Unless you are doing a first class restoration, and need to refinish exactly as it was originally, I think Urethane is the way to go. Single stage for regular stuff, and BC/CC for nice work....or metallic.

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1982 300SD " Wotan" ..On the road as of Jan 8, 2007 with Historic Tags

I've never met a decent bodyshop that will paint over your prep work. Personally turned away almost a dozen people with that idea when I was managing a shop.
If this is your first experience with body work, then you must expect it to turn out looking really bad. Sorry, but that's the fact for 99% of the folks who decide to try. That being said, don't hesitate if that is what you want to do, just temper your expectations.

A good body shop doing a complete repaint (original color, not a color change) which involves removing moldings and glass would (in this area) likely run 3K. That is with little or no dent work and NO RUST work.
Maaco will shoot paint all over your car for a few hundred.

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On some nights I still believe that a car with the fuel gauge on empty can run about fifty more miles if you have the right music very loud on the radio. - HST

1983 300SD - 305000
1984 Toyota Landcruiser - 190000
1994 GMC Jimmy - 203000

https://media.giphy.com/media/X3nnss8PAj5aU/giphy.gif

have you thought of taking it to the local Votech or high school with an autobody class and seeing if they are willing to tackle the job, including some of the body work. They'll either charge you for the materials, or have you provide them. In some cases, it may be considered a tax deduction if you have to provide the materials.

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1987 560SL
85,000 miles

there is a Votech place here but they dont cover paint, it's just repair. I dont mind keeping it the same color. I'd prefer that actually... I'll need to decide if I want to try it or have someone do it I guess... thankfully no rust. just a couple dents

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hum.....
1987 300TD 311,000M Stolen. Presumed destroyed

New paint doesn't hide dents or less than perfect body repairs--it makes them more obvious.

cmbdiesel---I HATE seeing cars that have been repainted w/o someone having flatted the panels fist. Nice shiny paint, and well done, but ripples.

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1982 300SD " Wotan" ..On the road as of Jan 8, 2007 with Historic Tags

My favorite is when you can see where they sanded their bodywork with a brick...

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On some nights I still believe that a car with the fuel gauge on empty can run about fifty more miles if you have the right music very loud on the radio. - HST

1983 300SD - 305000
1984 Toyota Landcruiser - 190000
1994 GMC Jimmy - 203000

https://media.giphy.com/media/X3nnss8PAj5aU/giphy.gif

Mine is when their asking price is justified by the new paint job.

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1982 300SD " Wotan" ..On the road as of Jan 8, 2007 with Historic Tags

at this rate I might just say the heck with it and not bother at all..

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hum.....
1987 300TD 311,000M Stolen. Presumed destroyed

Don't listen to the nay sayers and just do it. Use proper paint and not rustoleum (not that i think it's bad) and if you cock it up then sand it back and do it again.

Just make sure you get a good mask so that you can do it again

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With best regards

Al

I believe we have all had those feelings of self-doubt. Cant let them stop you from acheiving your goal.

Bodywork requires a lot of patience.

Patience has never been one of my strongpoints- but I was able to overcome that charecter flaw-and achieve my goals with my SD.

If I can do it..you can.

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CHILCUTT~
The secret to a long life. Is knowing when it is time to leave.

the body work is not the problem. It's simple dents with one challenge by the rear tail light. I'm not worried about that at all... for the paint I'm thinkin the heck with it. I'm not setup for it anyways. just a stupid idea I guess

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hum.....
1987 300TD 311,000M Stolen. Presumed destroyed

It's your choice.
Just know that there are plenty of people here willing to offer advice.

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CHILCUTT~
The secret to a long life. Is knowing when it is time to leave.

Not a stupid idea at all.
But it is an idea that requires some fore-thought. You know, the old " count the cost" idea.
I do some car painting, and it can be rewarding, but you don't just rush out and do it.

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1982 300SD " Wotan" ..On the road as of Jan 8, 2007 with Historic Tags

give it a go. sounds like you want to try it out, and as long as you temper your expectations, you will probably do just fine.

hopefully the truck is not your daily driver, so you could work on it piecemeal. I would pull the bed and work one side of it until you get the results you are looking for, then go after the other side, then the cab. Be sure to set the bed up at a comfortable working height, as it is much easier to do good work, and see your bodywork, when you aren't bent over. Pretty good kind of vehicle to start on, as you can do it in sections without making a mess.

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On some nights I still believe that a car with the fuel gauge on empty can run about fifty more miles if you have the right music very loud on the radio. - HST

1983 300SD - 305000
1984 Toyota Landcruiser - 190000
1994 GMC Jimmy - 203000

https://media.giphy.com/media/X3nnss8PAj5aU/giphy.gif

Anyone and everyone who wants to paint a car needs to do it once.

Then they will appreciate the cost & time & expertise for having it done right.

An outfit like Macco is your best bet.

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"Our Lady of Blessed Acceleration...
don't Fail Us Now"