Expert: William Forster - 11/22/2006

Question
Dear Bill, I need help and advice in the preparation of my truck for painting. I bought the truck new and as you probably am already aware there were problems with the paint falling off. A local shop redone this but I am in the process of restoration as a present to my son. I will probably use the Martin-Senour Crossfire paint system. I have an enclosed shop with heat available. Please advise as to the paint and primer as well as clearcoat, hardeners, catalysts and any other pertinent information. I am planning on buying a new HVLP gun for this project. I would like this truck  to be the blackest black poosible. It is 95% originalparts with the exception of a new crate engine and tranny from GM. It has over 450,000 miles with less than 10.000 on the powertrain. It is a family heirloom. I am also experiencing a rust bleedthrough. Also congratulations on the ASE credentials. I am currently finishing three years of Tech School in preparation for my ASE tests. Thanks for any and all help you are able to provide even down to the smallest detail.

Answer
I'm not familiar with the martin senior paint system. I would go to the local MS dealer, (we call them Jobbers) and have the paint expert advise you on what you will need, for reasons of compatibility. Not all paint systems are compatible with all the other available products in a given paint line. Year One (the restoration parts people) have a great book called "How to restore your collector car" it has over 200 illustrations, and costs under 20 bucks. I highly suggest this book, I can't possibly teach you how to restore a truck in an e-mail. I am more than happy to help with tips, or solve problems along the way. Paint gun? You will need a gravity gun, with a 1.3- fluid tip for base coat, a 1.5 or 1.6 for clear, and (optional) a 1.8 for primer. DeVilbiss finish line guns are a great economical gun, and spray nice. Your jobber will also be able to suggest a nice black. I personally like GM black, and in my paint system, DuPont, the code is 99. They can cross reference it. It's mixed with just jet black mixing base, and the 2 basemaker intermixes. No other colors means a very black black. Blacks range from browns to grey. Now, while painting, ventilation is very important. Keep enough air flowing, and let the fan run for at least an hour after you finish spraying. Never let the car cool below 58 degrees for at least 8 hours after painting. The catalization of the paint stops at 58 degrees, and once it stops, it can't be started again. Where is the rust coming through? Thanks for your recognition of my ASE credentials. I worked my butt off, and kept my training current. In my line of work there are a lot of pretty colorful characters, and the only guys worth their salt actually go to the trouble of becoming certified. I think that it shows a serious, professional attitude, and it takes training to keep current. This line of work is ever changing, and with today's high tech vehicles, you need more than just a hammer and a sander to do bodywork. Bill