Ahhhhhhh the choice of colour. That decision kept me awake for many nights.... Blue and white are both good chpices in my opinion. I like the blue but white is a little more forgiving on the bodywork finish. The darker you go the more imperfections will show but the blue will be good. Also depends on the finish you want ie metalic or solid as for metalic you'll need base coat and clear, whereas white you can do solid gloss 2k and polish up. If it we're me id do the light blue. I think the soft top version looks great in light metalic colours and that blue is fantastic. It will catch the sunlight lovely.
As for baking definately but it depends on how much body work you'll do. I didn't bake mine before the bodywork as didnt have access to one, but once the majority was done i placed it outside each day during the summer heatwave so over about 3 -4 weeks it got a good cooking at 28+ degrees on some days and got no cracks or blisters. I believe its best to bake beforehand so you dont lock in moisture but mine seems to ve fine. Its also coped with cold temps over the winter so i think ive covered both bases.
Make sure you seal the underside of fibreglass where its exposed, ie under rear and front areas to stop water getting in any areas there and to help prevent star cracks in paint from stones hitting the underneath. I used Wunderseal ....awful stuff to apply but works a treat once on.
Good luck with the paint choice and build, im going to starr painting mine this month. For colour choice i just went for it and that made the choice go away... What can go wrong..........look forward to seeing yours progress
