Painting window frame of a 196

[Wish]

So having a 1997 196 is a challenge to keep it looking new. Over time, the window frame on mostly the drivers side has faded some, and the paint has come off or something. I think this is do to decades of drivers holding the frame to get in and out of the drivers seat. So sweat and such has eaten it some. It only needs painting from center of windshield frame over to where it meets the gunnel. Passenger side looks fine. Any suggestions for matching paint, what kind of paint, prep and anything else you can think of is appreciated. Thanks.

[thager]

@Wish I masked the windshield and any areas paint overspray could effect then sanded my 02 frame with 400 wet/dry to bare metal the best I could. I then spray painted the frame with a bottle of Rustoleum satin black. I have done a few small touch ups on areas the boat cover rubbed off over the years.

[LeonL]

@Wish just paid the whole thing, that way you don't have to worry about match. Black is pretty much black, however the level of gloss can vary a lot.

[Andre]

@thager

Did you use primer before painting?

 

[swc5150]

You’d have to take the entire window off of course, but powder coating it would make it look great, and be really durable. It’s pretty cheap to have done too.

[Paul_k]

SEM trim black works well no primer needed.

[6balls]

@wish Mine looks great man...what gives? ?

 

My challenge is original upholstery starting to split drivers and observers along seam. Still nice n cushy tho. Cud use a nice cover too been just a dust cover which is ok it’s under a lift canopy or in storage all of its life...but if situation changes wud b nice to have a well fitting cover.

 

Since it’s an apparent appreciating asset tho we shud feel comfy putting $$ into it, right?

[thager]

@Andre No, Just the paint. I think next time around I am going to remove the paint and just polish the aluminum frame like later year 196s had.

[keithh2oskier]

I'm in the same boat. The black frame needs to be repainted. Since its worn where the original owners put the mirror and on the passenger side where the dock line rubs against it.

 

I much prefer the aluminum from later years. Would be interested in the process to do that.

 

@thager would you just use a paint stripper?

[thager]

@keithh2oskier If it's paint yes. If anodized, sand with medium grit followed by finer and finer grit wet/dry. Finish with rubbing compound and then a polish like Mothers Mag and Aluminum polish. Buff with a buffing wheel.

[ALPJr]

I used a black sharpie to touch up ours.

[Wish]

@Paul_k isnt that for plastics? If I’m going to paint the whole thing which sounds like I am, what about engine paint or a smooth truck bed-liner paint (did a mower deck with that once). Just not sure considering it’s aluminum.

[Paul_k]

No they have a product for black aluminum exterior trim on cars and trucks

 

 

[BraceMaker]

@Paul_k one can frame and ski

[Williams555544]

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[Mastercrafter]

And the spammer of the day award goes to...

[Jody_Seal]

 

I did this one about 15 years ago. Photo is from last year. I used rustolyem hammered finish.

Great product great results.

 

[The_MS]

Try to use appliance paint

[swbca]

The best spray paint I have found for almost all purposes is VHT Caliper Paint. You don't need the high heat tolerance but multiple coats applied within an hour flow out extremely well and it dries quickly. Most other fast drying spray paints are harder to get recoats within the hour to layout in a smooth wet film. Their Wheel paint if pretty much the same but with lower heat tolerance.

 

Not many auto stores carry the full VHT line, so I order the Caliper paint on Amazon.

 

This is also good and its more available - home depot- and its available in satin. Its not like other spray cans . . it comes out like a fire hose so mask well.

 

Another prep option for the entire frame is Scotchbright wet with 409 cleaner. The cleaner will help get the oils away the joints where rubber gaskets meet the glass. But if the old paint needs feathering to raw metal, use the 400 wet & dry sandpaper as others have mentioned to feather the paint smooth to the bare metal.