Working within a modest budget. My old truck does not receive the top of the line parts, nor do I invest in the NOS parts that come across on Ebay. But we do OK and I believe I won't have a cut up or butchered truck with a camero front clip or the modern conveniences of todays home. I prefer it to look 50ish and have those impaling and metal features of the steering wheel and dash board.
This budget also dictates that I look into an economical way of painting the truck. In earlier posts I asked about the Maco ambassidor paint jobs and general painting tips. Got some good advise and cool stories. Thanks.
I have been working on the trucks paint by sanding and using rattlecan primer to contain the surface rust. The only bad rust is under the drivers door. I have no idea what to do there. The skin seems to have rusted away from the door frame. I am not a welder, and fiberglass was not recommended by some. So, what to do there. Future subject. But anyways I got the bed all primered up and even have the inside coated with POR-15. I like that but it turns purple if it is not primed.
Now, the last time I was in O'Reileys I noticed they have automotive primer and paint from Dupli color. The paint comes in 40 colors. I figure one shade must be close to the original transport blue. I also have a Binks hplv sprayer (I think that is what it is called - maybe it is hlpv or hvlp) and will experiment with it. I have read and copied all the posts on prep and painting, so that is cool.
So, the question is this paint is about $30 a gallon and that is economical. The primer is about $9 a quart. The primer is diluted with another Dupli color product which costs about $4 a quart. Much cheaper than the rattle cans. And seems to work about as good if not better.
An earlier post stated it takes about 1 gallon to paint an AD. Mine is a TF so I figure about the same is necessary for the TF. If I put on a couple of coats of this paint is a clear coat needed and what does that mean? Where is that from? An automotive paint supply? What does that cost? Or maybe if I understood whether I needed it or not they would have it but not on the shelf.
Finally, I would like my truck to look nice but plan to use it for transportation and go-fer trips. No trailer queen. I think I could tackle this but would like to get advise on the basics and whether this paint will save me money, or end up in the money pit. And I have enough money pits. Kids.
TIA
