It's been a long time coming, but it's finally time to slap some lipstick on this pig-this pig being Project Get Shorty. After years of grinding, cutting, welding, and hammering on every piece of sheetmetal Get Shorty had to offer, the time to paint has come. To tell ya the truth, I was beginning to think it would be time to party like it's 2099 before this hauler ever escaped its bare metal persona! However, the proverbial carrot in front of the donkey has prevailed, and this '71 will take on its black and gold paint scheme laid down in art form three years ago.
Many hobbyists in the automotive realm think paintwork is the equivalent to Sherwood Forest; you simply don't go there. Some consider the world of paint and body so daunting and complex they simply wouldn't even begin to imagine painting their ride. Yet, the truth is, it's like anything else. Once you understand the basics and apply yourself, it's something that can be picked up and accomplished in the garage (a driveway can even be used as a paint booth!), just like fabrication, bolt-on procedures, wiring, and the like. Besides the satisfaction of painting your ride, there are other benefits as well. For instance, painting your own ride will also put a little more change in your pocket. Paintwork is oftentimes the most expensive part of a build, and by only having to deal with the cost of materials, the money saved can be allotted to other areas of the build. Along with that, wouldn't you like to answer, "me" when someone asks you who sprayed your ride?
Because of the aforementioned, the next two installments in the Project Get Shorty saga will focus upon painting the '71. Part One will kick things off at ground zero and cover such things as the basics, getting started, and the early stages of the process. Part Two will finish things up with layout, cutting, and buffing. In a nutshell, we're gonna cover the painting process from start to finish. Keep in mind, it's mathematically impossible (and yes, I checked using various forms of theorems, equations, and algorithms!) to cram everything one would need to know about painting in the form of written word. Therefore, these stories will cover the ABCs to get you headed down the right path. As for D through Z, you'll pick that up with experience, practice, and the ever-so infamous trial and error.
In theory, paintwork is more or less the same across the board. It all consists of primer, blocking, basecoat, clearcoat, and cutting and buffing. However, painting parallels the Reese's Peanut Butter Cup, there's no wrong way to eat a Reese's. Every painter has their own method, style, and technique. With that said, the following process is my way. As you sift through the following pages, one thing you may notice is this painting process is as basic and as simple as it gets. The use of fancy body files, DAs, Jitterbugs, and the like have all been passed up for the more commonly found tools, like hand blocks, paper, and the ever-so-versatile human. However, there are other tools that must be picked up, such as a paint gun. The suction type guns of yesteryear have been passed up for the more friendly HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure) guns. The great thing about these guns is the fact that they require roughly 4 cfm at 29 psi, which makes them compatible with many air compressors, even little 110 outfits. Mixing cups, air filters, respirators, paint sticks, strainers, tack rags, and other things (we'll cover all in the story) synonymous with paintwork round out the arsenal. All tools and materials needed, including paint, can be picked up at local paint and body supply houses. If you're unsure of one in your area, then companies such as Eastwood and Summit carry everything needed as well. Eastwood and Summit even carry their own lines of paint products. Other paint products can be ordered direct from the manufacturer. As you can see, this process is perfect for the novice, being that there isn't a good chunk of change standing in your way towards a killer DIY paintjob. Oh yeah, a fearless, yet tentative approach is a good tool to carry into battle as well.
Before we delve into the subject matter at hand remember this key underlining theme to painting your ride; painting is not a sprint, it's a marathon that requires time, patience, and forethought. This mindset may take you to the edge, but the end result will quickly settle any frustrations or setbacks. Now, study the onslaught of knowledge that is about to be absorbed, face the fear, and go lay down a wicked awesome paintjob on your truck!
