The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Reducing paint chips.

I'm in the process of re-assembling my 59 Napco and have run into an annoying small problem. While tightening bolts and screws I'm having small chips of paint pop off the different painted surfaces as the screw/bolts tighten, ie the screws that hold on the door panels. Is there a trick or trade secret to minimizing these chips or is this something that my painter did wrong? I figured on doing some touch up but I figured it would be from my own dumb mistakes.
Once again thaks in advance for your help.
Brian M
59 Chevy Napco

First off there is no such thing as a 59 Chevrolet Napco. The 4x4 was all factory installed, and no Napco badge installed. I think the parts were Napco but since it was a factory install it was not called a Napco conversion. As far as the paint what kind of paint is it? Acrylic enamel, urethane???? Is it a base clear deal??? What kind of base?? water borne???? Almost sounds like powder coat as it is brittle.

Truckrolet,
Brian knows waaay more than most people about NAPCO's. We refer to our trucks as NAPCO's, whether factory or dealer installed, so people understand it is a 4x4 with correct running gear. NAPCO provided the factory with the kit.

Brian,
I found that adding a plastic or metal washer helps a great deal. You could add a little grease between the washer and the bolt to aid in the bolt head sliding over the washer as it spins. I did this with the inner fender to fender bolts and it worked really well. I plan on doing it with the bed as well.

Michael

Michael,
Thanks for the response and the compliment. If I say I have a 59 4 x 4 then they assume its an old truck on a Blazer frame. Oh well, I know what I have.
Anyway I appreciate the info regarding the chips. It is a base/clear system. I thought maybe some type of grease or even soap may minimize the chips. Glad to hear it worked for you. Last time I saw your truck you were making good progress. How is it coming along? Sounds like you're further than me. I've got the cab done and will be assembling the front fenders soon. Thanks again.
Brian M
59 Chevy Napco

Exactly.

I don't think the soap or grease will work when it is bolt head on paint, just too much friction and twisting. I think a washer with grease/soap is the only way to keep it from chipping. If that doesn't work, there may have been a problem at the painting stage. And that is where my experience is lacking.

My truck is almost done! After 6 years! The rear fenders, steps, rear sill and hood are the last items to be painted. Hopefully, it will be on the road in a month. I just wound up the cable for the winch, sooo awesome. Here is the latest picture.
My baby.

I am reassembling my '52 after a base coat/clear coat paint job and I used some nylon washers anywhere paint might crack and it worked great. Doesn't look bad, either.

Thanks, I'll try that.
Brian M