New guy help on painting '81 Chev.

rponfick · 11-10-2006, 09:56 AM

I have an '81 Chev. 3/4 ton, 4X4, standard bed that I am thinking of painting. Will be color change from black to red, so need to remove bed. How do you do this? It has dual saddle tanks and I assume some disconnect will be required. Interior will stay black, so just plan to mask off around inside of door and not worry about interior color change.

Have already replace some rusted fender panels and ding filling. It's sitting mostly in DP epoxy primer now waiting for spring. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Ralph.

bradrhale · 11-10-2006, 10:15 AM

disconnect your fuel neck filler lines, disconnect your wiring harness and take out the 4 bolts that holds it down. easy. cannot give advice about painting. no way in this world or another could i ever paint a truck and make it look good. or make it stick like its supposed to

rponfick · 11-10-2006, 03:41 PM

Brad, thanks for the comments. I'm glad to hear bed removal is easy. I have painted cars before, but never a truck. I have a sling and hoist, so I can probably do it myself. What part of Texas are you from? I grew up in Giddings in Central Texas.

Ralph.

bradrhale · 11-12-2006, 10:25 AM

Nacogdoches. it will be easy but not something that is enjoyable.

chevyguy · 11-12-2006, 11:49 AM

1981 long bed actually has 8 bed bolts. I have swapped mine on and off about 20 times in the past few months. Drivers front bolt will be behind the exhaust shield if equipped. Tey are 3/4 nuts

rponfick · 11-12-2006, 12:10 PM

Chevyguy, do just like to take your bed off, or do you have a purpose in mind. I couldn't resist razzing you.

Ralph.

11-10-2006, 09:56 AM	#1
rponfick Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Lafayette, CO Posts: 9	New guy help on painting '81 Chev. I have an '81 Chev. 3/4 ton, 4X4, standard bed that I am thinking of painting. Will be color change from black to red, so need to remove bed. How do you do this? It has dual saddle tanks and I assume some disconnect will be required. Interior will stay black, so just plan to mask off around inside of door and not worry about interior color change. Have already replace some rusted fender panels and ding filling. It's sitting mostly in DP epoxy primer now waiting for spring. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Ralph.

11-12-2006, 11:49 AM	#5
chevyguy Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: ALABAMA Posts: 3,370	1981 long bed actually has 8 bed bolts. I have swapped mine on and off about 20 times in the past few months. Drivers front bolt will be behind the exhaust shield if equipped. Tey are 3/4 nuts __________________ Friends dont let friends use body lifts USMC 92-96 USCG 98 to present

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
new owner of chev 2500hd ext cab	storm	Introductions	2	08-07-2006 10:04 AM
Chev. truck	jac	Introductions	3	07-27-2006 10:19 PM
88 chev 350 tbi fast idle	Kris Runnakko	Chevy Truck Forum	2	01-16-2006 04:23 PM
98 chev 02 censor 5.7 vortec	john v54	Chevy Truck Forum	9	11-24-2005 07:59 AM
1996 Chev PU 4x4 1/2 ton rear brakes question	midnightmagic	Chevy Truck Forum	1	07-28-2005 05:28 PM

11-10-2006, 10:15 AM	#2
bradrhale Senior Moderator Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 8,003	disconnect your fuel neck filler lines, disconnect your wiring harness and take out the 4 bolts that holds it down. easy. cannot give advice about painting. no way in this world or another could i ever paint a truck and make it look good. or make it stick like its supposed to

11-10-2006, 03:41 PM	#3
rponfick Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Lafayette, CO Posts: 9	Brad, thanks for the comments. I'm glad to hear bed removal is easy. I have painted cars before, but never a truck. I have a sling and hoist, so I can probably do it myself. What part of Texas are you from? I grew up in Giddings in Central Texas. Ralph.

11-12-2006, 10:25 AM	#4
bradrhale Senior Moderator Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 8,003	Nacogdoches. it will be easy but not something that is enjoyable.

11-12-2006, 12:10 PM	#6
rponfick Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Lafayette, CO Posts: 9	Chevyguy, do just like to take your bed off, or do you have a purpose in mind. I couldn't resist razzing you. Ralph.