Would you clear coat this Farmall?

I just painted the main part of my Farmall A. I used three coats of ICI Value Pro urethane and mixed 20 percent clear in the third coat. What is the opinion on clear coating--save it for just the sheet metal or do the whole tractor? I have a five day window to decide. Also, is it advisable to sand some of the nibs and orange peel with some fine sandpaper before applying a clear coat? Thanks!

I think you mucked up the linking in some way. Here's your picture:

Arguably, there is no reason to clearcoat a single stage paint, even for the sheetmetal. It was done years ago at times to gain a little bit more "depth" to the appearance. It can still be done (as long as the substrate is a hardened enamel or a urethane) but IMO is usually not worth the extra effort. I think you would not notice any improvement, especially where you have already added some clear to the last coat of color. I have clear-coated a single stage on my AC-B sheet metal only because I think it improves the appearance of the individual cut letters of the hood decals. I think it tends to blend the sharp edges and give them more of a nice painted-on look. I wouldn't have bothered if not for that.

Sure, if you have dust nibs and orange peel on the sheetmetal, by all means go over it with say 600 grit if you are going to clear it - or whatever grit is recommended by the clear you are using. I am not familiar with the paint you are using but if you are going to sand anyway, I doubt any time window would apply for the areas that get sanded.

Rod

I don't know why the photograph didn't show up. It's in the Parts and Piceces Gallery listed as 1946 Farmall A so you may have to look there to see the paint job.

I don't know why the photograph didn't show up. It's in the Parts and Piceces Gallery listed as 1946 Farmall A so you may have to look there to see the paint job.