[YeepieJeepie]

Originally Posted by ChickenStomp

Do you have to do anything before painting the body? (Sanding, priming?) Or do you just start spraying with a rattle can from walmart?

That depends on whether you want it to look good and last or look like crap and flake off.

Prep is the foundation to any paint job. Time spent getting it grease and oil free, spotlessly clean, fixing any chipped, cracked or peeling paint, and scuffing up the previous paint will pay off. This prep, masking and polishing afterwords are the most laborious parts and this labor is why paint jobs cost so much.

As far as primer, you generally do not need to prime unless there is bare metal. If the previous paint is solid, you can scuff it up and paint over it. However, you are probably repainting because your current paint is damaged or because you are doing body work. You'll want to prime any repaired areas. The primer will also let you see how smooth your body work is and allow you to fix any imperfections before your color coat. Another reason to prime would be if you are drastically changing color (like white over red or something like that).

[Walkeraviator]

Originally Posted by Johnmac

Yep - painted mostly in the driveway between rain showers, it was pushed in and out of the garage a few times!

Spend some time prepping the surface and you can get a half decent finish.

That is gorgeous. That is exactly where i was going with my TJ before i sold it. Right down to the wheels, only i want NDTs like an old willys.

[Walkeraviator]

http://rollyourcar.com/default.aspx

check that site out. There is even a gallery of some guys old XJ painted this way...