Fellows I am in the very slow process of doing body work on my 78 F150 2wd long bed. I came across a good deal on the paint and clearcoat on ebay. How much paint and clear coat do I need. I'm learning on they bodywork with a little help from a friend. but I'm gonna get someone else to do the painting. Not sure how much I need? Also I saw where they sale hardener at a good price do I need this. Guys I really do appreciate all this info. By the way Im going to get a rhino bed in future so I won't be painting it.


Keith

 

This is kind of a guess, but if I were painting a solid color, I would want to have 6 quarts on hand. If you use a hardner, you can go back and sand out any flaws and polish the sanding marks out. My last experience was that it made the paint more prone to chipping. Is paint easy to find on ebay?

 

I used 3 quarts of paint last time. That didnt include the inside of the bed. When this is reduced you end up with about 5 quarts of sprayable material. That was enough to do inside the hood, and doors, etc. Certain colours like reds need more coats to cover.
Personally I wouldnt do a job without hardener, as it gives a much better gloss and makes the paint much more durable, especially in the first few weeks.
If you use hardener, then make certain that you have a good respirator and plenty of ventliation, as it's the hardeners that have the nasty things in them.

 

I used 2 gallons on mine. That's include all interior, exterior and inside the bed. I did have about a quart left-over though.

 

Mikew they have some very pretty paint on ebay. Theres a company that sales it and it's dirt cheap. I don't really know the Quality of paint but he has a pretty good record with ebay.
Thanks


Keith

 

Cheap paint scares me. I seen some paint being sold on ebay for $29 a gallon. That is cheap and tempthing, however, how long do you think that stuff is going to last?? I would go down to your local paint supplier and ask him about the different kinds of paint and the pros and cons of each type before you go and buy it. Don't forget about brand reputation as well. OF course, I think you might get a better and more honest answer at a body shop, cuz they wont tell you that the paint on the shelf is the best there is.... Is saving a few dollars really worth it to you, knowing that the paint might not last more than a few years?? If it was something I was trying to sell, I wouldnt care how cheap the paint it, cuz it is going bye bye. But something you are tying to restore???

How does that saying go, the bitterness of buying a bad product will far outlast the sweetness of a good price.

Another one. If people were to buy cars according to price alone, the Yugo would be the #1 selling car in America.

Anyways, just remember that if you arent buying the best, don't expect the world from it.

Tony

'77 F250, 4X4 460 transplantee, "Flamer"
'74 F250. 460, "beater" now "1 dead ford"
'73 F250, "midnight auto" now a trailer for the flamer