Hi all. Thanks for the add! I am new to doing body work............as in the closest I've done is using a spray paint can to paint a Audi 5000 30 years ago. I am currently working on a 1959 Studebaker Lark, 4 door. Body is in ok condition, but paint looks like it has grains of sand scattered on it.

So, to my question. What beginner tools do I need? I don't know if I'll do more than this one project, so I don't want to commit $1,000's in tools.

I'll make a post later on where to start

Thanks!!!

Lot's of information in the Info Center and Sticky Posts at the top of each Forum thread.
Here's one to get you started.
https://www.autobody101.com/content/art ... ould-know/

tj4ndirish wrote: ...So, to my question. What beginner tools do I need? I don't know if I'll do more than this one project, so I don't want to commit $1,000's in tools...

What tools do you have now? Compressor (proper sized, not a pancake) and good air filtration system?

$1,000 isn't going to go very far. Is that just for tools and not materials?

If you have never sprayed anything before, a HF purple gun is not going to do you any favors.

There is a reason that a full respray cost so much with the labor and materials involved.

'68 Coronet R/T wrote:Lot's of information in the Info Center and Sticky Posts at the top of each Forum thread.
Here's one to get you started.
https://www.autobody101.com/content/art ... ould-know/

Thanks so much, I'll check it out!

OldFatBald wrote:

tj4ndirish wrote: ...So, to my question. What beginner tools do I need? I don't know if I'll do more than this one project, so I don't want to commit $1,000's in tools...

What tools do you have now? Compressor (proper sized, not a pancake) and good air filtration system?

$1,000 isn't going to go very far. Is that just for tools and not materials?

If you have never sprayed anything before, a HF purple gun is not going to do you any favors.

There is a reason that a full respray cost so much with the labor and materials involved.

I currently do have a 20 gallon compressor and that's it. No filtration system. I guess what you're saying is let someone else do it?

If you are not planning to paint more than one car, it isn't cost effective to purchase the proper equipment and materials to learn how to DIY.

I for one tried to get by on the cheap with my first restoration. Found out it was more expensive that way because I had to buy everything twice. The undersized compressor wasn't working, the cheap spray gun had issues, the inline air filter was inadequate, etc. All of this produced a crappy paint job so I had to do it all over again. New compressor, new filtration system, new spray guns, wall regulator/water trap, copper air lines, better paint booth set up, more air flow, more and better lighting and then another $1600 in primer, paint, sandpaper, etc.