my '99 Ram needs some TLC - it's got some minor collision damage (hit by an uninsured driver), all the usual dents, dings and scrapes from on-site truck use, and some scratches from a crappy drop-in liner that warped in the Houston heat.

i've been given access to all of the proper tools - sandblaster, body repair tools/bondo, paintbooth, gun and compressor, etc.

i've just got a few questions, for anyone who might've done this before or would know anything about it.

the guy who owns all of this stuff has done it before (presumeably), and will be able to help me out some. other than that, how hard is it to do it properly? does it require LOTS of experience, or just patience?

how much paint would i need to buy to cover a '99 Ram 1500 Quad-Cab, SLT Laraime? i will be painting everything (i am even considering painting over all the chrome trim on the bumpers and grill - i kind of like the way the sport trim looks)

i assume i will need to prime it (how many coats of primer?) and sray with a few lyaers of color (how many for a nice, deep black?) and some clear, but i don't want to buy so much paint to where it becomes just as expensive (or moreso) to have it done elsewhere.

what brands of primer/paint/clear would you reccomend?

any hints, tips, tricks or trade secrets? the guy says he can help me out "a little", but as to use everything (and any materials he has lying around) for free, i need to do most of the work myself. and i don't want it to come out looking like i did it myself, (orange peel, drips, bubbles, etc.)

thank you to everybody in advance - i figure with the wealth of knowledge and experience at this site at least SOMEONE could help me out.

 

I have done this my self in the past and I can tell you this much.
Its not as easy as you might think and poor prep work and going cheap with it will make it look like crap. Trust me have it done its just to much time and monie to fix it hte right way on your own.

My freind just got her car painted by maco for like 900 and it looks realy good if you ask me.
Beter then any thing most people could do for 900 in parts alone that is.

later.

 

Well first off, without pissing you off, I'd get more help than a little. If you have no prior experience in collision repair and refinishing I would probably not tackle it. I am a painter just so you can count on my credibility.

I can also guarantee it will look like it was done by yourself meaning no experience. But to answer your questions about material, I will do that.

I use PPG products. You'll need around 4 sprayable quarts of base for a 3 coat cover and around the same of sprayable clear. Two coat clear. A couple sprayable quarts of high build primer for repair, filler, sealer, sand paper......etc and the know how to get the job done, which brings me back to the start of my post.

As far as doing the painting yourself there is really no tricks of the trade that you can be told. Experience and education in the trade is key. So once again, I strongly suggest you to not do this yourself.