New guy help on painting '81 Chev.

rponfick · 11-10-2006, 08:56 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, 09:15 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, 02:41 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, 09:25 AM

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

chevyguy · 11-12-2006, 10:49 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, 11:10 AM

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, 08:56 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, 10:49 AM	#5
chevyguy Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: ALABAMA Posts: 3,617	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 __________________ Some people are like slinkies, Basically useless, But fun to watch when you push them down the stairs.

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11-10-2006, 09:15 AM	#2
bradrhale Senior Moderator Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 10,625	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, 02:41 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, 09:25 AM	#4
bradrhale Senior Moderator Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 10,625	Nacogdoches. it will be easy but not something that is enjoyable.

11-12-2006, 11:10 AM	#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.