Painting a CUCV?

**danochamp** · 04-14-2010, 07:57

I've never painted anything before and am planning on taking this to a shop to have done for me because I don't want to screw anything up. I was thinking desert tan with black bumpers and brush guards.

Has anyone had their truck painted before, if so what did it cost?

Also what could i do on my own that's fairly simple that would lower the cost of painting?

Thanks.

**dmc-4359** · 04-14-2010, 13:56

Most of the effort in a decent paint job goes towards prep work. If you do all of the metal filling, sanding and even remove necessary trim pieces to make the masking job easier (or better yet, just mask it yourself and trailer it over) then you would stand to save a lot of money on the job. I'll go ahead and say that those are some of the most unpleasant tasks you'll ever do with your truck though. The specific act of laying paint really isn't that difficult once you have a good surface to work with.

**hndrsonj** · 04-14-2010, 14:33

You could always use the Gillespie aerosol cans, just prep the surface before you shoot it. Several people have done it here and they turned out good, it's easy and really cheap compared to a shop doing it.

**danochamp** · 04-14-2010, 17:37

Thanks guys, I really want the paint to last and look good. I was wondering what kind of paint you'd recommend if I want it to last forever?

**lavarok** · 04-14-2010, 17:41

I had a shop quote me around $2100 to do a 3 color camo job on my M1010 using Sherwin Williams CARC. These guys painted some HMMWVs for Titan corp last year.

I am debating it only because the truck is so nice. My other vehicles have received Gillespie rattle can jobs with decent results.

EDIT: I should add that $450 or so was listed as "prep" work so I have to agree with the poster above that you can save a boatload doing your own prep.

**danochamp** · 04-14-2010, 17:48

Originally Posted by lavarok

I had a shop quote me around $2100 to do a 3 color camo job on my M1010 using Sherwin Williams CARC. These guys painted some HMMWVs for Titan corp last year.

I am debating it only because the truck is so nice. My other vehicles have received Gillespie rattle can jobs with decent results.

EDIT: I should add that $450 or so was listed as "prep" work so I have to agree with the poster above that you can save a boatload doing your own prep.

That seems really high to me...is it the 3-tone that bumps it up that much?

What would it cost to just get a 1-tone paint job?

**lavarok** · 04-14-2010, 18:04

I agree it does sound very high. The shop is one of the most expensive in town. Unforutnately, they are also the only guys with a booth big enough for the ambulance.

**hovenga67** · 04-14-2010, 20:40

I paint cars on the side I could do a camo job for 1200 as long as there isn't alot of dents and no rust. I don't think I am going to be able to get carc looks like I have to use gilespie on mine. I

**ctmustang** · 04-14-2010, 21:34

Paint it yourself. Sand it down with 400-600grit and wipe it down with acetone and spray it. It will look good for a long time. I've been doing it this way for years. It's nerve wrecking if you think about it too long. I just painted my 1009 and including 1 gal gillespie 383 green and a gallon of acetone I have about 90 bucks in it and looks good.
CT