Painting 709 Chopper

Since I am going to keep it I figure it will be a good first project to paint.

By no means do I need any show quality-as it will be used in harsh conditions on a weekly basis. But I do want to prevent any futher rust and make it less of an eyesore-shoot I think I will even spring for a new set of decals.

My questions are:
1) Do I need to sandblast it or can I just powerwash and use high pressure air to get it clean enough to coat over what is left of factory paint?

2) What type of paint do you recommend? Like I said-don't need show quality-I have a Sharpe Finex gun I have never used-would like to come as close to matching factor color as possible while avoiding wasting $.

Any input would be appreciated.

Paul

Sandblasting is always the best but is not always possible or practical. Lacking sandblasting, I'd recommend a good wire brushing - either with an electric drill or an angle grinder to get all the loose rust off after power washing. I wouldn't bother trying to do much of anything further with the pits unless you are really particular. They are a real PITA to deal with, taking a lot of time with diminishing returns. Treat all the rusted areas with a product such as Permatex Rust Treatment, available from NAPA. Clean all remaining existing paint that is tightly adhered with a wax and grease remover such as PPG DX330 and scuff sand or use a general purpose Scotch-Brite pad over all surfaces.

Apply an epoxy primer such as PPG OMNI MP170 over everything.

What type of paint? Unless you have fresh air breathing equipment ($$$) you are pretty much limited to unhardened alkyd and acrylic enamels - from a personal safety standpoint, although others may disagree. The acrylic enamels would be a little better from a fade resistance standpoint. You are not going to get decent gasoline spill resistence with either of these enamels, at least not for many months. It also depends on what might be available in a color that is satisfactory to you. It may not be available and you may have to accept something that is simply close. I have no idea what a "709 chopper" is or who makes (made) it. If there is a dealer for it, than that would probably be your best bet for an inexpensive, correct color paint.

Rod

Thank you very much, that is exactly what I was needing. I would have stopped at wire brush and powerwash-but now I will go get some Permatex and grease remover.

709 is a basic John Deere bushhog mower-so gas spill shouldn't be an issue. I have no breating equipment so I was going to avoid the hardners.

Paul