54 assembly
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Senior User
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54 assembly
Well when I orginally started the resto I had plans on painting each piece(hood,cab,fenders,etc) seperately and then assembly. But over the last month of continuing the body work I have thought that maybe it would be better to assemble the truck and then paint it. I guess the main reason for that would be that I could shoot it in one shot instead of paint peices. Then also I could move forward on the other things once the cab was put back on the frame. I'm about half way done with the body work. Any ones thoughts or opinions?
Thanks,
Matt
Thanks,
Matt
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Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Riverside, So Cal
I also had the idea to paint it in pieces and still plan to do that. However, when I inquired at local body shops, nobody wanted to do it that way because of the added hassle and the room it takes to lay out all the pieces in the paint booth. They suggested that I assemble it and use washers to space the fenders away from the body and bed a bit so that the paint would spray into the cracks and cover the inside corners. It seems that is a trouble spot that won't get good coverage otherwise.
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Thats sounds like a good idea. Didnt think about that. I plan on painting the truck myslef with a little help from a painter friend of mine. I am restricted on the amount of room I have for storage of the completed peices.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Michigan
Had my 55 done in pieces. Get a better piant job this way and can paint the inner fenders (frt) and other stuff not body color. Just must be careful assembling not to scratch or chip. did most myself and it came out perfect.
Fred
Fred
old and in the way
Joined: Jul 1997
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From: Lovely Hueytown Alabama
Originally Posted by Randy Jack
I also had the idea to paint it in pieces and still plan to do that. However, when I inquired at local body shops, nobody wanted to do it that way because of the added hassle and the room it takes to lay out all the pieces in the paint booth. They suggested that I assemble it and use washers to space the fenders away from the body and bed a bit so that the paint would spray into the cracks and cover the inside corners. It seems that is a trouble spot that won't get good coverage otherwise.
so RJ ???
if you assemble BEFORE paint... what do you do about the frame ??? all that nice work covered with overspray !!!
Personally I'm going (someday) to paint in pieces and assemble after... even if it takes two trips to the paint booth I think it will be worth it... I've seen articles in the past about fabbing up "racks" that hold each peice individually./..one for each fender, door, etc. I've built one that is like a big "A" about 5' high and 8' long with a upper and a middle bar for hanging where I can hang "stuff" from hooks on the rack as we paint.
Major body parts for me only total about 12-14... the front flip takes up lots of pieces...
later
John
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Elder User
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From: Michigan
I made at least a dozen trips to the paint shop with various pieces. The bare body being the biggest. It is more work , but, worth it IMO.!
Fred
Fred
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Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Friendswood, Texas
I'm glad this was brought up. I've been pondering how I want to do this. I've also gotten the bring it in assembled comments for the paint shops.
One other reason I had for doing it in pieces is that it looks like a good way to budget a nice paint job.
One other reason I had for doing it in pieces is that it looks like a good way to budget a nice paint job.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Moro Bay, AR
I too plan to disassemble the truck for paint. The only downside I have seen for this is, solid colors are no problem, but keeping metalics matching can be very difficult. I have seen many nice trucks at the shows that the different panels have a different color or mix to the paint. I plan to lay out my panels so that they are to be sprayed as they would be mounted on the truck.
Jeff
Jeff
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Joined: Sep 2006
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From: commerce city co
seprate you get all parts painted wher would miss *** but mechmagen the paints dont always match afterward even solid colors can mis match from being painted slightly one old painter i had some work done said he would do it but buy enough paint to keep the same blend as each peice was done and would be less chance of being a visable difference
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Northwestern PA
With all the variables involved with paint ie: temp, humidity, mix, gravity, I plan on painting unassembled, as many parts at the same time as possible set in the position that they will mount on the truck. Then I hope I can get it all put together without any chips or damage.
Mike
Mike
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Valley Center, CA
I had mine painted dissasembled, but you must be very careful on reassembly. Fresh paint scratches very easily. 
If you are going 3-stage paint like a candy, I would suggest painting it assembled to avoid ending up with pieces that are slightly different hues. Good luck, Jag
If you are going 3-stage paint like a candy, I would suggest painting it assembled to avoid ending up with pieces that are slightly different hues. Good luck, Jag
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Brentwood, TN
Painting the vehicle when assembled will give you the best color and texture match. If you are concerned about the inner surfaces, paint all mating surfaces with the final color prior to assembly. This includes door jambs, firewall, inside areas of doors and fenders, etc. This is an old body shop technique that I have used for many years which has served me well.