The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Paint sooner or later?

I've begun restoration of a '41 Chevy 3/4 ton flatbed, and I'm starting to remove the front sheet metal. I won't be facing this for awhile, but I have a question about the best approach to painting. The truck will eventually be green with black front fenders and running boards. Should I prime and paint the individual pieces before assembling them back onto the body, or should I just prime the pieces, and then paint after the pieces have been reassembled? I'm concerned about scratching painted pieces during reassembly. On the other hand, doing a two-tone green/black paint job has it's own difficulties. How would the experienced restorer go about painting this truck?

The approach I am using is to paint my truck in pieces. The truck is completely
apart off the frame. I am painting my cab inside and then out the bed the same way the jams will be painted on the cab and the doors. The doors will be hung and squared up first how ever. The hood will be painted inside then out and front fenders will painted inside and out as all the other front sheet metal is powder coated. When putting all your sheet metal back be sure you have pleanty of help to minmize any scratches. I have already have done a car this way and by golly you need patience. If you are just going to do a repaint and clean up I would just paint the edges of the sheet metal and reassemble and aline the doors hood etc. then paint. There are guys on here that will have better ways to do the job but this is just my way.
62Blue
Don

Definitely paint it in pieces. Reassembly is not too difficult. You need a second pair of hands for a few areas, mask off edges to prevent accidents, and take your time. If you are doing body work / prep. work as you go, pieces should be primed as you go, then finish painted all at same time for colour match.