Thanks FS.
Don't have the truck anymore - so cant post a pic. But what you described with the "pebbled surface" is pretty much how it was. Like a 5mm thick laquer looking cover to the white paint in a pebble texture.
When you say a good primer ....... I was just planning to use rustoleum - is this good enough ?
http://i.walmartimages.com/i/p/00/02...31_500X500.jpg
Not a show truck. Not too concerned on looks in bay - just want it to hold and not flake/peel over time