Painting a '53 2-ton GMC flatbed

[cppursell]

Hey folks, thought I'd create a paint-job-in-progress thread to share. My cousin resurrected this 1953 GMC 2-ton truck, which was sitting for decades in a field. It's been a joy bringing it back to life, working on the brakes and getting the engine running, and now we're going to paint the cab! I'll post new pictures with the progress tomorrow. We're making a paint booth in my cousin's garage, with plastic sheeting and fans to improve conditions. We're doing the final body work and priming tomorrow, then are planning on buying Urethane Enamel in an original code aqua green.

Please send any suggestions or comments you have, we can sure use the advice!

[cppursell]

More pictures. a 235 engine, and he painted the interior with rattle-can tan.

[ghettoluxury]

It looks good so far.

[studda]

Looking good. I'm going to paint my '53 ton and a half here when the weather permits. I wish I had a two speed rear and a 235 with bearing inserts in mine. I have the original babbitt rod 216. Looks like a solid truck to start with. I think mine is a darker green. They sure are fun to drive. Here's a link to mine if you want to see it:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=608606

[cppursell]

Originally Posted by studda

I wish I had a two speed rear and a 235 with bearing inserts in mine. I have the original babbitt rod 216.

I like your truck, very cool. I've only been around 67-72 trucks so working on this beauty is a treat. The quality of construction is even better, we couldn't believe the condition of the bolts when we were taking them out. The original engine in it was a 248 and Jim put a running 235 in. We found the vacuum operated 2-speed rear still works!

[studda]

Originally Posted by cppursell

I've only been around 67-72 trucks so working on this beauty is a treat.

Same here. I've worked on a lot of 67-72 trucks and have always been a fan of that era. I have a '68 C10 and a '68 GTO clone too. Now that I've gotten this truck, I'm hooked on the old ones. Keep the pics coming!

[cppursell]

Here's the color Jim's chosen, we got a gallon of single-stage Urethane. We'll have enough for two cabs. Today is primer day (rustoleum 2x rattle-can) and building our paint booth.

[cppursell]

Picture of the engine, and the truck before the final primer coat.

[Sam03]

Cool project! I'm tagging along.

[cppursell]

Originally Posted by Sam03

Cool project! I'm tagging along.

[mr48chev]

Cool, it looks like it's big truck week on here this week. I like the color you guys chose too. Real early 50's vibe to it.

[studda]

Looks like a cool color. Engine looks good. I'm going to use the Van Sickle farm implement paint on mine. Just a single stage enamel in the shade of Oliver tractor green that costs $30 a gallon. Keep the pics coming!

[cppursell]

Check this out! We built our "paint booth" today, 25'x11'. Here's a 360 pan of it: http://360.io/DYVJK5

[studda]

Looks good. You'll have to let us know how it works. Maybe I'll try to do the same.

[Sam03]

looks good. Cant wait to see it come out of paint!

[cppursell]

Update: Well, we ran out of time and didn't quite finish the job. We discovered more body work that needed to be done or it wouldn't look good. We got as far as final sanding most of the body and working on dents on the roof and hood but ran out of daylight on our last day. We're parking the truck in the garage and will finish it during my spring break. I'll be sure to post then!

[68panelman]

Looking Good!!!

[Henry50]

Looks good, are you using the black as a guide coat?

Be careful with those fans, they are not sealed motors and it doesn't take much to ignite a room full of paint fumes.

[studda]

Looks like you're making progress. Hopefully spring break comes soon! I can't wait to see updates.

[studda]

Spring break's next week for me! Hopefully you'll have some more pics coming soon.

[mechanixman]

Awesome thread.
I'm excited to see how this turns out.
What kind of paint are you guys using?

Thanks,