Project Keeping Comp | EP:3 - Faded To Fresh

Now that the car has been stripped down and gotten some new replacement parts, it's just about time to take it off to paint. Just to recap, the car's interior has been removed, a new Cervini Cobra-style hood was added, the front fenders and GT front bumper were replaced, and everything was lined up to make things easier for the paint shop. With the car ready for some new paint, it was off to our good friends at Anderson Collision.

At Anderson Collision, we met up with the owner Paul and Jeff who were mutual friends of the company and well known for their spectacular work. Knowing Jeff for quite some time and knowing his passion for Mustangs, I was excited to know that the car was in great hands. We discussed the final details of the project and unloaded the car for them to get to work.

Since most of the front end had some type of damage on it, we opted for new replacement parts from our site to make things easier for the paint shop and cut down on overall costs on the project. The top of the car and the trunk had some pretty serious sun fading damage so that was one of the biggest areas of concern. We also opted for a Bullitt look and had the factory spoiler holes in the trunk filled. This gave the car a sleeker look and helped add to the OEM+ styling we were going for.

Jeff and his team got the rest of the car disassembled, got the bodywork completed, primed, and ready for paint. Paul explains that they use waterborne paint, which is the same paint used on most new vehicles. With this project, they were wanting to put the same type of paint that was on the car from the factory.

With the Competition Orange color being so unique to the 2004 year, coming on the GT, Mach 1, and Cobra, I had to go back with the same Competition Orange. The color is one of, if not the sole reason I purchased this car in the first place.

As the car was getting painted, I tried my best to wait and see the finished product once it was complete and put together, but curiosity got the best of me. Throughout the painting process, I stopped by to check out the progress a couple of times. When I purchased the car, it was already 10 years old and had plenty of Texas summers under its belt. The paint was great, but it definitely was not new. Seeing Competition Orange freshly sprayed was one of the most awe-inspiring parts of this whole restoration. This color seriously pops when it's new.

When we went to pick up the car, I was completely blown away seeing it semi-put together and with a new paint job. The color is so deep and getting it out into the sun really made it pop even more. You could easily tell that Jeff and his team took the time to make sure this car looked perfect.

Getting the car back to the shop, we all were able to look it over and take in the beauty of it. With all of the new body panel, fresh paint, and spoiler holes filled, this car was ready to be put back together. While I was skeptical about the hood and bumper combination, after seeing it with paint, I was sure it was going to look great.

I can't thank Paul, Jeff, and their team enough for the great work that they have done over the past few weeks on this car. My excitement for finishing up this project is at an all time high and I can't wait to see the car with all of the finishing touches on it.

With the car back from paint, it's time to start moving through the rest of this project. Until part 4, keep it right here with the real Mustang enthusiasts, LMR.com.