Painting my truck

[Ryan313]

This is my daily driver and work truck, a 1999 F450. My father bought it new for a service truck for his tire business, and put 232k miles on it. He passed away and it sat for a couple years. I decided to put it on the road when my 1996 f150 wasn’t enough truck for me anymore. The truck has a 7.3 and I swapped a 5 speed in. It has been a great truck, and I do not foresee ever parting with the truck, so I am cleaning it up. The paint isn’t horrible but you can see where the letting was in spots, along with a few sun spots and scratches. I though some of you may want to come along for the ride.

Here is the truck with the lettering.


First, was to clean out my toolboxes; a lot of people are amazed when they need an odd tool and I pull it out of my truck, I am sure many of you can relate!


With the toolboxes empty, I tried the terramite to lift the bed. I had very little faith that it would lift the bed, not even close.


Since the terramite wasn’t strong enough, I went down the road to the yard at work and used one of the excavators.



The guy I am having paint it has a smallish shop, so I took the outer wheels off to make it easier for him. I also took the running boards off.


I still have to remove the bumper, visor, and maybe a few other things if he wants them off. I am going to paint the bed and frame while I am doing this, as well as polish all of the chrome. I hope that this turns out as well as I imagine, and I hope you guys enjoy coming along.

 

[KennyP]

Nice truck with a history! I'm following!

 

[4getgto]

So you had taken the service body off and put the flat bed on at one time.???

 

[Ryan313]

So you had taken the service body off and put the flat bed on at one time.???

Yes, the utility body rotted out... just like most reading body’s in the northeast. I made the flatbed 4 years ago when I put it on the road.

 

[alleyyooper]

What color, red is probably the most expencive paint color.

Al

 

[Ryan313]

What color, red is probably the most expencive paint color.

Al

The same red F1 to be exact. My buddy who is painting it said red is the most expensive!

 

[chieffan]

Close second to JD Green. Red is the fastest fading color also. Look at the red steel buildings around the country.

 

[Texas Horses Hogs and Deeres]

Ryan, I remember when you first started working on your Dad's truck. We were all so impressed with your work then and now also. I know it's going to be beautiful when you get it all done. Glad your keeping it forever because there's nothing better than a 7.3 in my opinion. And red is as good looking as it gets for me.

I'll be following along to see how you do with it.

 

[MFDAC]

Great looking truck that will serve you well. I'm sure Dad would be glad you are keeping and using it! Thanks for the pics!

DAC

 

[Ryan313]

Thanks for the kind words guys!

I ordered new plate lights, and reverse lights for the hitch plate. I installed them after a little prep, primer and paint on the frame.



My buddy has a very small shop, so I put the wood on the back to hopefully prevent it coming back with a broken taillight after a poorly placed step. I almost walked into them a couple times in the driveway where I have lots of room.


The last few things to remove were the cab lights, visor, and bumper. The mirrors I removed quick when I dropped it off.


I dropped the truck off last night after work, he said he should have it for about a week.

 

[Jazz]

The same red F1 to be exact. My buddy who is painting it said red is the most expensive!

The extra cost of red is not much. Maybe $20 at most. Black cherry fades even faster but with the UV protector additives in clear coats fading is less of a concern

 

[Ryan313]

Today I am welding some holes closed in the underbody boxes so I can drop them off. My buddy just sent me these pictures, I’m getting pretty excited!

 

[alleyyooper]

A quicky Me thinks .
Our Buick was in the shop from Oct 2017 till April 2018.
Of course all the chrome was stripped off along with all the factory paint.

But it turned out so nice it was well worth the wait.

Al

 

[Ryan313]

Here are some pictures of primer!

 

[Ryan313]

And paint!

 

[olcowhand]

Single stage acrylic enamel? Looks great to me!

 

[KennyP]

Looking good, Ryan!

 

[MFDAC]

That looks great Ryan! Very nice shine on the old truck!

DAC

 

[Ryan313]

Thanks! I am very excited.

Single stage acrylic enamel? Looks great to me!

To be honest, I am not sure.

 

[Ryan313]

I wire wheeler and primed the bed today. Tomorrow I plan to blow some paint on it.