I've seen it done many ways and I've done it different ways, but before I begin an overall paint job, I always ask myself 'What's the best way to do this?".

Front clip on or off?
Doors on or off?
Trunk lid?
Tail light housings on or off?
Header panel - On or off? (68-69)

The fenders have to come off to paint the jambs correctly, but is it wiser to paint the jambs 1st, then install the fenders, header panel and tail light housings to line everything up before painting the exterior?

Painting the pieces off of the car is always easier to paint, but a challenge when putting it back together by yourself. I remember painting a 69 years ago in pieces. When I bolted the header panel to the fenders, I cracked the paint at the joint. That really sucked. Ever since then, I don't quite trust myself as much doing it that way.

What do you all think?

My '69 SS was painted in pieces and I brought it all home and put it together. Didn't have any problems but I used lots of tape (double thickness) on edges and was very careful. The '69 Malibu I'm doing body work on now I plan to paint in pieces but I'm using a solid (non-metallic) paint color (Garnet Red). I've heard metallics should be painted with all panels in place in order to look right.

We paint it apart except for the doors they are on the body.

Malibu I'm doing body work on now I plan to paint in pieces but I'm using a solid (non-metallic) paint color (Garnet Red).

Need pics, Von!
Who did you get the garnet from and how close is it to the original color?