Well my black '92 Explorer has decided it wanted it's hood painted earlier than I had hoped. It's a $250 project truck that I'm currently rebuilding the transmission on so it's not going anywhere for a while. There is a spot on the hood that I knew was down to primer and I was hoping it would last until I at least go the truck movable. But no luck. I noticed this weekend that some light surface rust is starting to form in that spot so it's is going to have to be done next weekend. Also I noticed that the edges of the grooves in the hood are getting ready to rust too so I've decided to just do the entire hood instead of the one spot. I was going to practice on the truck anyway but later with better equipment.
Right now I have no air compressor and can't drive the truck so I'm stuck to rattle can paints. I know it won't be professional results. I'm mainly wanting to protect the metal but I do want to do as good of a job as I can.
Here are the questions I have:
Should I sand the entire hood or is there a decently priced paint remover that I can use? I figure just doing the entire hood will be easier than trying to make sure I get all the spots.
Any recommendations for which company's product to use? I can get Duplicolor at my local AutoZone. I'm going to try to find out what else I can get around here for a reasonable price.
I'm thinking about maybe going to a flat black. Will that be an easier color to start with and not show my mistakes as well? If I decide that I want the gloss, could I just clear coat over it and polish it or would I have to do an entire repaint?
My last question (for now). Harbor Freight has a 7" electric orbital sander for $40 that I'm thinking about getting. Will this be okay or should I spend the extra money and get an electric DA sander/polisher? (Money is a consideration here because it's cutting into my transmission funds, and I've had it a year and not driven it yet.)
I know some of this is probably in other threads but time is a factor right now.
Edit:
The yellow arrows are pointing to the rust spots or areas about to rust.
Thanks for any input and help.
Gil
Right now I have no air compressor and can't drive the truck so I'm stuck to rattle can paints. I know it won't be professional results. I'm mainly wanting to protect the metal but I do want to do as good of a job as I can.
Here are the questions I have:
Should I sand the entire hood or is there a decently priced paint remover that I can use? I figure just doing the entire hood will be easier than trying to make sure I get all the spots.
Any recommendations for which company's product to use? I can get Duplicolor at my local AutoZone. I'm going to try to find out what else I can get around here for a reasonable price.
I'm thinking about maybe going to a flat black. Will that be an easier color to start with and not show my mistakes as well? If I decide that I want the gloss, could I just clear coat over it and polish it or would I have to do an entire repaint?
My last question (for now). Harbor Freight has a 7" electric orbital sander for $40 that I'm thinking about getting. Will this be okay or should I spend the extra money and get an electric DA sander/polisher? (Money is a consideration here because it's cutting into my transmission funds, and I've had it a year and not driven it yet.)
I know some of this is probably in other threads but time is a factor right now.
Edit:
The yellow arrows are pointing to the rust spots or areas about to rust.
Thanks for any input and help.
Gil