I am about ready to paint my GT. I plan to do it with all the panels off. I will be using enamel paint due to health concerns and also a HVLP gun from Harbor Freight.

Looking for a very good finish for a street daily runner. This is my first spray job so not expecting a show type finish.

What is the best deal for a portable Air Compressor?

Looking at

Home Depot
Harbor Freight
Lowes
Sears

Any suggestions?

may not be the info you are looking for but make sure whatever you buy will keep up with the demands of the spray gun--they are rated for so much flow at so much pressure--the spray gun that is --then make sure you buy a compressor that will drive your spray gun
One nice thing is that when you get a compressor that will run a spray gun, it will also drive your air ratchet, die grinder etc;

Take it from me, make sure its above 7cfm and belt driven.

Dito on the belt driven, I bought one of those oiles direct drive models and the noies drives me crazy!!! also have you checked the classifides?

Of course knowone will have a good used one untill you buy a new one!

Ya, CFM is the only important number. My compressor has 17 cfm and it works fine. Id look for at least 10 cfm or possibly rent one that big for a day or two. The tank size and pressure dont mean anything...CFM. With hot & humid summer heat, make sure you have a good moisture trap and wouldnt hurt to add a disposable one on the gun itself too for $5.

Enamel paint? You sure you want to do that? I'd certainly recommend something else for a beginner. Enamel is a very UNforgiving paint, and health concerns are the same for any automotive painting.

Mark the concerned one

What paint would you recommend?

I am doing this in my garage which is part of the house.

Don't want the fumes to permeate throughtout the house causing health problems.

Suggestions.

Ide be using urathane if i was you. Pretty forgiving, runs and mistakes can be sanded out. You will need a respirator mask. Keep the door the house closed. Even could tape the seal shut overnite. I guarantee that enamel fumes will go clear thru the house because it stays wet so long. What you spray with enamal is what you get. You cant sand or buff it for several months. Acrylic Enamel is a sort of in between. If you use hardener, you can sand and buff it in a couple of weeks.

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3.1 Turbo 4 spd/ L-98/ carbed LT1

Best deal I've seen on an air compressor is last week at Home Depot. 60 gallon vertical, >10 scfm, 7 HP (needs 220V), cast iron, belt driven for $398.

Just Remeber Any Type Of Air Comp From Any Store Like Home Depot,Lowes Etc.... THey Always Show A Hp Of About 7-9 When In Actual Fact True HP Is About 5 ...There Samll But Over Priced ....Wanna Buy A Good System Save Up For A Ingersoll-Rand Of Curtis System...Trust Me My Pa Had Been Doing Air System For A Long Time Now...

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Zero C's 86 Gt Fastback

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I just setup the Home Depot air compressor mentioned above for $400. I have not had time to test it much but it is quieter than my old sears compressor. I have it next to my main panel so it was easy to run a 220 line. I agree that cfm rating is more important than HP.

I agree with Roger. Use acrylic urethane for the painting. You'll end up with a better paint job.

As for a compressor, I bought a 6.5hp 60 gallon tank from Sears for about $375. I have it mounted in the basement and have a hose out to the garage with a quick disconnect at the house so I can remove the hose if necessary. I also have a holding tank (an old compressor tank) in the garage so my pressure doesn't drop too much when using air tools. I don't have to listen to the thing run at all.

Mark the air guy