Well I didn't update this thread very good and didn't take enough pics to do what I intended to do. This pic is with the front end sanded and filled. Most of it is masked off too and I have the plastic up that I used for my makeshift paint booth.
I ended up finding WAY more rust than I expected. There was quite a bit forming under the running board on the pass side too that I had no idea about. I got all of the rust out there and the rear 1/4 behind the wheel was pretty bad where the exhaust comes out. I got rid of everything I could, but it is going to return there at some point because there were a few small holes on the very bottom. It must be a common problems because they sell that small piece as replacement sheetmetal.
My back also had issues doing the work (lost 2 weeks+) and the place putting my snow tires on cracked a wheel so I scrambled to fix that since we were already down a vehicle. Anyway, she is all painted now and I can say that I was way too meticulous about it. I am a perfectionist and should have went quicker.
Tips for anyone else:
Clean the gun really good every time! It is easy to do and the very first time I didn't get it cleaned out right away as I ran in to some issues.
Make sure you have a good paint respirator. Mine was great, 3M one from Home Depot for organic paints.
I would recommend getting a paint and primer gun if you are going to do this. The primer is a bitch to clean out.
You need LOTS of light. I got some sweet LED trouble lights at Lowes for $20 each and they are bright as hell.
Keep your eye on the damn hose! My work space was a bit tighter than I thought it would be and brushed the hose against the paint twice. Pissed me off! It sanded out easy enough, but still a pain.
I would really recommend doing a test panel. I was planning on it and I didn't. My 3rd coat I put on I was drastically better then the 1st. By the end I was doing pretty damn good.
Ventilation is key! Especially when clear coating. By the time my 3rd coat of clear was going on I couldn't hardly see the freaking truck. It is only 5-10 min between coats of clear and I put 3 on. I got a few runs from that, none on the 1st 2 coats or the base coats.
Another before pic of the front:
Paint booth and front sanded/glazed
Paint gun setup - HF gun, HF regulator, inline filter and smaller flexible hose.
