1st gen paint source and advice?

[WPG93]

Hello, my truck is looking pretty rough in the paint department after 31 years.

I'm wondering what experience people have had with restoring their paint job at home? What's a good source that's been reliable for paint matching the stock colours?

My paint is 8D8, metallic light blue, here's a link if for some reason you can't find your paint code on your door jam: Toyota 4Runner 1st-Gen Color Code Chart

Do I have to remove all the old paint before I can add new paint? Is it easier to remove the panels and paint them that way? How do you block off areas you don't want to paint?

Any tips or leads on paint sources would be appreciated.

 

[asimelea]

Sanding is an important step in a paint job. Getting an exact color match is going to be difficult considering the original paint age and fade. Entire vehicle paint job may turn out better in the end and would also allow you to change colors if you wanted. I'd recommend addressing the fender rust prior to a new paint job. Painters tape and plastic are great ways to cover areas you don't want painted. I'm sure there is better advice on here than I can give. Good luck.

 

[Melrose 4r]

There is a learning curve to doing your own bodywork and paint(two different things). I did mine two summers ago and got great results. I can give some advice and post a link to my build thread where i have photos and details.
Let me try to answer some of your questions but keep in mind, i am not a professional, this is the first time i did a complete vehicle repaint.

The simplest paint job is a repaint in the same color. Each panel depending on what condition it is in may need different prep. If you have a fender that is straight and the old paint is still well-adhered, no you do not have to remove the old paint. Just use wax and grease remover, sand with the appropriate grit, and shoot over it. You do not have to take the hood, doors, fenders off(i did) but you may want to if it’s easier. You will have decisions to make along the way, like to repair rust or just buy a new fender.

I watched many videos on youtube, some over and over to understand the process. And the biggest help was doing business with an auto body supply store where i bought tools, supplies, paint and got lots of advice. Matching the color will be no problem but you will probably have to decide on quality of paint, whether to go with basecoat/clearcoat or single stage.

You’ll need a decent compressor, paint gun for color and clear and a cheap gun for primer. Have another hood, fender or metal panel for testing out filler or paint. It’s really helpful.

Buy quality fillers and paint and it will be easier to get good results. Quality paint in spray cans($$) are more available now and appropriate where needed. If you don’t have the tools, consider doing the bodywork yourself and having a shop spray it. Sometimes classes are available at local tech schools and you get to use their tools and paintbooth, and the guidance of an instructor.

I put a “wow!” Level paint job on my truck myself painting in my yard and garage but buying all the tools and supplies, it still cost me over $2500. Paint is not cheap.
Melrose 4runner 1986 restomod summer beach truck - YotaTech Forums

 

[Elvet]

The really frustrating thing is Toyota no longer sells touch up paint that matches many of the early paint codes.

 

[RAD4Runner]

The really frustrating thing is Toyota no longer sells touch up paint that matches many of the early paint codes.

Forget Toyota for Paint codes. I went to local body supplies store. They would mix your paint code and package it in Spraymax spray can (Products - SprayMax). Our first-gen MoreFunners do not use a clear topcoat that you see peeling off on 3rd-gents and later. I picked the one-stage one. There is a button you press on bottom, shake and spray. Very nice pattern. It has hardener so you need to use the can within 48-hours once activated. Approx $30 per spray can, but quality and ease of use is well worth it. I do not have a paint booth. I'd find wide open parking where there are no leaves falling and did it quickly
My main cab and touching up the fenders took 3 cans.
My fiberglas cap took another 3 cans.
The shop would also out excess blended paint in pint can without hardener so you can brush on.

 

[Howitzer]

Hey guys! It's been a few yers since I've been on here last, life has been troublesome, but I am back and look forward to being a part of the group again!

Sams Autobody Supplies in Calgary (noticed your Manitoba location) AB used to mix awesome paint cans or pints of factory colour matched paint, but it appears they have since gone out of business. I have a friend that owns a auto body shop in the countryside near Turner Valley, I will pop by his shop with a beer soon and inquire about paint supply if you'd like. If I find a suitable option in the meantime I will let you know.

 

[Ict57]

Thanks for advice re spray cans.