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1971 Project Truck Gets A Paint Job - Project Get Shorty - TechPaint It Black From the June, 2010 issue of Custom Classic Trucks By Dakota Wentz
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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.  Much like techniques, another...  Much like techniques, another common ground found among professional painters is that each has their own preference when it comes to paint manufacturers. For this story we're sticking to House of Kolor products. Here is a lineup of all the needed supplies for a two-stage paintjob: KP2CF primer, Ko-Seal II sealer, Black BC25, and Solar Gold BC01 Shimrin basecoat, KBC12 Pagan Gold kandy (only needed if the color of choice is kandy), UFC35 clearcoat, KU-311 reducer, and KU-100 and -150 hardeners.  If a paint booth is out of...  If a paint booth is out of the question, which is a pretty common scenario, the house garage will work fine. Here are some simple pointers to increase painting conditions. Place barriers up to limit overspray. Wet the floor and sweep out the excess water before painting. The dampness will help keep dust and dirt from swirling around. If possible, create a slight draft in the garage by utilizing garage doors, filters, and a fan. This will create a draft and help push overspray out the door, increasing visibility. (Note: this isn't exactly the most "green friendly" way to paint, but it will get the job done.) Before any spraying occurs, wipe the surface clean with lacquer thinner or some sort of paint prep cleaner.  Next, dust the area with a...  Next, dust the area with a tack cloth. Although the surface may look clean, it's not. These little guys will pick up more dust, dirt, and grime than a CSI ultraviolet wand at a crime scene! Always tack the vehicle before the first coat of the next process.  Here's a good example of why...  Here's a good example of why you always mix paint thoroughly. Paints are comprised of several elements, and once they sit those elements separate and settle. Therefore, always stir until an even consistency is achieved. Once stirred, mix the needed ingredients accordingly in a mixing cup, and then strain the concoction before pouring it in the gun.  The second element to spraying...  The second element to spraying is fan pattern. You want an even-flowing fan with good fluid consistency. The top fan is just right. It's even, consistent, and smooth. Notice how the top and bottom edges of the correct fan begin to fade; it's because of this that 50 percent overlap passes are necessary. The middle pattern is too little air pressure, which results in a blotchy fan. The bottom is too much pressure. Too much pressure creates excess material being projected in the air, which essentially creates no fan. Several knobs on the gun control fan pattern so familiarize yourself with your gun before getting started.  Keep these rules of thumb...  Keep these rules of thumb in mind when spraying. Always place the gun perpendicular with the surface being sprayed at a distance of 6-8 inches. Maintain a free-flowing wrist that can bend and turn with the surface in order to keep the gun perpendicular at the required distance. Lastly, always begin at the top or bottom-as well as the front or back-of a panel maintaining a 50 percent overlap spray pattern. (Photo notes 50 percent overlap increments.)  Keep these rules of thumb...  Keep these rules of thumb in mind when spraying. Always place the gun perpendicular with the surface being sprayed at a distance of 6-8 inches. Maintain a free-flowing wrist that can bend and turn with the surface in order to keep the gun perpendicular at the required distance. Lastly, always begin at the top or bottom-as well as the front or back-of a panel maintaining a 50 percent overlap spray pattern. (Photo notes 50 percent overlap increments.)  One more thing, it's a good...  One more thing, it's a good idea to install some sort of water trap filter in your hose line. This will help eliminate any water entering the picture and causing problems.  Once the gun was set, it was...  Once the gun was set, it was time for me to lay down the first coats of HOK primer. Always begin with a light coat, and allow the primer to flash-or in laymen's terms: dry-per the manufacturer's direction before ensuing coats. The light coat will create a tacky base, which makes the following coats grab hold and stick. Follow with three heavy coats.
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The Thinker??? - Haul Monitor
Ryan talks about the friendly badgering that goes on around the shop and overcoming obstacles that seemly pop up out of nowhere during a project....
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