Hello,
My bus is, for the most part, in good shape. There are a few places that I would like to touch up, as in:
and
and finally
The problem is that I have no experience doing this kind of work and find it a little intimidating. I read Colin's very helpful sticky, titled Bodywork on the Fly, and that made me think that, if I just went slowly and followed instructions carefully, I could tackle some of these smaller problems. I am not interested in having a show bus, I just want to protect what I have from rust and have it look nice (not perfect--just nice).
But I keep hitting basic stumbling blocks, so I figured I would ask you all for a little help. Here are my questions:
1.Other than sandpapers of varying grit (as explained by Colin in the sticky), I am under the impression that I may need:
a. primer
b. paint
c. brushes
Based on the pics above, does it look like I will need filler? If so, what kind should I use?
2. Is there a specific kind of primer that is recommended for these kinds of applications?
3. How do I go about getting the right paint? Should I order the paint from a place like this: http://www.apstowerpaint.com/index.php ?
Or should I go to a body shop?
4. Do I want to get spray can or paint that is applied with a brush?
Either way, can I just order the color code for the bus (L63H)?
I know that these are total newbie questions, but I've never dealt with this before, so I really appreciate your patience/insight. I feel like I'm paralyzed by all of the options.
Thanks.
A few very basic questions about paint/minor body work
- thesamwise4
- Getting Hooked!
- Location: Honolulu, HI
- Status: Offline
A few very basic questions about paint/minor body work
-Dave
1977 Westy Deluxe--The Green Lantern
1977 Westy Deluxe--The Green Lantern
- Amskeptic
- IAC "Help Desk"
- Status: Offline
Re: A few very basic questions about paint/minor body work
1. If you have just scratches in the paint but not gouges in the sheetmetal, no.thesamwise4 wrote:I read Colin's Bodywork on the Fly, and I could tackle some of these smaller problems. But I keep hitting basic stumbling blocks,
I may need:
a. primer
b. paint
c. brushes
1. Does it look like I will need filler? If so, what kind should I use?
2. Is there a specific kind of primer that is recommended for these kinds of applications?
3. How do I go about getting the right paint?
4. Do I want to get spray can or paint that is applied with a brush?
Either way, can I just order the color code for the bus (L63H)?
I know that these are total newbie questions, but I've never dealt with this before, so I really appreciate your patience/insight. I feel like I'm paralyzed by all of the options.
If there are little dents in the sheetmetal, sure get a little bondo/hardener or some spot putty. Have fun! Experiment!
2. Extra-fillable grey primer so you can build up the surface, then sand it down smooth.
WalMart sells it for cheep-enuff.
3. Good luck with THAT. Forget online, you need a human being with a love of the craft and the thrill of the Match, and a quiet day. Sherwin Williams or a local auto paint store should make a batch of 3 spray cans, or you could get a can of lquid if you want to brush it on and color sand it back down.
4. You answer that. But experiment and have fun. If you screw up, grab a paper towel and some carb spray and wipe your disaster right off followed by a fast wax. I use brushes from Prang watercolor paint sets where I just wanted the pigments but needed more professional small brush tips than the Prang-supplied mops.
Colin
BobD - 78 Bus . . . 112,730 miles
Chloe - 70 bus . . . 217,593 miles
Naranja - 77 Westy . . . 142,970 miles
Pluck - 1973 Squareback . . . . . . 55,600 miles
Alexus - 91 Lexus LS400 . . . 96,675 miles
Chloe - 70 bus . . . 217,593 miles
Naranja - 77 Westy . . . 142,970 miles
Pluck - 1973 Squareback . . . . . . 55,600 miles
Alexus - 91 Lexus LS400 . . . 96,675 miles
- thesamwise4
- Getting Hooked!
- Location: Honolulu, HI
- Status: Offline
Re: A few very basic questions about paint/minor body work
Thanks for taking the time to answer those questions, Colin.
I found a Sherwin Williams Automotive across the river in Fairfax. I'm going to cruise over this week and see if they can help me out.
I will keep you posted on my progress.
Also, I noticed that my status recently changed from "I'm New!"
I found a Sherwin Williams Automotive across the river in Fairfax. I'm going to cruise over this week and see if they can help me out.
I will keep you posted on my progress.
Also, I noticed that my status recently changed from "I'm New!"
-Dave
1977 Westy Deluxe--The Green Lantern
1977 Westy Deluxe--The Green Lantern