In the late spring of 2023, I decided to build a paint booth so I could paint the frame and all other metal pieces like the suspension before going much further. Much has changed since then, but I will start will that update.
The paint booth was made from 1-1/2″ diameter PVC pipe and connectors and covered with an inexpensive poly tarp from Harbor Freight that could be thrown away after I was done. I saved the PVC so I could set the booth up again when it is time to paint the body panels.
After doing some repair and final welding of the underside, I sanded the entire frame to get rid of rust and any remaining mill scale. I used a chemical prep from Eastwood to keep the frame from rusting further by building a layer of zinc phosphate. I then filled and sanded any major imperfections with body filler and primed everything with a gray epoxy primer also from Eastwood.
After the primer, I sanded everything again with 220 grit to prep for paint. I chose a black gloss for the final color and applied 2 coats. In hindsight I painted the frame too early as I have continued to make changes while I reassemble all the components, some of them requiring me to grind away the paint in order to weld. In these areas I have done touch up with black gloss from a spray can. While the paint is not “show quality”, I am satisfied it will protect the metal from the elements and from 10 feet away looks pretty good!
