This May Be The Last Project

Lona

Lona

Well-known member
At 86, this may be my last major car project. Some time ago, I had my wife's '31 Roadster parked under a lift with an old Chrysler in the rack above. The Chrysler master cylinder leaked and dripped brake fluid through the cracks in the lift pans and left a spot on the hood and cowl of the Roadster where the paint was removed down to bare metal. I had originally planned to only refinish the hood and cowl but got carried away, deciding to paint the whole car which was in need of a fresh finish anyway.

I have a good start on the prep work but know it will take several months to get it ready to shoot paint. I'm using base & clear coat and plan to do the parts in a small portable booth and the body outside. While I have never painted a car before, I owned an architectural woodworking business years ago and have a good deal of experience spraying high end cabinetry.

Not looking for a show finish, just something nice.

Glen
 

Attachments

  • IMG_1667.jpg
    IMG_1667.jpg
    69.2 KB · Views: 1,711
  • IMG_1668.jpg
    IMG_1668.jpg
    72.3 KB · Views: 1,659
  • IMG_1669.jpg
    IMG_1669.jpg
    68.7 KB · Views: 1,666
With your experience spraying high end cabinetry you should have no problems spaying the car. I bought a really good LPHV (Low Pressure, High Volume) spray gun which made it easy. Just follow the directions by the people who make the paint.
 
One of the guys (around the same age as you, and me too) in our club prepped a fender for painting and he said never again! Maybe you should consider hiring someone or getting some of your friends to help you with the prep work.

Like my wife always says, "we don't have a lot of of time left."

David Serrano
 
Is there a particular reason you are going with BCCC? I've sprayed it a few dozen times on modern stuff,such as a replacement nose to match the rest of the car.So,not a lot of experience with it.I know the application time windows can be a little fussy.I don't like it because of the plastic-y look on an old car.I even use single stage urethane on junks and tractors.One and done.Use whatever flavor you want,from whatever dealer you want to deal with.For years I used acrylic enamel with a hardener,I didn't care what brand.I did get away from Ditzler,I painted a lot of equipment,and the Ditzler paint tended to pull away from edges,just leaving a little clear over it.If this picture comes through the red truck was painted in 04 with either Dupont or PPG's short line of fleet paint.It's 48 Ford commercial red,sold as a fleet color,with virtually no warranty.In 04 I got 6 quarts of sprayable material,for just over $130.00 Never stored outside since it was painted,but driven many thousands of miles since.
 

Attachments

  • 100_0218.jpg
    100_0218.jpg
    90.7 KB · Views: 130
  • 100_0219.jpg
    100_0219.jpg
    97 KB · Views: 98
Keith True said:
Is there a particular reason you are going with BCCC? I've sprayed it a few dozen times on modern stuff,such as a replacement nose to match the rest of the car.So,not a lot of experience with it.I know the application time windows can be a little fussy.I don't like it because of the plastic-y look on an old car.I even use single stage urethane on junks and tractors.One and done.Use whatever flavor you want,from whatever dealer you want to deal with.For years I used acrylic enamel with a hardener,I didn't care what brand.I did get away from Ditzler,I painted a lot of equipment,and the Ditzler paint tended to pull away from edges,just leaving a little clear over it.If this picture comes through the red truck was painted in 04 with either Dupont or PPG's short line of fleet paint.It's 48 Ford commercial red,sold as a fleet color,with virtually no warranty.In 04 I got 6 quarts of sprayable material,for just over $130.00 Never stored outside since it was painted,but driven many thousands of miles since.
Click to expand...

Nice Roadster pickup! I like the red color you chose.... not knock your sox off bright red but more classy.

I mulled over single stage and base/clear coat for some time, understanding both have their plusses and minuses making it a hard decision. I decided on b/cc; for a few reasons. Because I don't have a spray booth and have to do some painting outdoors, I want a quick flash off product. Also, having experience with spraying catalyzed lacquers and polyurethanes and very little using single stage enamels, I'm more comfortable with b/cc type products. I also no longer have a proper buffer should that be required to buff out any flaws when using single stage.

Since selling my business, I also no longer have a large enough compressor to handle a single stage application. I do, however, have a HVLP turbine setup I have used for on-site cabinetry finishing which gives nice results without much overspray. I recognize the gloss level with b/cc will not look as authentic as a Model A paint job should but I'm willing to accept that. Many of the shows we go to these days exhibit classics of the 1930-40's vintage with b/cc and that gloss level on older cars seems to be getting more popular. Still, I agree a Model A with b/cc just looks a little "different"
 
I'd go with a single stage urethane. Basecoat/clearcoat is fine if you are looking for modern mirror finish and don't mind the extra work to color sand and buff. Single stage will be glossy with a little orange peel - like standard paint jobs in the 50s to 80s. You can select catalysis and solvents to match your weather conditions. I used to paint cars outside. Get it all prepped the night before in the garage. Get up early and wet down the driveway. Roll the car out in the dead calm of morning and spray it. Then back in the garage to dry.

Lots of brands out there - Eastwood will deliver your choice right to your door.
https://www.eastwood.com/paints/automotive-paint/colors/single-stage-urethane.html
 
Last edited:
Best of luck! I've been thinking about getting into doing body work simply because it seems to be so in demand.
After watching dozens of youtube tutorials it looks pretty easy with some practice.
Cant wait to see your pics in the future.
 
The main point I take from this is your willingness to tackle any type of project at your age. I am 68, working fulltime, building a house and trying to get my shop in order. At times it seems daunting but thank you for leading the way and encouraging me!
 
Wick,
Been a long time since I've been on Fordbarn and happy to see you still kicking around Gloucester/Mathews

Glen
 
I am borrowing this cliche from Clint Eastwood, "Don't let the old man in!" Working on a Model "A" will make you somewhat youthful!
 
Bob Bidonde said:
I am borrowing this cliche from Clint Eastwood, "Don't let the old man in!" Working on a Model "A" will make you somewhat youthful!
Click to expand...

I am 87. I read the attached and remind my self of it when I get tired and discouraged.

https://budddavisson.substack.com/p...int-and-toby?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web

I recently, with help from my wife jacked the Model A up and installed a Mitchell transmission.
It wasn’t as easy it would have been eight years when both of us changed the clutch but we got it done.
Some times it’s too easy for me to sit in the recliner and let the old man in.
 
Last edited:
GPierce and Bob Bidonde,

The article on "Don't Let The Old Man In" by Budd Davisson you posted was something probably 90 percent of us Ford Barn guys and gals should read as I would surmise most of us are in that category now. I encourage all to take the time to see the writeup as a wakeup call.

I see myself slipping into acceptance of old age too as I sleep later, laze over my late cup of coffee and news until it's almost time for lunch. Then, justifying that "I earned" that privilege, I don't get to the garage until the afternoon when I know I'm still perfectly capable of putting in an eight hour day but maybe not every day. I didn't earn the privilege of wasting my morning. I was granted the privilege of being blessed with the physical ability to work all day but must be ever mindful not to think I can't do something only because I'm old.

My posting about the repainting of our Model A is my way of saying to others, "Don't Let The Old Man In" and encouraging others that they also can do the same. Thanks for your replies.

Glen
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top