Paint match recommendations? (1 Viewer)

[coocookatoom]

Hey everyone,

Had my first kid this year so I need a little more room than an extended cab Tacoma. I just purchased a 2003 Ash Blue Mica GX470 w 113k miles that seems to be in great shape and kept up to date on maintenance. I haven’t actually seen it in person yet but had friends (a current gx owner of the same year) and family inspect and test drive and it seemed to be too good of a deal to pass up. It’s exactly what I’m after and a blank canvas for a future adventure wagon. My buddy is driving it out from GA to CO in a few weeks, needless to say I’m very excited.

There are a few cosmetic blemishes which aren’t a big deal, but one thing I do want to address is the end caps of the roof rack. It’s missing 3 of them. I’m undecided if I want to add a platform rack at this point, so I just plan to get some replacement caps for now. eBay has some cheap sets in black, but I want to spray them with a color match paint. While I’m at it I may touch up a few other blend.

Any suggestions or experience with some color match spray cans? I’ve seen a few multi-step systems but don’t know how close they are to matching?

Anyone had experience with these brands?

Spectral paints (primer, paint, clear coat)
Scratches happen
Paint my ride (Amazon)

TIA

 

[JFin]

Good Afternoon. I'd recommend Duplicolor paint, you can get the color code form the plat on the drivers side door frame, Duplicator will match via that code. I'd recommend a primer first with light sanding, primer, clean with alcohol and a microfiber cloth, feather your paint, it recommends a 30 min between coats....which is in addition to the primer you select...I'd recommend at least 3 light (as in just wiped on) to prevent any sags...let that dry so that is the primer (+ manufacturers recommended drying time) 1.5 hours of 3 light coats of paint and I'd recommend get a Duplicator clear coat but I'd wait until the next day and again alcohol and microfiber before you clear coat....2 to 3 coats again light and wait 48 hours minimum for all of that to dry before you polish, wax and blend in....for what that is worth. I hope this is helpful to you.

Also, unsure if the caps are just plain missing or if the plastic tabs are broken off. If you have the caps, you can "make" them on the cap itself with baking soda and super glue. A little powder, a drop of glue, don't touch it...it's going to be hot. do that a few times, you can sand, Dremel or whatever to get the shape and even paint over when complete. Also good for reinforcing those plastic pieces, and they'll never break ever again. Also, I put a little wire loop on the inside of parts to paint, so I can hang and paint without touching, I hang in the garage, after holding the hanger to hold the part, paint and let it dry...it has been a good process for me. Again, hope that is helpful to you.

Good Luck and a very nice looking rig! Take care! ~John

 

[coocookatoom]

Thanks John, this is super helpful. I’ll give the Duplicolor a shot. I appreciate the tips on finishing too, clearly have done much auto paint.

I’m not sure either if the clips are present. I haven’t seen the truck in person though the seller was very upfront about the cosmetic blemishes. I figure this will be a relatively quick fix until I can decide if I want a platform rack or not.

 

[JFin]

Thanks John, this is super helpful. I’ll give the Duplicolor a shot. I appreciate the tips on finishing too, clearly have done much auto paint.

I’m not sure either if the clips are present. I haven’t seen the truck in person though the seller was very upfront about the cosmetic blemishes. I figure this will be a relatively quick fix until I can decide if I want a platform rack or not.

Happy to help....many folks have provided insight and tips and just trying to return the favor. I guess a good thing would be if you are getting the covers you can paint and have them ready once you receive. Take Care and happy MOD'ing.....it is addictive. LOL. Take Care.

 

[stupidchicken03]

I had my local paint specialty store make some Ash Blue Mica for me.
I paint matched the front grill to get rid of the chrome

 

[coocookatoom]

I had my local paint specialty store make some Ash Blue Mica for me.
I paint matched the front grill to get rid of the chrome

View attachment 3744108

Looks like they matched it really well too. Looks good!