Patina or Paint?

[waynet]

Should we leave as Patina or Paint our '48 M47 Pickup? Looks is one thing but body preservation is another. Help us decide which option will help retain the value of this classic.

[jrvariel48]

leave it!

[mercman from oz]

Neat looking 1948 Mercury M47 Pick-Up. Leave it exactly like it is.

[19Fordy]

Is that the genuine "nature made" patina or " man made" simulation?

To preserve and increase the value of your truck, paint it.

[Grassman]

Leave it like it is, You will drive it more and they were made to be used. put an expensive paint and body work job on it and You will be afraid to get a scratch or dent so it will sit. There fun to drive so have fun.

[Krylon32]

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Leave it as is.

[raybee]

Leave it.

[Shoovel]

Leave it. Looks very cool.

[NealinCA]

I have a similar dilemma...

[sunshine]

Leave it , there is always later ,you can’t undo a restoration .

[1937sedandelivery]

Absolutely leave it as is...

[Roger W Gerow]

It's only original once!

[tubman]

Boy, this is an easy crowd.

[cas3]

No need to preserve it, its lasted 70 years without rusting to death. just keep it dry and stored inside and it will go another 70 years at least.

[WRA]

Yep, Leave it

[joe 1950]

leave it don’t mess with an original that looks that good

[JSeery]

I vote for leave it.

[FrankWest]

Originally Posted by waynet

Should we leave as Patina or Paint our '48 M47 Pickup? Looks is one thing but body preservation is another. Help us decide which option will help retain the value of this classic.

Do not pant, It will just look like any other newly painted old truck.
use Johson Paste wax gives a beautiful antique finish.

[FrankWest]

Originally Posted by NealinCA

I have a similar dilemma...

I was told by a guy with a truck with NO paint ON HIS 1929 TRUCK to use Johnson PaSTE WAX ON MY CAR. iT WAS THE BEST ADVICE i EVERY GOT.
bEAFOR THAT i WAS USING Gibbs OIL. lOOKED GOOD BUT ALL THE DUST STUCK TO IT.
With the paste wax iT LOOKS BEAUTIFUL and has ANTIQUE FINISH.
It is actually fun to polish small sections at a time..and boy does it shine...Real rich looking.

[waynet]

Originally Posted by 19Fordy

Is that the genuine "nature made" patina or " man made" simulation?

To preserve and increase the value of your truck, paint it.

I can only assume it is original Patina as there is minor rust out at the bottom of the passenger fender and surface rust dust under the body work. It looks untouched.

[waynet]

Originally Posted by Grassman

Leave it like it is, You will drive it more and they were made to be used. put an expensive paint and body work job on it and You will be afraid to get a scratch or dent so it will sit. There fun to drive so have fun.

That is a very good point Sir.

[waynet]

Originally Posted by sunshine

Leave it , there is always later ,you can’t undo a restoration .

Another good point. So I guess human face lift cant be undone either?

[waynet]

Originally Posted by cas3

No need to preserve it, its lasted 70 years without rusting to death. just keep it dry and stored inside and it will go another 70 years at least.

That is a worthy point.

[waynet]

Originally Posted by FrankWest

Do not pant, It will just look like any other newly painted old truck.
use Johson Paste wax gives a beautiful antique finish.

Now that is a great idea Sir. Would a Lacquer sealant job be a poor choice?

[waynet]

Originally Posted by NealinCA

I have a similar dilemma...

I'm glad I am not alone. Yours looks splendid the way it is. Maybe I have answered my own question.

[waynet]

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Originally Posted by Roger W Gerow

It's only original once!

True Sir!

[waynet]

Originally Posted by FrankWest

I was told by a guy with a truck with NO paint ON HIS 1929 TRUCK to use Johnson PaSTE WAX ON MY CAR. iT WAS THE BEST ADVICE i EVERY GOT.
bEAFOR THAT i WAS USING Gibbs OIL. lOOKED GOOD BUT ALL THE DUST STUCK TO IT.
iT LOOKS BEAUTIFUL ANTIQUE FINISH.

Wax seems to be a popular option in the replies. Are there any disadvantages?

[waynet]

Originally Posted by 19Fordy

Is that the genuine "nature made" patina or " man made" simulation?

To preserve and increase the value of your truck, paint it.

Stick to the original color do you think or is there a color that better suits this vehicle?

[40 Deluxe]

Originally Posted by waynet

Should we leave as Patina or Paint our '48 M47 Pickup? Looks is one thing but body preservation is another. Help us decide which option will help retain the value of this classic.

If you're just going to flip it to make a quick buck, leave it for the new owner to pick the color.
If it's a keeper, fix the dents and rust and repaint it! It doesn't have to be a professional high dollar look-at-me job. Just a quality (even at home) job. Show the world that you like your ride and take pride in it!
When I was a teenager these were just old trucks, but we'd be ashamed to be seen in something that looked this bad!

[mercman from oz]

Another vehicle with Patina - 1932 Ford Pick-Up.

[RalphG]

Its a personal preference. I'll go with patina on my Merc simply because to do a proper paint job I'd need to do a lot of metal replacement and body work first. A lot of money to invest plus the fact I'd be scared to drive my dusty gravel roads anymore. The patina trend came along at just the right time for me. I get compliments at car shows on it. And I'm not afraid to drive home on the gravel roads.

[Talkwrench]

Fancy paint work you'll drive it less

[waynet]

Originally Posted by RalphG

Its a personal preference. I'll go with patina on my Merc simply because to do a proper paint job I'd need to do a lot of metal replacement and body work first. A lot of money to invest plus the fact I'd be scared to drive my dusty gravel roads anymore. The patina trend came along at just the right time for me. I get compliments at car shows on it. And I'm not afraid to drive home on the gravel roads.

We have gravel roads as well so an imperfect body would fit well.

[outlaw]

I guess I'm one of the odd ducks, I like paint.

[expavr]

The attached photos show my tonner as bought with patina and as it was restored 10+ years later. The reason for the body off restoration was to address metal cancer and maintenance issues that were easier to tackle without the sheet metal in the way. Since restoration it has been driven many more miles in its restored finery than it did with patina and has gotten a whole lot more thumbs up from other drivers. Also the third photo shows that even all gussied up it was/is used to haul stuff. Granted it isn't exactly the same as when it came off the assembly line, but IMO it has a better chance of making it thru another 80+ years in its restored condition which was one of the reasons that the restoration was done. That said its your truck to enjoy as you see fit...

Les Williams

[Clem Clement]

Leave it. It it gets wet, wash with 10% kerosene weekly

[waynet]

Originally Posted by expavr

The attached photos show my tonner as bought with patina and as it was restored 10+ years later. The reason for the body off restoration was to address metal cancer and maintenance issues that were easier to tackle without the sheet metal in the way. Since restoration it has been driven many more miles in its restored finery than it did with patina and has gotten a whole lot more thumbs up from other drivers. Also the third photo shows that even all gussied up it was/is used to haul stuff. Granted it isn't exactly the same as when it came off the assembly line, but IMO it has a better chance of making it thru another 80+ years in its restored condition which was one of the reasons that the restoration was done. That said its your truck to enjoy as you see fit...

Les Williams

What a honey of a truck even in it's original state.

[waynet]

Originally Posted by FrankWest

I was told by a guy with a truck with NO paint ON HIS 1929 TRUCK to use Johnson PaSTE WAX ON MY CAR. iT WAS THE BEST ADVICE i EVERY GOT.
bEAFOR THAT i WAS USING Gibbs OIL. lOOKED GOOD BUT ALL THE DUST STUCK TO IT.
With the paste wax iT LOOKS BEAUTIFUL and has ANTIQUE FINISH.
It is actually fun to polish small sections at a time..and boy does it shine...Real rich looking.

Do you have an example to show?

[waynet]

Originally Posted by Clem Clement

Leave it. It it gets wet, wash with 10% kerosene weekly

Will kero help prevent rust?

[tubman]

Originally Posted by Clem Clement

Leave it. It it gets wet, wash with 10% kerosene weekly

What do you use to dilute the kerosene?

[FrankWest]

Originally Posted by waynet

Now that is a great idea Sir. Would a Lacquer sealant job be a poor choice?

If you sprey it with lacquer/clear "paint" that could give it a cheesy look that may actually ruin the surface. The paste wax would not destroy the original paint.

[itslow]

A proper paint job is time consuming and expensive, and there's not much worse than a poorly done paint job.

Leave the patina.

[Lanny]

Quote:
Originally Posted by FrankWest View Post
I was told by a guy with a truck with NO paint ON HIS 1929 TRUCK to use Johnson PaSTE WAX ON MY CAR. iT WAS THE BEST ADVICE i EVERY GOT.
bEAFOR THAT i WAS USING Gibbs OIL. lOOKED GOOD BUT ALL THE DUST STUCK TO IT.
With the paste wax iT LOOKS BEAUTIFUL and has ANTIQUE FINISH.
It is actually fun to polish small sections at a time..and boy does it shine...Real rich looking.


[QUOTE=waynet;Do you have an example to show?



Frank, waynet would like to see pictures of your vehicle and I'm sure many
here would like to see what your vehicle, as you describe it, looks like.




.

[FrankWest]

1933 original pain. There are scratches and some areas where primer shows but overall I like the look. I do little areas at a time and after several weeks the entire car is done then I redo it again and again. It is very satisfying.

[waynet]

Originally Posted by FrankWest

1933 original pain. There are scratches and some areas where primer shows but overall I like the look. I do little areas at a time and after several weeks the entire car is done then I redo it again and again. It is very satisfying.

Waxing over the entire Patina, as in our pickup, would actually enhance it's original look and protect bare metal? Is any rubbing down of body work with steel wool etc required prior to waxing. Your method would be interesting to know. Thanks.

[FrankWest]

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Originally Posted by waynet

Waxing over the entire Patina, as in our pickup, would actually enhance it's original look and protect bare metal? Is any rubbing down of body work with steel wool etc required prior to waxing. Your method would be interesting to know. Thanks.

no steel wool....don't remove any original paint, just wax over it.
as I said. I originally used Gibbs oil as a finish. The oil actually hide scratches in the original paint giving it a nice finish, but the oil attracted dust. The johson wax provide a more lasting finish. Without wax my car has a dull original paint finish.
Funny thing..If you ever saw the movie Bonnie and Clyde with fay dunnaway, The cars in that film look like they were painted with a paint brush..Very poor paint job for major budget film.

[FrankWest]

wash your car/truck let dry then apply very thin amount of wax,let it sit for 1/2 or so then buff off. If you put too think a coat you will have a hell of a time buffing it off.
People, including myself have forgotton how to paste wax. so you have to learn again.
apply very very thin coats and they buff off. Buffing is best achieved with cotton undershirts or similar material.
They guy that told me about this process was a genius and has greatly affected my antique car appearance. I will find his name and share it here.

[STEVE O]

Never tried it but sounds good. Does it turn white in rough areas where you can't rub it off? Thanks

[RalphG]

I did use steel wool but only on areas where the paint was down to metal and had slight surface rust. It smoothed down to bare metal and then I did a "rattle can" spray of the clear varnish you can buy in any hardware store. Only on areas where the paint was thin or gone. Any original paint I used Turtle rubbing compound to shine up the original paint. Then regular car wax. I'm happy with the results and its not rusting any more. The clear coat has not peeled or cracked but then this car is stored indoors all the time.

[Ken/Alabama]

Just enjoy it.

[Pat's Ride]

In my opinion leave it for now. When the patina wave subsides consider painting it. I enjoy my F100 because I don't worry about where I park, or who parks next to me. With the 38 I'm much more careful. The 38 gets more attention and it is a bit more favorite of mine.


[IMG][/IMG]

[TomT/Williamsburg]

Leave it be but I would spray it with a clear matte finish to hold it …..

[waynet]

Originally Posted by TomT/Williamsburg

Leave it be but I would spray it with a clear matte finish to hold it …..

Will a clear matte take to bare metal and eventually start to peal?

[FrankWest]

The genius that told me about the paste wax was Dave Allder. I think he may be on the forum? Not sure.
He waxed his truck which had almost no paint, and everyone loves the look.
Don't spray with clear coat it will look cheesy and can even ruin the original paint.

[FrankWest]

Originally Posted by STEVE O

Never tried it but sounds good. Does it turn white in rough areas where you can't rub it off? Thanks

apply very sparingly, then wait 1/2 hour or so and buff off. It will not leave white residue unless you apply too thick a coat then you will have to buff and buff lard to remove the excess.
Apply just a very thin coating of wax.
Just very lightly run your applicator/or old sock over the wax in the can then apply. I usually do 2 square ft or so at a time.
I purchased a stack of polishing towels but like the feel of old undershirt's "cotton" material. It does a better joy. If I keep polishing my car I will soon be walking around with No undershirt. With this technique, you can lose your shirt, literally.

[aussie merc]

Its your truck do what YOU want some would Paint others will leave alone ihave my opinion and thats what it is MY OPINION BUT its your truck so please yourself and enjoy

[JayChicago]

I agree with aussie merc. Do what YOU like.

It’s a tough decision. As we see from all the comments above, there are pros and cons each way. When I am faced with one of these tough decisions, I usually do nothing. I wait some time in the hopes a clear way to proceed will come to me later.

[FrankWest]

Remember once you repaint you can't go back. Wax or Gibbs oil you can clean off and then repaint if you are not satisfied.

[Lanny]

Originally Posted by waynet

Will a clear matte take to bare metal and eventually start to peal?

Rust OLeum spray can of 2X Ultra Cover Matte Clear will stick to
about most anything you spray it on.
The trouble with spray cans, is the recoat-time listed on the back
of each can.
Small things can be done by the manufactures recoat times listed
on the back of the can. (recoat within 30 min OR wait 24 hours).
BIG things are a lot harder to keep the recoat times on.
If you recoat in an hour or two or five, you can get paint wrinkles, so
read the recoat times listed on back of the spray can.
Also, temperature and humidity has a lot to do with how well
spray paint turns out.

I've Never tried this product listed below, but sounds like it is pretty
easy to use, and sticks to most everything you spray it on, and lasts
quite a long time. Might just work for what you want to do.

https://carcarereviews.net/nexgen-ceramic-spray.php




.

[JSeery]

Originally Posted by Pat's Ride

In my opinion leave it for now. When the patina wave subsides consider painting it. I enjoy my F100 because I don't worry about where I park, or who parks next to me. With the 38 I'm much more careful. The 38 gets more attention and it is a bit more favorite of mine.


[IMG][/IMG]

LOVE the 38 std look!!!

[Pat's Ride]

Originally Posted by JSeery

LOVE the 38 std look!!!

Thanks for the compliment. I appreciate it.

Pat

[Lanny]

Originally Posted by Pat's Ride

In my opinion leave it for now. When the patina wave subsides consider painting it. I enjoy my F100 because I don't worry about where I park, or who parks next to me. With the 38 I'm much more careful. The 38 gets more attention and it is a bit more favorite of mine.


[IMG][/IMG]

I always liked the '38 Standard front end sheet metal just a little
bit better than the Deluxe model that year, Yours looks very nice.





.

[tubman]

I agree with Lanny on this. I think, with the possible exception of the 1940 models, this is the only pre-war Ford where this is true.

[Lanny]

Originally Posted by tubman

I agree with Lanny on this. I think, with the possible exception of the 1940 models, this is the only pre-war Ford where this is true.

Yep, I agree Denny. The '40 Deluxe grill is a nice looking assembly. It is
tough to beat the simple great look of the '40 Standard ('39 Deluxe) grill.





.

[tubman]

Lanny, just so's ya know, I prefer the '39 DeLuxe over either model '40.

[GB SISSON]

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I have been involved with old ford trucks now for 48 years. I have never ever paid so much as a dollar for anyone to paint one. If the 'patina' wasn't good I pulled out a brush and the flattest paint I could find and painted it. I came on tonight to say that I don't feel the 'patina thing' will ever pass. Not unless you think LL Bean and Eddie Bauer and Target and Walmart wil ever stop selling 'broken in' jeans, pre-washed, whatever. Ever watch the 'Antiques Road Show'????? "If your mother hadn't ground off the original finish that we see under the seat of this circa 1772 Conneticutt Valley Govener Wobbley Chair and applied 6 coats of varathane, it would have been worth 30,000.00. As is we would venture to say 6,000.00 tops ."

[waynet]

Originally Posted by JayChicago

I agree with aussie merc. Do what YOU like.

It’s a tough decision. As we see from all the comments above, there are pros and cons each way. When I am faced with one of these tough decisions, I usually do nothing. I wait some time in the hopes a clear way to proceed will come to me later.

Seems sensible advice.

[waynet]

Originally Posted by GB SISSON

I have been involved with old ford trucks now for 48 years. I have never ever paid so much as a dollar for anyone to paint one. If the 'patina' wasn't good I pulled out a brush and the flattest paint I could find and painted it. I came on tonight to say that I don't feel the 'patina thing' will ever pass. Not unless you think LL Bean and Eddie Bauer and Target and Walmart wil ever stop selling 'broken in' jeans, pre-washed, whatever. Ever watch the 'Antiques Road Show'????? "If your mother hadn't ground off the original finish that we see under the seat of this circa 1772 Conneticutt Valley Govener Wobbley Chair and applied 6 coats of varathane, it would have been worth 30,000.00. As is we would venture to say 6,000.00 tops ."

Antiques Road Show is a good point Sir.

[sugarmaker]

My two pennies,
As I get older and get my own patina, it seems much easier to let the unit stay close to original condition. I know I would look strange if I lost 40 lbs, had muscles,, died my hair and beard black, had my eyes fixed so I didn't need glasses, nothing wrong with the ride hard and put away wet look if it still functions! Just my opinion. But I also still like a nice fresh refurb clean and paint car,,truck, or tractor too. You will make the right choice!
Regards,
Chris

[36Bill]

Leave it.

[flat 39]

If you paint it you will spend more money and enjoy the truck less.

[Farley's34]

Sell it to me!

[41panelmark]

Yes leave it.

[koates]

Yep, I recon leave it as is. But a correctly restored truck is a joy to behold provided it is not over restored. The colors have to be original also. Its you baby so take your best shot. Regards, Kevin.

[baceves]

This is a great post. Well my opinion will be to leave it as is. No Paint. But make sure all the chrome is perfect and shiny.

[38bill]

I'd leave it but would add some kind of sign or graphics on the doors that have a matching patina.

[Tinker]

Please don't put a logo on the side. If it wasn't there don't add it. If it was there, then you could have a pinstriper rework it. Personally I'm not a fan of putting a fake business logo on the side of an old truck. It's just a personal opinion and I've found my opinion is not always right.

Just clean and oil the exterior. People use everything from motor oil to kroil. It'll be fine for another 20 yrs.

If you can commit to a paint job and do it right. do it. But the truck is all together now and drives.
.

[waynet]

Originally Posted by 38bill

I'd leave it but would add some kind of sign or graphics on the doors that have a matching patina.

Now that is a dapper idea young man. Perhaps something like "Ford Barn"?

[waynet]

[QUOTE=Tinker;2039602]Please don't put a logo on the side. If it wasn't there don't add it. If it was there, then you could have a pinstriper rework it. Personally I'm not a fan of putting a fake business logo on the side of an old truck. It's just a personal opinion and I've found my opinion is not always right.

Just clean and oil the exterior. People use everything from motor oil to kroil. It'll be fine for another 20 yrs.

If you can commit to a paint job and do it right. do it. But the truck is all together now and drives.
.[/QUOT
Nothing wrong with your thinking. Maybe a removeable magnetized one do you think?

[Tinker]

Like I mentioned it's just my personal opinion waynet. All good as I don't own it. Just an opinion. It's not a comment on Bills truck (that thing is a work of art) or a negative to him for having an opinion (note his truck doesn't have a logo on it). It's just an opinion. If a guy want's to paint his car lime green with tiger stripe interior all good.


If you are advertising your own real business. Cool. But it just seems hokey or kitch to me otherwise if one was not there before. Just my opinion...

[38bill]

Yup, Its all about personal choice. Since I repainted my truck a different color I didn't want door signs but I really like them on the old patina trucks even if they were not original to the truck. Its a fun way to personalize your ride.

[NealinCA]

I didn't want fake door signs painted on my 32 pu, but I made sideboards, had a local sign painter letter them and then fake patina'd them to match the truck. It's not for everyone, but I like it.

Neal

[36and63]

I didn't want fake door signs painted on my 32 pu, but I made sideboards, had a local sign painter letter them and then fake patina'd them to match the truck. It's not for everyone, but I like it.


Very nice looking truck Neal, the side boards are perfect.

Pat

[Tinker]

Cool metal bed side boards. Have not seen a lot of those. If they are metal?

[NealinCA]

Originally Posted by Tinker

Cool metal bed side boards. Have not seen a lot of those. If they are metal?

Thanks, they are metal clad. They are 3/4" plywood with 1x1x1/8" angle iron frames and a 20 gauge sheet metal face that the signs are painted on. I'm not one for varnished wood sideboards on pickups.

[Tinker]

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Well done. Works great with your truck without messing with the truck down the road for someone else. Wood sides would have been probably more common back then. I have them for my 38, sometimes I use them, sometimes I don't. Nice design, dig them. You inspired me to make some metal ones! Your painter did an amazing job matching.


Again just my opinion. It gets old having to repeat this.

[sugarmaker]

Neal, Those fake side boards look like the real deal. I think it would be interesting to actually see the process they used to try to match the patina look of your truck.
Regards,
Chris

[NealinCA]

Originally Posted by sugarmaker

Neal, Those fake side boards look like the real deal. I think it would be interesting to actually see the process they used to try to match the patina look of your truck.
Regards,
Chris

I did the "aging" process myself using a combination of white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide and salt in a spray bottle. It's sort of a trial and error process until you get the desired finish.

[38bill]

Great idea and great execution!

[mercman from oz]

1939 Ford Standard Coupe Utility.

[alanwoodieman]

love the 41 rear bumper--never thought of that