We will soon be deciding what type and color of paint to use on the 69 Chevy we are restoring. Although not a complete frame-off resoration, by the time we're done it will be very close to it. I high-pressure cleaned the frame and underbody, treated exposed surface rust with that stuff that converts rust to a primer, and then repainted it all with satin black Rustoleum. We've moved the gas tank, put in an entire new "Painless" wiring harness, a new GM 330 horse crate engine, new xtra large radiator, a dual 12" electric cooling fan, a new Vintage Air AC system, and really, just about every part that was not virtually as good as new has been replaced, including grommets, washers, cab mounts, window kits, grill, etc. We will be putting in a new wood bed with stainless hardware and a spray-in liner on the rest of the inside of the bed. To keep this from getting any longer, suffice it to say that it will be a very nice truck when we're done. That brings me to my main topic: What is the best paint to use for a restoration like this? I've had two body men tell me base coat/clear coat, but when talking to a mechanic who is into old restorations he said polyurethane would be best (most durable and best looking), especially since I won't be able to garage it most of the time - so it will sit in the sun and rain a lot. He actually was for laquer, but I think he implied that the cost of putting on a good/deep laquer job would be significantly higher. We had also decided to paint it black cherry, but this guy said black and red are the two worst colors for holding their shine and look over time. I'd like as much input on this as possible from those of you with experience in this area. What is the best paint to use, and is there a significant difference in the durability of a black cherry, compared to other colors? We've also considered a dark metallic blue, but have not made our minds up yet. Thanks
if the truck is going to be sittig outside alot id stay away from the dark colors, they do fade faster, and as for paint type ive always had good luck with the base coat/ clear coat method with multiple layers of clear coat
Anything dark shows up dirt easier. Plus dark colors draw more heat and heat can kill your paint, and interior. I have a 64 & 65 stepside. One was painted 12 yrs ago. Still looks as good today. You,ve spent a good bit of money already what is a few more dollars going to hurt? I had about 5 coats of clear put on mine. And all I,ve done to it in the past 12 years is I had it buffed out 3 years ago. looks great. And u don,t see swirl marks either. But I still believe that Black is a beautiful color on a truck. good luck
With all the new paint technology out there, I would go with base/clear (b/c). It's used on new cars, so it can withstand the weather. Unless you want to go with an all original restoration, which it sounds like you have modified it. Personally, if you keep good care of the paint with quality wax, polish, etc. the color doesn't make a huge difference in fade for b/c. The ones that fade easy are the ones that get color shot and neglected once taken out of the body shop. Also, the clear on b/c is what gives the shine and UV protection, so if a quality clear is used in multiple coats, the fade should be minimal, or a heck of a lot less than the old "one step" laquer paint. As for the "old style" laquer paint, that should not be tons more expensive, I was actually trained on it this last year before going to b/c. My dad's 69 camaro is the original laquer type, and looks great, but it is garage kept and a bright red. Hope this helps you out.
Just another suggestion on the bc/cc system, the clears nowadays are very resistant to yellowing so your color will stay for years.In case you need to fix a scratch or ding, color matching and blending is done with ease so you won't see any differance from panel to panel.After your truck is painted with bc/cc you shouldn't apply wax for about 8mths to a year depending on your climate that you live in, so your paint cures properly, ask your paint supplier for complete instructions on how to maintain your paint because every brand is a little bit different.Hope this helps. The Big Dawg
I would shy away from the laquer finish. The polyurethane your mechanic friend mentioned is yes very durable. Color? Paint it the color YOU want! Obviously the darker colors seem to show up dirt and imperfections more but look great when well maintained. Base coat clear coat offers many advantages; base coats are quick to dry and are very user friendly;graphics-flames and other custom work can all be tinkered with before you lay down your clear coat. Also there are single stage urethanes polyurethanes and enamels which do not need the extra step of a clear coat. As for paint companies and brands , you get what you pay for, just try not to intermix other manufactures products togather. You'll have far less problems when you use "that" manufactures product from start to finish :reducers :catylists :hardeners : bases : and clears etc. Good luck , PPG Certified Master Refinish Technician Chris
... would any of you believe what I am using? - Hardware store one part epoxy in resplendant Kentucky Green! I have a '63 GMC fenderside and it will be a working truck, getting knocked around and no, those are not dents, that's character! Actually the stuff sprays on beautifully, comes out as glossy as anything, but takes forever to dry and thus picks up everything floating around in the air for hours. But it certainly sticks well and is tough. Actually made for farm machinery I believe, so not totally inappropriate.
