://dougbraun.com/blog

11-10-2016, 10:33 PM	#4
Tinbasher Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Innisfil, Ontario Canada Posts: 1,174	Re: 31A S/W 4D TS Restoration I like to complete all my fitting and repairs before painting. I know it's a pain taking everything out but it saves a lot of grief in the end. Especially if you damage the paint and have to start over. John Poole

11-10-2016, 10:59 PM	#5
marc silva Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: santa rosa ca Posts: 257	Re: 31A S/W 4D TS Restoration I agree with John. I have been restoring cars and every other type of motorized vehicle, vessel motorcycle pedal car wagon matchbook vending machine etc. for over 50 years. I have learned the hard way so believe me, put the WHOLE thing together first and make sure EVERYTHING fits just the way you want it to. Then, take it apart, paint, plate, polish, install welting , whatever and then put it back together. You won't regret it. No scratches, hogging out holes after it's painted, hammering on stuff to get it to fit while not scratching anything, nothing. It takes longer but when your'e done assembling you are done..with the exception of an occasional bug or what have you. it really pays off. I can't stress this enough. Believe me. It really bothers me to see someone restore and paint the frame, engine, transmission, drive train axles etc and then put the body on and start to do body work fit the fenders, body,doors etc. and every other imaginable thing and try not to screw up what you have already done. Just my 2 cents worth

11-11-2016, 05:32 AM	#6
JohnB15632 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Export, PA (Outside of Pittsburgh) Posts: 520	Re: 31A S/W 4D TS Restoration Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Good Morning, So, I should complete the install of the roof. I should install all of the window mechanisms and door mechanisms in the doors. I should redo the window felts in the windows. All first. I understand the dry fit of the aprons, fenders and running boards. Thank you, John

11-11-2016, 05:45 AM	#7
bnchief Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Posts: 252	Re: 31A S/W 4D TS Restoration Think and research how ford did it body was painted firs primary color all other things would be added after going down the line. I definitely would fit everything before painting also might be easier to upholster car with it off of the frame before you put in floorboards so you are not cramped when installing headliner etc.