Crown Vic P71 20 #1 Posted January 25, 2015 Hello everyone! I am commencing my first restoration on a '68 Charger 12. After 2 years I am finally going to begin in hopes of having it finished before the big weekend in June!! So far, I have gotten the engine running and began stripping the hood of paint to see what kind of shape the metal was in under the 3 layers of paint that was on it. I will keep this thread updated as progress continues and will reach out with any questions. Being said, my first is, What is the best color spray paint to use and after sanding down, what is the best way to prep it for primer, then from primer to paint. Thanks for the input! And here are a couple pictures and a video of it running from last night. trim.D1D6EA2A-7DFE-41E9-925F-8C6DC8920C32.MOV 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HorseHead1089 100 #2 Posted January 25, 2015 I just sanded smooth wiped with a damp cloth and dried the metal and used rust oleum automotive primer and regal red. Certainly no trailer queen quality but will look nice if you smooth out the imperfections and don't overspray. Will work and look great for a tractor that will get used Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Crown Vic P71 20 #3 Posted January 25, 2015 do you have a picture of the finished project? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wishin4a416 2,191 #4 Posted January 25, 2015 (edited) I did the same as Horsehead on my 160. Rustoleum. But I e-tanked my hood. It got in those crevices easier. Edited January 25, 2015 by Wishin4a416 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Digger 66 3,488 #5 Posted January 25, 2015 (edited) Regal red here too . It ain't no show piece , but it wasn't supposed to be . Now if I could just get rid of that ugly blue & white vinyl ..... Maybe this week . Edited January 25, 2015 by Digger 66 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kudzu3 323 #6 Posted January 25, 2015 I also used rustoleum regal red with rustoleum primer and am very satisfied with the finished product. I found that several coats of primer, wet sanded between coats, and a good wet sand before paint and between coats of paint gives a nice smooth surface. I sandblasted or brushed all parts to remove original paint and rust. I think patience is the main ingredient. Good luck. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zeek 2,286 #7 Posted January 25, 2015 I did the same as Kudzu3 with Rustoleum Regal Red. Great color. One thing I would add is if using Rustoleum, use hardener. It tends to chip easily if you are just shooting spray bombs. Do yourself a favor and get yourself a Harbor Freight spray gun if you have a compressor. Many of us on here use them and they work great. Preparation is the #1 thing and looks like you are doing that with your stripping. Others have used automotive finishes which are superior. Whatever you do DO NOT use that crap that Tractor Supply now sells. It sucks and you will wait decades for it to dry. This works good for the wheels if you want them original looking Pull that hood emblem off so it doesn't get screwed up, you can't get decent rerpos. If it's pitted it can be refurbished. Have fun Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Crown Vic P71 20 #8 Posted January 26, 2015 (edited) Wow! Thanks for all the input everyone! I read so many ways to paint things and it looks like I'll be following what everyone said here. Judging by the pictures, it works great! It probably wont be until spring until I start painting because it's cold, but this is all what was on my mind. With the painting out of the way, I will keep you updated as stripping down occurs. No more progress will be made tonight as I will be playing in the snow early tomorrow with my 312. I hope to make more progress wednesday night. So stay tuned! Edited January 26, 2015 by TractorfanC125 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
zanepetty 117 #9 Posted January 29, 2015 Before the top coat I used a tac cloth LIGHTLY on mine. It will remove any dust or lint. I agree with the harbor freight paint gun. I too, used one of those on my restore. It makes things quicker and easier. Good luck! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites