Tracern1,
This is exactly the type of information I was hoping to glean. Thank you for sharing your journey!
I'm afraid I can't view your pictures from work but look forward to seeing them when I get home!
I almost hate to say this but I would've liked to hear that your experience was with the siphon type method... ha.
You see, a few years ago I bought a very small but new Husky compressor for about $150 bucks. It's good for airing up tires and driving a pneumatic staple gun for home projects is all. I soon discovered it wouldn't work with a borrowed pressure-tank sand blaster! More research revealed that the type of compressor I would need to drive a smaller requirement paint gun is about 5 horse with around 8 SCFM. A little more research told me those things ran around $400! I'm on a stick and dirt budget... my truck project is the only reason for all the tools I've bought so far... and I've bought a lot.
The compressor I mentioned above that I found (on Craigslist) had the minimum requirements but the PO stated it took a long time to build pressure. I got it for $50 bucks and spent another $50 for the rebuild kit. It works and looks great now after painting it (using rattle cans).
This thing is 33 gallons and takes up a lot of space in my garage but I think I got it at a steal so I feel justified about spending the money.
The sprayer I bought should be on my doorstep when I get home from work today. Though I don't have my painting supplies yet, I'm thrilled at the steps taken toward the finish line.
Much appreciated is the input on the single stage paint. I had been looking at the two-stage... mainly because I'm not sure which vehicle will have the honor of residing in the garage! I want the paint to hold up if it's not the truck!
I bought a siphon media blaster from HF and tried it with the small compressor... it did fair. I plan on trying the "new-to-me" compressor this coming 3-day Memorial weekend.
Jerry
