Rookie Paint Tech--sorta O/T

[WildWilly68]

Be Patient with this post I gotta post 4 photos and it'll take a minute. Some of you may have seen my progress over the weekend in the "what did you accomplish post." In the title is says "Rookie Paint Tech" this is a little of what I learned painting my first car. I want to say thanks for all the great info from the pro's and amature painters on here because I read every paint related post and learned alot.

The vehicle in the pics is my 53 Chevy which I've had a couple years now. It used to be light green originally with a dark green top. The paint was beyond saving when I got the car so I rattle-canned the whole thing black and put some flames on it. It looked ok for what it was, but I knew I wanted something shiney eventually. First lesson, what goes on, must come off. While the primer came off OK it caused a lot more work getting the surface ready to paint. The color used is a '99 Ford color called Electric Green Metallic. More to follow.

[WildWilly68]

First thing is to make sure you start with a clean surface. Don't skimp on cleaner/degreaser and make sure you use it before anything is sprayed and use tack cloths. After I got rid of the old primer I had to fix the bottom of both doors and patch a panel behind the right rear tire. Since I was learing how to do this I decided to french the headlights with Merc rings. While I was at it I peaked the hood using the metal rod technique learned right here. After all the bodywork was done I sprayed the whole car with primer then blocked it down with 320 then 400 grit. A couple more coats and then sealed it before paint. More to follow. Here is the hood...and no, it's not warped, my lights are off set on the ceiling http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[WildWilly68]

Here you can see the headlights a little better, they turned out better than expected. Something else learned it this...don't spray heavy metallic your first time it is a bitch to get even! You can also see part of my homemade spray booth. It has three sides and rolls up to the ceiling when not in use. I raised the door about 2ft and put box fans with furnace filters to clear the air...worked ok. And before you pro's ask, yes I used a disposable paint suit and respirator. One more to follow.

[WildWilly68]

Last pic is a close up. It turned out pretty good for my first paint job. Needs to be wet sanded and buffed yet of course. Materiels used were PPG Omni Paint/Clear and Primer/Sealer. I have about $300 in actual paint materials not including body work. I used the Harbor Freight HVLP gun and a 30gallon Sears vertical compressor. Hardly high-dollar stuff but it got the job done.

I hope this motivates other to try and do something because you never know what you can do if you try. I'm not saying to not have the pro's do your paint/body work, because I would have if I could have afforded it. I had no prior experience doing any of this before I started and did it by reading alot, asking questions and being patient with the process. If I can do it....so can you.

Bill http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Flexicoker]

That looks fantastic, I love the color, and the whole car just looks awesome. I can't say enough good things about what I see. I really would like to see it in person.

[yorgatron]

you are my new hero. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[SanDiegoJoe]

Looks really good man! take a bunch more pictures. It takes some balls to jump into a paintjob - turned out really cool.

[ABone312]

That looks really good, love the color. I am a painter/bodyman and know what a chore it is to paint a car like that all assembled. To do that for your first attempt, my hat's off to ya. Congradulations.

[guy with a wrench]

I'm no pro but it looks awesome to me, can really see the pride in your work. Love that color on that body style too.

[WildWilly68]

Thanks for the good words guys...I'm very humbled. The color choice was easy because the interior is green and in good shape. I'll post some more pics in a couple days as things go along.

Bill

[fishtank]

Hey man, that looks awesome. Especially for your first time. I really dig the green.

[AntiBling]

Looks good, I have been dabbling in painting quite a bit, and like you said, more people could do it for themselves if they take the time to do the prep right and learn how to mix the paint right and practice laying it down.

[slammed]

Off topic? NO WAY! You hit a GRAND SLAM. Great result's kept the budget down and the color choice is dynamite for this body shape. Custom body work and a humble guy. A positive role model for many. When this car is buffed and in the sun......smooth green glass wraped around a classic Chev.

[hotrod54chevy]

yeah,how can you paint a 53 chevy with green metal flake and call it off topic????great stuff!
Creepy

[JohnnyB327]

NO GRAPHICS?!...just kiddin it looks great

[Tinbender]

VERY NICE JOB! Man you should be proud. There's nothing better than saying "I did it"!

[overspray]

BRAVO!!! THUMBS UP!!!! overspray

[Mike]

Nice job.

[krupanut]

very nice!
Inspirational stuff.
Thanks

[CptStickfigure]

Wow! That turned out really nice!

[zman]

All the tech to the top...