Repaint or Vinyl? Neglected paint, heat cracks, burnt clear coat.

[ike84]

Check out jbauer's gloss orange wrap thread. He will convince you of vinyls beauty.

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[LincolnPeters]

I asked jbauer questions about some of the things you are describing, specifically about bad clear coat that’s flaking and cracking. He was super helpful and then directed me to this video that helped me see pretty clearly what we’re up against if you wrap over a compromised base. That cooled my jets a bit, and it’s still on the table as a DIY, but I have a better appreciation now for what kind of prep is involved with a successful wrap.

That paint quote is real high, IMO. You said you can afford to take some time if you go to paint, maybe to save money like in my case? I don’t know if this is a realistic take, but I’m considering doing some of the prep if I go to paint, like removing the bumpers and trim, some of the more funky, labor intensive stuff learned so far, maybe take some of the sanding in hand here at home. This may all be fantasy on my part, but I found prepping and dropping off the headlights for a clear was waaay cheaper than simply handing off the whole project. Good luck and subscribed!
Lincoln.
https://youtu.be/Ln1NP50VRpw

[Starter986]

I painted my 86 325es. Well... actually I had a neighbor kid paint it (had watched many cars go in and out of his garage). I removed every last bit of trim... and windows, hardware, bumpers... e v e r y t h i n g.

I did all the prep work. He shot the paint... I did all the middle part... he shot the clear. I did everything after that right up until that last minute of polishing with the orbital. Then reinstalled every last bit... well, you know.

Now... the car came out looking showroom (I did interior work, too). Two things stuck with me when I completed the project:

1. I understood why a great paint job was so costly (this was in 2006).

2. Never again would I undertake a paint job. Never ever ever.

Maybe consult with Bauer... see if you can block sand the entire car... get rid of the flakes, etc... and wrap over that. Best wishes.