Hey guys. Some background, I bought my 78 F150 4x4 in 1984 as my first vehicle. 20 years later she's still with me. We've been through a lot together, good and bad. I am moving to a new house, and had to make a decision, fix her up, or let her go. Well, I couldn't just get rid of my truck. That would be like cutting off an arm, or just letting one of the kids go...

Now, to my question. It's got factory two tone blue/silver with the full chrome package. I have ordered some new parts like a fender, door, tailgate, body corner pieces, etc. I am thinking of going to a single color, and losing all of the trim, since some of the new parts won't have the attachment for the chroms, plus, all my chrome has lost it's luster over the years. A penny for your thoughts on losing the chrome, and any good color suggestions? I am thinking a nice deep dark blue like it came with. I was also toying with something custom like stripes painted in, or dare I say it, flames. Then a nice yellow came to mind. I'm torn between just getting it Earl Scheib'ed or selling a kidney and throwing some awesome paint job on it. I realize this is like asking if you like blondes or brunette's but I figure you guys are more in touch with this than say my wife.. Funny story, we went to Lowe's tonight, and a nice 79 2wd was pulling out of the parking lot. I was bragging about how mine would look like that when it was done. As the truck passed by, it was having engine problems like a pulley rubbing, making a hideous noise. She gave me that look, you know the one. Your in love with this truck WHY?? I just shook my head and said "He's not helping my case" as the truck squeaked off into the distance.

One last things, if anyone is in the Los Angeles area, can you recommend a paint and body shop that can do quality work without having to refinance the new house?
Isaac

 

i think losing the chrome is a good idea. it is expensive to replace and a pain. i would go with the deep blue. changing to a yellow may clash with your interior.

 

Sell the kidney.....if you've had the truck that long and are going to keep it, do it right and the way you want it. I'm also very partial to the tutone paint. It looks great. Having gone to a lot of shows, the Old Bigfoot look a likes as far as paint goes are a dime a dozen. Ask the wife for her opinion and get her involved. You never know? If she's part of it, you could make this project a lot easier.

 

I am very partial to the factory look, I think the blue/silver was the best color option that FORD had put together for the 2 tone. I would also keep the chrome, nothing better than going to a show and having that sun reflecting off of chrome blind you. As you said I like blondes and you may like a brunette, it is going to be you that make's the ultimate decision.

 

Anaheim Hills auto body or the Paint'n Place in Orange or Placentia not sure but they both have web pages and are listed in the yellow pages. They are both top Quality Pro shops that can help you decide what to do about color and chrome and what not. I am partial to Ginger Glamour Glow Brown Its a 1976 color. Good luck

 

Thanks all. I have a freight shipment coming from Jeff's Bronco Graveyard next week with the major body parts that I need to put on before hauling it over to the paint shop. I have been thinking about it, and will possibly be going with a midnight blue. I appreciate all the input.
Isaac