Sorry for the odd title, I couldn't think of anything better to describe it. I was wondering what all you people that repainted your FD's did about the textured paint that runs from the lower front fender, under the doors, to just before the rear wheel. It seems to be some kind of weather proofing maybe? I have a 93, and I never really noticed it until I began completely sanding my car for new paint. I'm debating sanding it all off, or keeping the texture but sanding it lightly just for the paint to stick. Thanks for the time, Evan

 

Grind that **** off. Most of mine came off in big chunks.

 

depends on how / where you drive

that stuff keeps the road debris / whatever from killing the paint on the underside somewhat

if you're not going to drive the car that much on less than adaquate roads, i wouldn't worry about it

if you have to drive on a dirt road 5miles home every day, then i'd leave it

 

Yep. That dimpled, textured stuff is a sort of "rock guard", and keeps rocks, debris, and whatnot that gets kicked up from chipping your paint. I recommend keeping it, unless you absolutely don't mind touching up your paint often.

 

Yep, it's there for a reason.It is a rock guard, that thing prevents the paint from chipping.I didn't take mines off it still has it and when i paint it next time i still wont take it off.

 

Alright guys I think I'll just keep it, hell I never really even noticed it on my black car until I started to sand it. Thanks again for all the help.

 

You could just grind it off and get the 3M clearbra cut to cover it too.

 

dont sand it if your going to leave it on, just go over it with some scothbrite pads and soapy water

 

I'm fully convinced that if you don't have to touch up your paint often, you're DEFINITELY driving too slow. For the longest time I couldn't understand why I have a fresh paint job and a pretty messed up front bumper, and other ppl have original paint jobs w/ practically new front bumpers...until I figured it out: It's those 140mph+ runs that really give the bumper a beating. Tiny pebbles and debris at 60mph aren't too bad, but at 140+, they might as well be boulders lol

 

Best idea is to leave it. Mine is in the process of repainting and they only lightly sanded it. Just one less part of the car you need to worry about as much when it comes to chipping.

 

grinding wheel

 

so, how does the textured area keep the paint from chipping when its UNDER the paint? i mean. . . the paint will still chip if something hits it. . . being textured might HIDE the chip better. . . i dunno. i say take it off!!!

paul

 

because its not paint on metal... there is a little 'cushion' there so-to speak;

same reason that a rock hitting your bumper might not scratch / rip out paint, but if that same rock hits your hood, its taking paint / scratching with it