Just paint

[FishNinJay]

Sorry, I know this is a noob question. I haven't found anything on the FAQ.

I've been looking at FJs for awhile.. and ideally, I think I decided that I'd *prefer* a 1981+ rig, in red. I have seen a few that look really solid and at good prices, but the wrong color. As I am not so mechanically inclined (yet), I think for now, I am wanting a stock engine/drivetrain to eliminate the variable of exactly how an engine was converted or drivetrain tinkering. Assuming it's in sound mechanical condition.. how big a job is it to do a total repaint only. Do I need to lift the body off the frame completely? Hoist the engine out to access the bay? I guess basically, I'm wondering if it is worth it.. and if I do end up doing it, then it seems that would be the time to do any major engine/drivetrain, frame. work. That would be a frame-off restore then, right?

Any rough estimates on how much such a re-paint project would cost?

Otherwise, I could just be patient and wait. There are plenty of red ones out there. (I just missed a nice local 1981 red FJ40 on eBay.. )

Ok.. thanks! -J

 

[Poser]

No such thing as "just paint".


Late model truck re-paint?

Inside and out?

You talk about removing the engine, are you going to remove everything else off the fenders and tub in the engine compartment in order to make it all one color?



You are looking at spending at least 8K on this color change, and that does not include any possible body work or parts replacements.

 

[Texx]

No way it's worth it for a correct color change. Wait for the one you want, or compromise.

 

[FishNinJay]

No such thing as "just paint".

8< snip

does not include any possible body work or parts replacements.

haha.. and what are the chances of discovering more body work or parts once the body is off..

That's kind of what I figured. If it's $8k, then I'll just wait for a nice one in as good condition as I can afford, in the color I want.

Thanks

 

[makomark]

I just did a frame on Red from Red. To do it right you need to disassemble all the pieces and kill the rust. i have seen a few cruisers where they try to re-paint as-is and the rust comes back within a year. I think nothing looks worse when you partially change the color, like a red exterior with a beige interior. Its not that hard to take apart it just takes time. Heres some before and after pics.

 

[AATLAS1X]

Get out your check book out.

$1,200 - $1,500 will go to media blasting all panels to bare metal.

Shane

 

[FishNinJay]

NICE!! I want one..

Yeah, I'll just wait. I'm not dead-set on red, but I seem to like those the best.
The sahara tan (beige?) is also nice.

Speaking of killing rust..
I know small amounts of surface rust are common. Is there anything local that you guys do to slow down or treat small surface rust areas? I know touch-up paint will just cover it up, and eventually bubble up thru the paint, right? Anything more aggressive, but easy.. that will slow down the rust monster? I can't afford a full restore, so whatever one I get, will likely have some minor surface or hinge rust.

 

[FishNinJay]

Get out your check book out.

$1,200 - $1,500 will go to media blasting all panels to bare metal.

Shane

Thanks Shane.. I've seen your work.

I'll just wait to get the color I want, in the best condition I can afford.. or buy a project and have it shipped direct to YOU!

 

[Ziffdaddy]

My humble advice on color is to try and stay open to other colors. Go to some get togethers and see different ones in person. When I started looking, red was the last color I wanted in a cruiser. Lo and behold I ended up with a red one and think it's the greatest thing ever . But, I originally really only wanted the light beige....look at a bunch and the right one will pick you! Man, that sounded deep, huh? Good luck!

Stephen Z.

 

[FishNinJay]

My humble advice on color is to try and stay open to other colors. Go to some get togethers and see different ones in person. When I started looking, red was the last color I wanted in a cruiser. Lo and behold I ended up with a red one and think it's the greatest thing ever . But, I originally really only wanted the light beige....look at a bunch and the right one will pick you! Man, that sounded deep, huh? Good luck!

Stephen Z.

That's me exactly! I was so convinced that I only wanted the beige, that I convinced my co-worker to buy a beige FJ Cruiser! But, after seeing a bunch, and test driving a few red ones, I seem to have changed. There's a green one down the block from my house.. that color looks nice too. I'm open..

I'm also debating on how open and flexible I should be on the year. I think I want '81 or later, but there seem to be a lot of nice "78s and "79s out there.

Again, thanks for all the advice, encouragement, and pictures!

 

[MDTyree]

There is a nice red 78 on ebay, I don't know how to post a link to it but it looks nice. The only thing is it is in GA.
Good Luck

 

[Ziffdaddy]

I did have one definite for my search....it had to be pre emissions...(75'or earlier in CA). I had a 76' bmw that I loved and ended up selling it ONLY because of the emissions crap (not that it wouldn't pass, just that it was so restricted and all that stupid plumbing). Again, my .02! You'll have to do a run up here when you get it.

Stephen

 

[BDSeff1fitty]

me fixing my engine conversion has me $11k in right now and dont even have a rolling chassis. get the frame back tomorrow to start the rebuild. build thread coming soon finally

you will tear it apart and find something you dont like and then find something else you dont like, then you will think well im already here i might as well do this, and then 10k later you might be done

 

[copasspupil]

That is experience talking right there. Like the book "The Neverending Story"...

 

[flow2311]

Is there anything local that you guys do to slow down or treat small surface rust areas?

Sand to bare metal and touch up the area with new paint.