Color Change
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 654
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From: The Lone Star State
Color Change
Hi folks, I'm about to pull the trigger on buying a '78 F-250 4x4 and I'm pretty sure I will be changing the color. Current color is said to be factory and looks to be and antique ivory or light tan. The interior is the same. What are your thoughts on a complete color change? Is this a bad idea? My plans are to restore it and give it a few mods but likely keep it for a very long time. I wished it had factory a/c but I think there's some aftermarket units that can be put it. I checked into what a body shop wants and I'm not prepared to part with that much cash so I'll be painting myself and getting some shop equipment in the process. I have another antique I can paint as well.
Let me know your thoughts on changing the colors and if that's a bad idea or not. I'm pretty sure the inside of the cab will need to be painted also.
Let me know your thoughts on changing the colors and if that's a bad idea or not. I'm pretty sure the inside of the cab will need to be painted also.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,553
Likes: 10
I'd say, paint it whatever color you want. I don't think there is any great value for "original color" so what you want is good. A complete color change may require more painting as you already know. Most of the cost of painting is labor with sanding the biggie. If you can do it yourself and enjoy it, the labor is "low cost".
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 14,333
Likes: 247
From: Stanley, VA
X2, paint it whatever color YOU like. Agreed, unless you've scored a super low mileage "barn find" or an Indy Pace Truck, there's not a lot gained by keeping it original.
My project was factory orange, a lot of people here love orange trucks, I'm not one of them. When it gets painted it's going to be two tone, white and Kona blue.
My project was factory orange, a lot of people here love orange trucks, I'm not one of them. When it gets painted it's going to be two tone, white and Kona blue.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 83
From: NorCal
Hi folks, I'm about to pull the trigger on buying a '78 F-250 4x4 and I'm pretty sure I will be changing the color. Current color is said to be factory and looks to be and antique ivory or light tan. The interior is the same. What are your thoughts on a complete color change? Is this a bad idea? My plans are to restore it and give it a few mods but likely keep it for a very long time. I wished it had factory a/c but I think there's some aftermarket units that can be put it. I checked into what a body shop wants and I'm not prepared to part with that much cash so I'll be painting myself and getting some shop equipment in the process. I have another antique I can paint as well.
Let me know your thoughts on changing the colors and if that's a bad idea or not. I'm pretty sure the inside of the cab will need to be painted also.
Let me know your thoughts on changing the colors and if that's a bad idea or not. I'm pretty sure the inside of the cab will need to be painted also.
Off-white/ivory? That's typically Wimbledon White.
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 654
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From: The Lone Star State
Thanks for the input. Looks like the color change will happen but it might be a while since I need to buy all of necessary tools and spend a fair amount of time prepping. I am hoping I can get outfitted with a large compressor, guns, dryer, etc for under 3K plus the cost of the supplies. I'm sure a complete color change at a body shop around here would run 6K or more.
The seller says he thinks its the original paint. We'll see if its really 34 years old. From the phone pics I got, it really does not look too bad. I should receive the truck in other week or so, I found it up in Oregon.
I think this forum is incredible and I'm very excited to get this classic.
The seller says he thinks its the original paint. We'll see if its really 34 years old. From the phone pics I got, it really does not look too bad. I should receive the truck in other week or so, I found it up in Oregon.
I think this forum is incredible and I'm very excited to get this classic.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 83
From: NorCal
Shop carefully and I think you can do it for $3K.. the most critical component is an adequate air compressor.. 60 gallons minimum. Air tools like a DA, ratchets, die grinders, and HVLP guns are total hogs.
Btw, Harbor Freight offers some decent hand tools and accessories for the hobbyist. For air tools, I suggest going with a brand name like Ingersoll-Rand.
I recommend buying a welder like a Miller 211 (w/ AS)... it's not like Ford used more than a tube of toothpaste worth of sealer on these rigs. Plus, a welder opens up a world of opportunities... You'll never look at metal the same way again, ever!
Btw, Harbor Freight offers some decent hand tools and accessories for the hobbyist. For air tools, I suggest going with a brand name like Ingersoll-Rand.
I recommend buying a welder like a Miller 211 (w/ AS)... it's not like Ford used more than a tube of toothpaste worth of sealer on these rigs. Plus, a welder opens up a world of opportunities... You'll never look at metal the same way again, ever!
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