88 MKIII.. about to go in for body paint (FINALLY!)

[Grandavi]

I am finally getting the car painted and body finished. Any suggestions for what I may want to make sure I do or NOT do.. lol??

I plan on using Shine Auto front bumper add-on (keeping bumper 88 style) and the rear bumper addons along with the same sideskirts that Rodel has (the Shine variant.. I think his were Absol (or something like that). My want is to use the Kaze widebody fenders and hopefully the widebody fenders (if that is happening..) but I may have to skip it if the fenders are not a go by then. I would like to have the car complete before the end of June so I can at least enjoy the summer.

I also plan on painting it darker grey than what it is now but with a "ghosting to the original grey at the bottom and a light metal flake. I want the color shift to be very subtle but noticeable.

Here.s the car as it sits now... (bear in mind.. these were before the rust came through the quarters and was repaired.. right now it is primer above the rear tires)

gonna be approx. 6k to do the body paint (not including body kit).

Thats with window removal and trim removal.. i want no masking marks ... (fussy)

 

[supramk3speed]

Out of all the jobs we've done we've never had masking marks on the windows, its called leaving the tape on entirely to long. Its a good idea to remove the trim for longevity reasons. 6k is a pretty good deal for a complete, if people say otherwise then they just love the look and quality of maaco paint and body.

 

[Grandavi]

yeah, I figured 6k was fairly reasonable considering it involves putting on the Kaze rear fender (if I go that route) and doing the paint the way I want it. The guy doing it seems knowledgable and good.. and I feel comfortable with throwing the coin out there. Tired of waiting on it.. just want the body done so I dont have to hide it and can start planning the suspension/tires/interior portion. (engine is saved for very last.. )

I am guessing I will have it where I want after owning it for 7 years.. unless Rodel's comes up for sale.. then I will take out a mortgage and buy that one.. lol.

I do have a chance to put a Stout replica CF hood on the car as well (found one for sale.. just not sure if I want to go that route). I may just hold off until I am done the car and then start doing other mods to the body. Its a long road with a lot of choice.. which makes it kind of difficult. I'm just hoping the plan in my head looks good when it unfolds. I dont mind my tires right now, but if I go with the widebody.. they obviously wont cut it.. lol.

Thinking of keeping the 88 bumper with the Supra MKIII Spec-H Front Lip (providing it works.. should from looking at it), the Supra MKIII Spec-A Sideskirts, and the Supra MKIII Spec-A Rear Add-ons. (all from Shine Auto). All the side trim will be painted black. Later I plan to go with smoked glass for the side marker lights and the turn lights. And.. I would like to vent the passenger side headlight... (another.. "maybe" thing to do)

Having trouble deciding the look I want on the front. Trying to keep in mind that eventually I will have to upgrade the IC if I go with a bigger turbo...

 

[Grandavi]

Im having a lot of trouble picking out the body parts... lol. Looking at Bomex and Shine front bumpers/lips and it seems if I want to customize the front look (other than simply adding a lip to the 88 bumper) I have to switch up to the 89+ style and get a full bumper. Pretty sure its not that simple though because the grill isnt right, so I would probably have to swap in 89+ signal lights and grill and possible the upper valance (is that its correct term?).
Anyone have a suggestion for a good 88 bumper customization?

The next problem is the rear bumper. I looked at a lot of different variants from full bumper replacements to addons.. and because this is the first time I have ever done a bodykit, I have to guess from pictures what will work or not. The addons should be fine and I dont like the really bulky look of some of the rear bumper replacements.. Hoping to keep the car "sleek" looking, not bulky in the rear and I want to keep the original rear wing (even though I do have a 90 wing in the garage) I like the 90 wing style on red/black and white Supras, but I like the 88 style on the blue/grey versions. Personal preference mind you...

then.. I need the sideskirts.. I like Rodel's (NTORIOUS) skirts, but its really hard to see what they look like (either on the shine web page or on the photos).

I plan on painting the trim the same color as the car instead of black (just thinking about that now) as I think it will just make the car's body lines stand out better. (less distraction)

I am totally open to any body style suggestions or even hood suggestions, but again.. if I went with carbon fibre the only way I would do it is if it was vented and I could find the hood-pins (more like clips) that Rodel has on his car. I dont want the pillar pins with the rings sticking out of the hood.. I prefer a more "shaved" look than the old style pin look (I remember them back in the day.. lol, we used to throw them on our cars to make them look like there was actually something impressive under the hood. I put them on because I had my corolla hood fly off at 92 mph once.. and that did a bit of damage.. hehe)

 

[Grandavi]

If anyone knows:
A. where I can buy Khouki tail lights and how difficult it would be to add them in (from my reading so far, I would simply have to move the screw holes and make sure the new holes dont rust...

B. what I need to do a 89+ bumper swap over (I think I need more than simply buying the bumper) and...

C. Is there a LOT of work to swapping over to the 89+ wing style?

Could you post here or PM me please? I have been reading the forums and checking out everyones rides and I may change the look to 89+. It also may make it easier for me in the end, because there are far more options... (which isn't always a good thing.. but it opens up a lot of doors...)

 

[boostcraver]

If anyone knows:
A. where I can buy Khouki tail lights and how difficult it would be to add them in (from my reading so far, I would simply have to move the screw holes and make sure the new holes dont rust...

B. what I need to do a 89+ bumper swap over (I think I need more than simply buying the bumper) and...

C. Is there a LOT of work to swapping over to the 89+ wing style?

Could you post here or PM me please? I have been reading the forums and checking out everyones rides and I may change the look to 89+. It also may make it easier for me in the end, because there are far more options... (which isn't always a good thing.. but it opens up a lot of doors...)

The spoilers is minimal work with basic power tools and a little paint, and if you have a template for locating the holes. The ideal time for doing it would be while having it painted. I have a minorly chipped 3 piece for sale and would provide the template as well. If you are interested shoot me a pm and I'll take a few pics for ya..

 

[Grandavi]

I already have a 90 wing hanging on the garage wall. If it goes on, it will be during the paint job. (prior). As for the template, that I could use if its to mark out where the holes actually go. I do need to find the 89+ tail lights though because I would like to go with the Khoukis and I have the regular North American style on my 90. If I cant find a good khouki set, I will stay with the 88 tails.. they can be changed at any time later on.. but having the bottom part of the centre section match the paint would be nice ;P

I also have that protector for where the antennae comes through the wing if I remember right. Is there a seal between the wing and the body for the 90? I cant see one on mine..

 

[boostcraver]

I already have a 90 wing hanging on the garage wall. If it goes on, it will be during the paint job. (prior). As for the template, that I could use if its to mark out where the holes actually go. I do need to find the 89+ tail lights though because I would like to go with the Khoukis and I have the regular North American style on my 90. If I cant find a good khouki set, I will stay with the 88 tails.. they can be changed at any time later on.. but having the bottom part of the centre section match the paint would be nice ;P

I also have that protector for where the antennae comes through the wing if I remember right. Is there a seal between the wing and the body for the 90? I cant see one on mine..

Yeah, there's a factory foam-type seal the has likely worn out and fallen out or the spoiler has been stripped of it when it came off the other car. Might be available from Toyota but I'm not sure. Haven't got to that point yet with my build, but if you have to improvise, get it good and sealed SOMEHOW. The rears of these cars are leak friendly as it is. I could make the templates out of paper and mark the holes, then drop em in the mail for ya. Just need your addy. Shoot me a pm and we'll work it out. Also, have a good 89+ center section if your interested. has a minor cosmetic flaw that would be easily correctable with a little heat and patience. Let me know if your interested in that as well.

 

[Grandavi]

I will let you know on Wed. That is the date I have to have it all planned out as to which direction I go. I took the car out on the freeway today and had two VW's pull up with young guys in it to give me thumbs up. lol.

The old fart in the Supra.. hehe.

 

[boostcraver]

That's always nice when that happens, even better if it's a pair of females Keep me posted...

 

[Grandavi]

Down to 2 Supras now... the 1990 Red MKIII just sold to a 19 year old that has plans. Sounds like he will do alright by the car (has to have the headgasket done.. but very strong body). I was smart by buying the 5 I have bought. Have not lost any money on a Supra yet.

So.. now I have cash in hand.. time to get everything moving and finish off my baby. Decided I will be keeping it with the 88 tail and 88 nose. No idea what the wide body kaze and fenders will look like with that wing setup, but it will be unique I imagine

 

[1StTurbo]

Best of luck mine just got we sanded last night and waiting to be taped an shot. So have to ask how old? 46 here seems like when local guys meet i discover i could be their father!!!

 

[Grandavi]

lol.. I was manufactured in 1963.. good year..
No detectable rust and all original parts (couple of upgrades on teeth mind you...)

 

[Grandavi]

lol.. I was manufactured in 1963.. good year..
No detectable rust and all original parts (couple of upgrades on teeth mind you...)

 

[honeydew]

6K for paint only? That's pretty reasonable. are you tearing it down yourself? Make sure they put on lots of clearcoat and make yourself present everyday it's in the paint booth. Absentee owners get fisheyes and corners buffed through. It's well worth taking all the time yourself to tear off every window and piece of trim.

 

[1StTurbo]

Mine should be seeing color in a hour or 2 god its been like waiting for a kid to be born. OHH an nice to know i am not the oldest one here lol

 

[Grandavi]

Yeah, I am tearing down the insides.. the body guy will be taking off the trim. Inspections are a must
Windows and trim removed (except windshield.. Not sure about that one.. )

The clear is the trick really.. if its laid down properly.. the car will sing.. if not.. it will be a headache for the next 5 years. I wont accept that. The worst thing a person can do is put on bad clear.. (how many 90's have you seen with peeling clearcoat from poor jobs.. I have seen a total of 7 so far... lol)

The bodyman is a 15 year red seal bodyman.. (if that means anything) and we had a good discussion about my expectations and how I am not afraid of price.. I am afraid of a shit job. I'll be his best friend if its done properly.. or..

 

[1StTurbo]

Nice, I missed the painting last night but got a text this am with a picture. From what i see the color was more then i expected. It is all cleared and should be buffed today, then to put it all back on. We left my side trim on as it is flawless and i did not want to risk it. I lucked out as i traded a 87 turbo 5 speed for the paint job an body work. So am happy about that for price. My goal is to someday get another that is not my daily an do a complete rebuild but god know when that will be.

 

[Grandavi]

nice.. make sure it cures properly

 

[Grandavi]

Shine auto kit arrived... Half of my trim arrived (89+), windshield cowl fiberglass arrived, vented headlight covers arrived, the shine 89+ bumper is on the car, but I didn't have a camera... About 2 weeks to go for paint. Just waiting on the trim (89+ fiberglass), sunshade, and smoked lense covers for the front.

Paint will be a Toyota med gray (a bit darker than original color with a heavy metal flake) with a red flip.

Getting anxious...

Oh yeah went with the shine whaletail instead of the 90 spoiler.