Prep for paint?

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by PCW

Trying to decide if I want to paint or keep it brushed. But I have a question, I had read in a different post that "bill Wallace" had ordered his car sanded to 300 grit and then complete the polishing. As much as I'm sure the 15K Kirkham charges for a finished brushed/polishing is well worth it, it puts another hit to my finances. Does anyone know what the charge is for just the 300 grit finish? what finished would be consider paint ready? There's a painter located just 30 miles from me that is rather well know for painting cobra's, his work is really top notch. I love the brushed look but sometimes I feel I will miss detailing the car and seeing a color just pop.

pcw

Kirkham's standard no charge file finish is what is recommended, if you desire to paint the car.

"Q: If I eventually plan to have the car painted, what is the best aluminum finish to order ?

A: The filed finish is best for painting. There is no extra charge for this finish and it is the best finish for your painter to start with."

Old FAQ: KMS FAQ

From their Manual: Body Finishing

Only YOU can answer the paint vs. bare aluminum question. You will get opinions on both sides of the issue.

Here's my opinion. The car is stunning in polished aluminum. See the Shelby CSX7000 FIA car in polished aluminum that Computerworks just posted in the last day or two. I've always preferred the uniqueness of bare aluminum. 99.99% of the Cobras out there are painted. And if you do decide to paint your Cobra, please don't paint it beige.

EDIT: Link to polished aluminum Shelby CSX 7000 USRRC FIA CSX7xxx Shelby USRRC FIA Cobra at Auction