I’ve always said i can to do everything on my cars except: auto transmissions, bodywork and paint. Well, cross body and paint off the list, as i decided to tackle it myself on my wifes 1940 Ford pickup. I’m stoked on it so far.
This is really my first shot at end to end paint and body from metal. I figured out my game plan by talking to people that know what they’re doing (thanks to Ernie Layacan and Alex Gambino,) reading books (”Kustom Painting Secrets” by Jon Kosmoski was good,) and reading on the Internet / HAMB. I am self taught, with good influence. Here it goes…
This is a step by step of what i’ve done with a couple progress pics (sorry i dont have more– i regret that) and where im at.
MY GOAL: Driver quality bodywork (80%, as the last 20% takes 80% more time than i have) w/ green suede paint job.
THE VICTIM (soon after i got it and did a couple things:)

Above is a picture of how the truck looked like when i got it. I wrongfully assume that hidden under that primer was *just* the original paint and no body work. LOL– i was very wrong.
STEP ONE– TAKE TRUCK COMPLETELY TO BARE METAL.
Did this step by hand with a DA and 80 grit discs. Off came the old primer, off came paint… then came major bondo. I was instantly afraid, as i knew i had more body work that i had assumed. Lesson one– when you dont have the experience, and you assume– you’re likely wrong.
I took all the old bondo off too. I now had my starting point.
STEP TWO–
After cleaning the truck, and masking completely and going over with Eastwood PRE Paint Prep (worked well,) i did a light dusting with metal etch and then applied two coats of Xtreme 2k High Build Primer/Filler/Surfacer. This is a two part primer w/ an activator. I mixed 4:1:1 with primer:activator:reducer
STEP THREE-
The primer i applied allows filler to be applied direct to it (after scuffing lightly w/ 80 grit to give it gription) and its supposed to have better adhesion than to bare metal. The applied several very light coats of filler in the areas i deemed unworthy. The filler i used was Evervoat RAGE gold.
My primer gun is a SATA MC93. I use a Home Depot 5hp compressor with a dryer system and a disposable filter at the gun. My gauge and pressure dial is at my gun. Spray at about 25psi with gun open.
After drying, i sanded down the majority of the filler with a MUD hog and long board sander using 80 grit to start. Once i got close to final shape, i went to 120 grit. Where necessary i applied more and repeated.
STEP FOUR-
Applied primer in spots where i did body work and made sure to even application throughout. Used guide coat to check body work, and sanded to check my work. Several times went back and worked my filler more.
STEP FIVE:
Applied three more coats of primer/surfacer, once body work was done.
STEP SIX;
Removed my masking and block sanded with 280 grit. Lots of block sanding. Accidentally went to bare metal on a couple spots / edges.
Wet sanded to 400 grit
Washed truck down well with lightly soapy water, followed by rinse.
Masked entire truck again (masking in this project took a lot of time)
Mask everything, as overspray gets everywhere…

Cleaned and tacked.
STEP SEVEN:
The primer i used above allows you to mix it 4:1:2 with more reducer and use it as a sealer. At this point, i didnt seal the whole truck– just lightly went over the spots i went to bare metal.
Here’s the truck at that point, almost ready for base paint:

NOTE: My spraybooth is my garage. I surrounded an area by my lift with clear plastic, and put lights on every corner. Rigged up an exhaust fan using a cheap box fan. My the way– i cant promise that your neighbors will like you if you decide to paint in your garage and exhaust outside like i am. I dont think my neighbors do…
STEP EIGHT:
This is where im at now…. Base Coat.
First of all, for suede im using the technique of going only single stage on a two stage paint job– thus no clear. No thanks– i dont need the lecture on UV, wear, etc…. i know. I just havent seen a flattened clear turn out the way i like.
My color is Lochaven Green, an old Ford color. The old paint codes ended up only showing mixing data for laquer paint, so PPG had to do some kind of scan to come up with the mix. Alex Gambino helped figure this out with me and got me my paint. PPG Deltron 2000 DBC base coat. Mixed 1:1 with PPG DT870 reducer.
My base paint gun is a GEO FX97.
NOTE: I got all my paint guns and body work supplies from an old timer who retired, for a great deal. Im dialed in with all the good shit.
The first coat i sprayed, i layed on really light to see how it would react. It went on great.
The I applied one more full coat. Right now i’ve got several spots with some dust that im going to wetsand out, before i continue.
Couple more coats to go. After truck is done, bed goes next.
Here’s how it’s looking so far (sorry for the flash spots:)

SO FAR: Im pretty happy with the way my body worked turned out, and the paint is coming along pretty good. Not bad for a first timer. Couple more coats to go…..
-scott noteboom