[Dodgeboy49]

There are a lot of books and information out there that describe how to make a car look like new, but what about those that just want a rig to look, shall we say, less ugly? One of my projects is to put together a 1949 Dodge 1-ton to be an all-around work truck. I have all the parts to put it together, but when I am done, it will have a severely oxidized blue cab, orange hood, and fenders with peeling turquoise house paint. If I leave it this way, I'll be lucky if the police do not burn it rather than be seen impounding it.

I've never painted a vehicle before, and basically want a relatively inexpensive, relatively durable, non-show quality paint job. If it comes out 20/20 (20 feet away by 20 miles per hour), I'd be tickled. I've got a cheap spray gun, and a good air compressor. What would be the advice for cheapskates like me?

 

[Dodgeboy49]

Is acrylic enamel with hardener what is called "single-stage"? What are the advantages/disadvantages of single-stage over base/clear coat?

 

[Dodgeboy49]

The paint separation did have its advantages though. I have met people who actually believed that the paint peeled off as a result of excessive speed. I had one person temporarily convinced that my 1983 Plymouth had hit 175 mph, because "everyone knows that paint doesn't begin to detach until at least 150 mph!" Pretty impressive for a worn out 4-banger, eh? :lol: