I am looking for a quality paint job that will last and look ok. Im not going for show quality or anything. This will be my first time painting. I have the car down to origional paint/primer/bare metal/bondo. What i want to know is exactly what to spray it with. What primer(s), paint, clear coat. Also am looking to spend not much more than $250, am on a real tight budget. Only 16, no job, first time painting. My neighbor has a big garage, he does body work/paint in, he would let me paint in there, probably use his spray guns too. Also any tips on body work. It has surface rust, some sort of deep (maybe 1/64 in.), what do i do to get rid of that, sand? or some type of chemical rust stripper.

Any input will be greatly appreciated, again going for something that will last, atleast through high school, and just earn me a couple "hey cool car man"! thanks.

.

[This message has been edited by Jack Cummings (edited 11-05-2002).]

You CAN do it yourself, however, you want a quality, good looking paint job that will last witha budget of $250? Big contradiction.
Doing your 1st paint job is a rewarding experience. It sounds as if you have someone to ask question and get some guidance. Maaco Sucks. Remember this if nothing else; Preparation is 90% of the finished product. Most important? surface prep and straightness. Do a search on basics in this area. Study, research and ask questions. That's waht we're here for. Also, a good auto body mail order supply place to save a lot of money is PIVCO. 812-479-1117. call and ask for a catalog.

.

[This message has been edited by Jack Cummings (edited 11-05-2002).]

Well thanks for your input guys, i definately wont be taking it to maaco, but i appreciate your advise. The $250 limit was more for the primer/bc/cc.

after reading a lot last night i think i have a better understanding of what to use. What i've seen is that there are 2ways for primer, first a self etching, then a primer surfacer on top of that. or option 2 is to use an epoxy primer...Is that right? will the epoxy primer stick to bare metal and the origional paint if i scuff it up? Also, which is the cheaper way to go? And can i be driving my car around in just primer till i get the money for paint? which would be the better primer to allow me to do that. I live in washington, havent had much rain this fall, and the car is garaged, driven to school, and thats about it.

Again thanks for the replys!

.

[This message has been edited by Jack Cummings (edited 11-05-2002).]

I think i have decided on which primer to use. From reading through past posts on this topic, MARTINSR has recommended the martin seneour tint primer a number of times. I think i will use this, with 2 coat of self etching urethane primer on the bare metal/bondo areas. From what i've read, i will be able to drive this, and it will protect the body from rust. Am i right on that?