Beginner help needed for painting

[SpaceDawg]

Hi All,

I've been on this forum some years ago when I owned a Disco 1 and found everyone's help really useful for welding. I had a break from car restoration due to work for the past few years but no I have a T25 in need of some love.

With out going into too much detail the T25 generally is ok, but now has some seam rust on one rear quarter near the fuel filler and also a panel below a window (looks like the paint was scratched when the seals were all replaced). I had 9 panels and sections replaced about 4 years ago now and the new rust is mostly where the old panels were no replaced.

So, I want to undertake all the work myself, I'm kinda ok with the welding side after replacing lots of panels on my Disco 1. Although I don't have a welder any more so I will need to get one.

But I have not got much of a clue when it comes to paintwork. I do however have some limitations. Firstly I can't paint in my garage, its too small. So I will have to paint on the driveway (I was thinking of getting a 3mx3m gazebo) secondly I'm not really after a totally professional job, I just want to keep the T25 as rust free as possible for day trips and short weekend breaks.

So I was thinking of getting a small compressor (something like a 24l or 50l one, no room for a biggie) with a small spray gun, like a smaller detail one. My intent is not to spray the whole side of the van at a time, just one part at I time. I hope this makes sense.

Work will have to be done in the dry (laugh). Which means in the summer.

I just need some advice on what else I need, like tack cloths, I'm assuming lots of different grades of sand paper and most importantly paint that not going to kill me so a list of items would be good.

The van is not currently sprayed with 2k. I've added a picture from 2022 after a respray at the local specialist. The Van is actually very sound but with T25 needs some constant TLC. Any help would be appreciated, I want to do this myself so I can then learn a little more and move onto my W202 which is currently in pretty good condition.

I'm in West Sussex as well just in case anyone can give advise on suppliers.

 

[steveo3002]

how do you plan to deal with the rust ?

whats it painted with now ? are you hoping to do spot repairs only?

24/50ltr compressors are pretty poor , capable of painting a wheel and not much more

 

[frank horton]

a never ending Saga.....those 2,5 Transporters were made without any real rust prevative.....
This one I did years ago, now needs the rest doing....
told him to buy T4 and swop the camper gear....
A lot of money spent and another mortgage req.....
did u know most 2,5 are lost thru fires in the eng bay....!!!!!

My 99, T4, TD....all orig factory paint n wax filled from new....still got it, 440,000miles....

I rebuilt a Citroen DS Safari a total junker and it will always be.....told him the same....I found a Non rusty shell in Morroco but he was to lazy to go get it....
My advice is, go find a decent 2,5 from a hot country....S Europe, North Africa, Israel etc.....and rebuild that....It'll always be worth more than u paid....

 

[richie00boy]

You need to find out what it's painted with - 1k acrylic, cellulose, or synthetic. Then use the same.
A 50 litre compressor will be fine for what you want as long as you choose an appropriate gun - LVLP, mini gun or "compliant" (reduced air usage) full size. I've used an AirGunsa/Iwata AZ3 HTE2 with 1.3mm tip and sprayed rear quarters, wings etc with that setup.
Also factor in decent hose (not those thin curly ones) and a water trap/filter/regulator unit.
On a budget you can manage with A5 kind of size sanding blocks, but a 5 inch dual action sander connected to a vacuum cleaner makes a huge difference to the speed and quality of work and means you can avoid wet sanding.
Mixing cups and strainers or paint cup filters. Panel wipe, plenty of kitchen roll.