Topic: 71 Paint Question - Painting the lower black first

[Danoh1]

How do you paint the black first?

I understand the black (and argent) lower part on the 71-73 cars was applied first.  If the fenders are painted separate, how do you get the lines lined up?

The hood is also painted separate, was the black/argent also applied first?

I’me trying to map out the sequence of steps to replicate the factory process.

[7173Q4spd]

I believe the body colour goes on first. It's been many year's since I did my '71 Mach and I can't be sure. However, I did have a professional restoration shop paint my J Code Vert in 2017 and they did spray the hood in body colour and then the blackout afterwards. About all I can offer, as this is why I paid the big bucks to let a professional paint it for me.

[Danoh1]

The black/silver was applied first at the factory.  Most restoration shops apply the black/argent last, because it’s easier.

Since the fenders were painted off the car, the question remains.

[J_Speegle]

Yes the lower color was applied first on the unibody. You can feel it in the paint. Honestly never checked the front fenders to see if they were also painted (lower color) first or or after exterior color.  If both were done firstly not sure how they got them so dead on or very close

Wish I knew and will check for details when I see the next original paint example in person

Believe that the hood had the black applied later in the process and after exterior color like the other years

[Danoh1]

A reasonable assumption seems that they just taped off at the body line, then used the tape or moulding to make the process look straight. It makes no sense to paint the black after the first round of black and then color.

My precious cars I painted the argent on top of the color. 

My current Q code won’t be perfect, but I’d like to up my game a bit. 

The lower tape seems to be 3/4” tall.  When I first looked at the pic below, I thought the lower tape was only an 1/8” tall. That line must be the color line.  The 3/4 lower tape should give plenty of room to straighten out the lines.  I think I’ll shoot the black, then mask off right on the body lines for color on top. What can go wrong?