Removing Mirage Panels?

[monzaman69]

Does anyone have a write-up on how to safely remove Mirage panels without damaging them?

New paint is coming in the spring, and I've got a lot of work to do before then

Also, what kind of primer should be used under a Urethane BC/CC, and does anyone have a copy of the Body Shop Manual that has the section on prepping the Polyurethane parts?

Thanks for the help!

[Fastmax32168]

Mirage panels are easy. There are a combination of screws and rivets around the bottom. Drill out the rivits with a 1/8 bit and remove the screws. The panel will then slide down out of the track at the top and you are done.
Roy

[monzaman69]

Looking at the mirage installation manual (I can upload a copy if anyone wants it) It lists that 3M Body Sealant #08501 is required for the flares. Where is this used? This is what I was worried about, is if the parts are glued to the body anywhere, and if so, where?

Also, is bondo safe for filling cracks/chips/scratches on the RIM parts? or should I use some other type of filler/smoother?

[Fastmax32168]

There was no sealer/glue on mine when I removed them, and there was no residue from sealer/glue on either of the other two sets I had. So I guess I cant answer that question, but I doubt you will find anytjhing on yours either.
Bondo is fine for filling chips and scratches, but cracks are going to require something more substantial. Go to a bodyshop supply store and buy a product designed for repairing plastics. I used SEM proplem plastic repair. Be sure to drill a hole at the end of the crack before repair in order to stop it from continuing. Then grind a V on both sides of it, rough the area up with 40 grit, and spread the product over it and out an inch or two around it.
Roy

[gerbsinmd]

Adam, the only place that I know of that the sealant is used is around the back of the panels between the hatch spoiler. If you open the hatch and look at the side flares there is a steel piece that hold up and blocks out the opening above the fender. There is some kind of seam sealer there. I assume that is where it is used.

[gerbsinmd]

as for repairing the panels I have been using Dynatron 660 from a vendor on ebay. Strong, flexible, sandable, can be used to fill in or rebuild broken parts.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/DYNATRON ... 1484wt_937

[monzaman69]

Thanks for the answers guys... I think the only place that needs any "repair" is the front of the Airdam, and the side pieces, they've got a few small scratches/gouges that need to be filled.

I still have no idea on what kind of primer to use underneath the Urethane Base/clear kit that I'm getting.

The Paint:
http://www.paintforcars.com/kits_5star_arcwhte.html

I know it's not factory-matched color, but I like the price, and the fact that everything you need paint wise comes in one box. I'm taking most of the body to bare metal if that makes a difference. (not doing the undercarriage, or inside the door jams / hatch jams, the paint there is pristine, and a slight color variance wouldn't really be noticeable)

On a side note, is there a special tool I can get to remove the windshield and rear window trim pieces without breaking the clips? Also, if I DO break the clips, where can I get new ones?

[Fastmax32168]

Adam, Use a two part epoxy primer. It never lets go, you can fill 80 grit sand scratches with it, and it sands easily. It aint cheap, but its worth it.
Also you may want to re-thing that generic white idea if you are not doing the Jambs and such. You would be surprised how different white can be from white. You could end up with a much bigger clash than you think. It doesnt look like you are really saving much with that kit, and if you need to match it in the future, or run a little short on the day you are spraying, you cant just run down to the local store and get more.
Roy

[monzajer]

Adam, the tool you need to remove the trim pieces can be purchased at your local auto parts store. The following is one version:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/CAMARO-C ... 5880980c6c

also here is a thread where one of our members made his own tool:

viewtopic.php?f=11&t=24061&start=0&hilit=trim+removal+tool

I have one that looks different: one handle with two hooked ends, but basically the same. They are a little finicky, but with practice they become pretty easy to use.

The plastic trim retainers can possibly be ordered from same auto parts store or you can go to an auto paint store and they will most likely have them. I know the ones by me still have the clips for our cars on hand.

good luck and have fun

cheers jer