Thread: Need painting advice

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Need some advice. I have a 36 Ford (350 powered) that I need to repair a small dent in a rear fender and an area of old cracked fiberglass on a front fender. The car was originally restored and painted in the mid 80’s in Canada. I plan on using Rage body filler, but not sure on the painting. I last painted a car (40 Olds coupe) in 1975 using lacquer and it came out OK. I still have all my old painting equipment. My questions:
Should I throw out my old Sharpe Model 75 spray gun and buy new?
What paint and spray gun should I use?
Should I just do the bodywork, prime it and leave the painting to a professional?

I may add I am looking for nice results, but not necessarily perfect show quality. I would be willing to sand my mistakes (as I did with lacquer) and try again. I plan on redoing another fender next year, but at this point in my life do not plan on doing a lot of painting in the future. The Ford is in a original color, Washington Blue, and appears to be a clear coat finish.

Thanks in advance for your help, Don

Well Don,
First Welcome to CHR.
It would be cheaper to have the fender shot by someone that has already got the equipment, and can identify the exisiting paint & system used before. Although if you have shot laquer in the past , the new 2 stage paints apply a lot the same...just ask for a tech sheet when you buy your paint for mixing & follow it to the finite. Do not try to add or subtract from it as was done in the past. Clears have pretty much stayed the same.
The only thing extra to watch for is drying times, flash times, and paint volumes. The newer paints go a LOT farther so you won't need near as much.
Good Luck & keep us posted........

I still have my old binks no 7 guns and i wouldnt part with them for nothin. i say dont be afraid to try some new paint in your old gun keep the pressure down low and wear a respirator and surprise your self. Ives Bradley rdhotfrd

Thanks for your comments, I am going to take a gamble and try it myself. I relize I can not get the results of a professional, but I also have the time to shoot and sand several times to get it right. I plan on using Chromabase and heating my garage to 65 degrees, turning off the heaters, and spraying. Let the air clear, heat again, and do it again. Will I need a positive presure respirator or will I be able to buy a neg. pressure for this small project? Thanks again.