[hotwls13]

Pretty sure I already know the answers. Most paint guys will say stay away from rattle can or rustoleum because it will be so much work later on to remove AND the paint won't last. I get it.

Here is my particular situation:

1. I just purchased a 70 GMC 1/2T LWB for $2500. It runs/drives/stops but had a few issues to get it roadworthy.

Body wise....
Cab is a little rough with some drip rail issues, some surface rust, bunch of previous bodywork, some dents as well as a few trim and mirror holes. Rockers and corners are good (rockers were previously replaced).

Bed is really rough. Bed floor was previously "fixed" by previous owner welding a half bed floor section directly over the bad half of the bed (bad bed section is still below). He even welded the floor panel OVER the bed bolt heads. Bed sides are rough with previous signs of bodywork/filler. Both bed ends (by taillights) have been repaired with filler that is cracking (obvious previous accidents). Tailgate is OK. I plan to replace this bed completely within the next Year, just don't have the means/space right now to deal with another bed. Bed is currently off the truck (completing a rear tank swap). I plan to air-bomb the front of the bed and the back of the cab while they are separated to get a somewhat matching color that will be in-between when bed is mounted.

My preference for this truck is for it to be a 20-30 footer. A hey that thing looks cool, but when you get close you say "who the heck painted this thing"? Haha I'm not expecting much from the paint other than a color change and a "cleaner" look. I prefer the matte or satin finishes but I have heard they show bad bodywork more. Truck is currently white. Plan to do a 2-tone WHite cab top, blue/green body/hood/bed, then white on bottom (below the 67 bottom trim line).

So, my plan is to cleanup any rust with DA sander. The drip rail problem isn't through the roof but has caused a little seaparation at the lip. I plan to cleanup the rust and use seam sealer (silver stuff that is brushable, can't remember the brand) for the repair. Get the body somewhat straight, prime where it was rusty or otherwise got down to metal, scuff the rest and paint.

I've done a bunch of air bomb on parts and frames in the past. I also helped my dad air bomb his 74 chevy stepside about 6 years ago in a carport (it was an ugly purple and he went satin black). Huge improvement but came out about as expected.

I do have a 60 gallon Home Depot Compressor 10.2 scfm @90psi, hoses, a mask, Harbor freight $10 hvlp air gun. I also have the space to build a plastic makeshift booth on the side of house on cement slab. SO I have pretty much everything I would need to gun spray instead of rattle can. I've never done the mixing of paint though, never even used the spray gun.

So, to sum it up...

1. Bed will be replaced within the next Year (sooner rather than later) but I want this thing painted while I look for a better bed.

2. 20-30 footer

3. Cost, cheaper is better, but easier is nice too

4. I'm in California so I know some of the paints are gonna be NO BUENO.