Looking into doing my first paint job next year.

timk225 said
I'm in the research stage of painting my 1973 Duster next year. I've done all sorts of mechanical work on my old Mopars over the years, but nearly nothing for paint and body. So it's all new to me.

The body has a few small rust spots, but overall is a very solid car. I know someone who could do a great job and I've seen his metal fabrication work, but he won't be cheap.

This will be no show car, just a half decent driver quality paint job. The phrase to keep in mind is "ALMOST AS GOOD AND A WHOLE LOT CHEAPER".

Here's what I have figured out so far for what I think I want to do.

Color - 1971 EL5 Butterscotch. Single stage solid enamel. I don't want any kind of base / clear, and it's not a factory metallic color. I don't know if urethane would be easier for a first timer to spray.

I could pay for a real paint job, but first of all, I don't want to, and second, that's not what this car is for, plus I don't want to have to worry too much about the paint getting marked up or keyed on a $20,000 paint and body job.

I've been watching some videos on the subject, and I have a fair idea of what needs to be done. But actually doing it is another thing. A few metal patches need made and welded in. Are quarter panel patch panels made for a '73-'76 Duster? I don't want to order a full quarter panel and cut it up.

Any suggestions on a brand and type of paint? I can get hold of a stand up air compressor, add a filter dryer, and get the best paint spray gun on the shelf at Harbor Freight, or ebay used.

Need to figure lots of stuff out.

I have 40 years in the business in one way or another. Forget regular enamel paint. Get it mixed in single stage urethane since you dont want to use clear coat.

If it were my car I would choose base/clear as it is a hell of a lot easier to get a good color match if something were to happen to it later.

If not at least get extra single stage mixed at the same time to put up in case you need it later.

Need to make sure your compressor is up to the task and can put out the required CFM's at the right pressure. That number will depend on the spray gun you choose.

I would check out paint from Revolt or from Tamco. High end quality paint for a much cheaper price than PPG or Axalta/Dupont. They are not the cheapest, but are the best bang for the buck for real quality stuff that will last.