[69 widetrack]

I think that would be an excellent option and that's why I brought up the fact that a body shop could do it cheaper because they can mix up small amounts of paint for each individual job. This way you would be getting the best of both worlds, an durable high gloss automotive finish without buying 2 pints of expensive paint. The only additional cost would be to have them paint it but then you wouldn't be buying a paint gun and would get a professional job, one that you would be happy with and could admire in your trophy case with fond memories for years to come.

Best of luck and let us know how you make out.

Ray

[Jathanw]

Update***
Ok so I decided to start prepping it for paint. I sanded with 80, 120, 150, 400 grit. Washed it then the pitted areasi used body filter then resanded it. It came out smooth. I used preventative rust primer. The only spot that made me want to pull my hair out was the "gas can doors"on the side. It took me probably 15 hours sanding those two cans. The other side was easy, but it wasn't pitted as bad. Here are some pictures. Ive only done one coat. After it dries ill sand it with 800 &1500 grit. Then put second coat on.
Should I put clear coat on it?
This one is the spot I spent most of the time on

I like the way the red came out.

[69 widetrack]

Originally Posted by Jathanw

Update***
Ok so I decided to start prepping it for paint. I sanded with 80, 120, 150, 400 grit. Washed it then the pitted areasi used body filter then resanded it. It came out smooth. I used preventative rust primer. The only spot that made me want to pull my hair out was the "gas can doors"on the side. It took me probably 15 hours sanding those two cans. The other side was easy, but it wasn't pitted as bad. Here are some pictures. Ive only done one coat. After it dries ill sand it with 800 &1500 grit. Then put second coat on.
Should I put clear coat on it?
This one is the spot I spent most of the time on

I like the way the red came out.

I'm sorry I can't see the pictures...but you are obviously meticulous about your truck and I respect that....Now, if I can give you a little advice. If your prepping with 80 grit, there is no need to step it up to 120, and or 150 before putting filler on the pitted areas. I know it's a little late now but in the future you can go from 80 grit to filler, finish your filler in 280 or 320 (and that is plenty fine enough) and then primer. Finish sanding your primer in 400 grit and you should be ready for paint...what kind of paint are you putting on the truck?

Please try uploading the pictures again...I think it would help. If you haven't opened the packages of 800 grit and 1500 grit...you in all probability don't need them unless you want to polish the truck. As far as clear coating goes, I can't answer that until you tell me what kind of paint your using.

Ray

[Jathanw]

] top of the tank

This was the worst spot that was pitted





Sorry the images are huge!!! I can't remembr the kind of paint, I'll have to check when I get home. I think it's krylon red and white. I know the primer was rust o leum

[69 widetrack]

Alright...I wouldn't clear coat it, the truck is going to be inside in a controlled environment and it wasn't clear coated when it was new. What I would is use the paint as a primer on the areas that your concerned about the pits. Let the paint set up good...make sure that it's totally dry , sand it down with 320 or 400 grit. You'll be able to use the red paint as a guide coat. Gently sand the panels and clean them off periodically...where you have pits, the red paint will be shiny until you have sanded them out....repaint the panel when all is level...let it dry and enjoy. It looks like your doing a good job, don't bother with the clear coat and or the super fine 800 and 1,500 grits.

REay

[Jathanw]

Ok so ive finally finished the truck. I am very plessed with the before and after. Many many hours, sanding, painting, scraping rust. Thank you for yalls help. Sorry the pictures are big

[69 widetrack]

Well, Jathanw...the pictures are big...it took my computer about 5 minutes just to load them on my computer screen...LOL. That's a huge improvement from what you had originally....congratulations,good job. Now all you need to do is build that showcase to put it in and enjoy.

Ray

[Jathanw]

Lol sorry I got a new phone and the camera is nice on it. Thank you. Yes I'm looking at designs for a shelf now