Painting Fenders & running boards

How should I go about painting the fenders and running boards on a Model A. At first I thought I would paint them off the chassis then install them. The only problem is that the fenders as with everything are difficult to install and line up correctly. I am scared that If I paint them off the chassis I will damage the paint reinstalling them. I've also thought about painting them, install them, then sand out any damage and respray them on the chassis. Looking at the same issue with the body. Installing the body after painting I will scratch up the splash aprons. Anyone been through this? Any suggestion? Thanks!

I've painted a number of cars from the thirties. I personally don't think you can get a good finish on the engine side of the front fenders, painting them on the car. I wouldn't even attempt it. I would say get them into primer, test fit them on the car, take them off and paint them. Then you can reinstall them. Have someone with "good hands" help you put them back on.

I am with HRP , paint them individually , that way everything gets paint on them , including the edges.
I would find a couple of extra friends to come over and help hold each panel while you bolt things together , use a couple of layers of masking tape or protective tape to tape off areas where the panels may touch to help keep scratching to a miniumum.
It may require a bribe of some free beer to get them to help , but only after the job is done! That way you all can stand back and admire a job well done :3dSMILE:

SprayTech

When I was at Ford we used to get chips in the paint when installing the chrome for the windshields and backglass. they used to have thin clear pads we could slip under the molding. It was make from clear gelatin and about the size and thickness of a business card. they were dry but flexible. they would help moulding would slip into place and protect the paint. then when the car went thru the leak test (super long car wash with black lite dye) they would wash out. I have never seen any on the outside of the assembly plants. My A roadster is a long way from paint.