Maybe not exciting to anyone else, but I love when something is actually easy for a change!
In the process of stripping and prepping a new dashboard for my car, I had been putting off the inevitable and costly process of going to the automotive paint house (where I've already spent TOO much money on supplies) to get the interior color mixed and loaded into spray cans. I had figured on spending about $300, since the dash, door panels, rear door, and interior sides (wagon) all need a fresh coat of paint.
The color is not what you'd expect to find anywhere easily; I would call it "butterscotch", and it's not really an off-the-shelf mix. Given that, I decided recently that I would try and source a commercial spray paint that was close enough, so I could save some money. Sure, I want my car to be a "concours" restoration, but realistically, that's a goal I can't reach.
Sherwin Williams - first stop. Close, no cigar. Home Depot was right up the street. I walk up to the paint area, and Rustoleum has a new line of colors (Painter's touch Ultra Cover) that look like they were made for someone who is interested in doing home accents. One color hits my eye - "Khaki". I had taken a piece in from the car to have a good match; the cap on the can was a bit darker, but it was close.
Curiousity peaked, I buy two cans and head for the car. Cap comes off, and I spray a little bit on the piece I had brought. I'LL BE ZOOPED, the color is nearly a DEAD MATCH to what I needed. Unbelieveable!!! At $3.44 a can, I can buy 10 cans, get evrything painted, and spend about 1/10th what I would have to get original mixed enamel at the paint store. This money can be well spent elsewhere!!
SOMETIMES, though rarely, things work out suprisingly well. If it was boring for you, sorry, but the odds were against me on this one, and I got a triple "7" on this pull of the handle!!! Made my day!!
Chris
that is great it is always good to save money I got similarly lucky once a local store bought out some paint supplys and i found a few touch up cans for a $1 each. now they are all gone and i cant find that color any more. keep up the great restore on your car.
It's the simple anticipations that small progresses bring, especially cosmetic ones. I painted my glove box door, hinge and ashtray tonite - WOW!!! Unbelieveable, the interior is going to POP when it is done. I am already envisioning my brand new dash, completely repainted, with restored dash cap, repro A/C panel, and everything else shined/touched up, it's gonna be amazing.
What a sweet, sweet thought to have a restored vehicle. I did it only once before, never finished it (sold it in primer - my '57 Chevy), so I am definitely gonna see this Pinto through to the end. Can't wait. MORE PICS as I progress this Fall - the Summer has been long and hot, and I am SO looking forward to the cooler weather AND having the shop space to work in. Things should start to cool nicely in 2-3 weeks.
Chris
Wow! Glad you thought outside the box on that one.
I was in the same predictament you were with my 72 Olds. I needed just enough paint to do the door hinges. A trip to lowes saved me. A can of Rustoleum appliance paint in "biscuit" color was almost an exact match! At 3 bucks, I was very happy! ;D
Sounds like I need to come by and paint my visor rod some day...
If you need some help with anything, just holler!
Yeah Rob, it was pretty cool; I think you'll like the results. I >do< need your help :P, check out the email I sent you. Two junked cars need us to raid them....
Chris