Anyone painting their cars presently?

[Keane T]

If anyone in the Chicago area is performing body work or painting the car themselves, I would really appreciate it if you might show me some basics. Painting cars is an amazing process and something I would like to learn. Thank you.

[Mark]

Keane,

I have heard of other vintage car owners taking Auto Body / Paint courses at their local Community College to learn the basics on restoration.  If you don't get a response here (unlikely at this point) that might be your best option.

Alternatively, If you have the patience to wait until next Summer, McPherson College in Kansas offers week long seminars on restoration topics. Not sure if painting is one of the subjects. 

[Porter]

www.autobodystore.com

They have a forum there. He sells some videos too.

Always good to have more knowledge.

I had access to some body shops for the knowledge and bought all the equipment as required: air compressor, spray guns, sanders, welder, etc.

Then you need a place to spray your paint too.

Not rocket science but there's always a learning curve and you need all the equipment.

Porter

[Fred Zwicker #23106]

If anyone in the Chicago area is performing body work or painting the car themselves, I would really appreciate it if you might show me some basics. Painting cars is an amazing process and something I would like to learn. Thank you.

If you go to Carlisle or Hershey, TP Tools demonstrates the use of their HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure) Paint Spray System.  Demos are hourly (or on request) by Bob Darney, who has painted hundreds of cars with this system.  Operation is relatively easy and the learning curve is minimal.  The nice thing about their system is that an air compressor is not required, as the turbine supplies the air in high volume at low pressure to eliminate almost all overspray, thus saving on paint and thinner, as well as minimizing shop cleanup time.  Demos are always available at the TP Tools facility in Canfield, Ohio if you are in the NE Ohio area.

Fred

[Keane T]

Thanks to all three members for your input. My local community colleges don't offer the course. Surprise. The link looks wonderful. And last year I was at the TP Tools display in Hershey, PA. The HVLP system looks great. Then a garage to work in that is not your own. Is gets to be a mess in a paint booth garage.
The art of painting a car properly is not one to be taken lightly and doing a fantastic job takes lots of practice. Thanks again.