Painting my old USPS mail truck with Rustoleum (and no experience)

Part 1: • Restoring a Grumman LL...
The rare, exquisite, gruelingly slow-moving beauty of the Grumman LLV. No less subject to the punishing passage of time than you or I, the paint on this was some of the worst I've ever seen.
Fortunately, being made of aluminum, this didn't leave any structural damage, and is nothing some sanding and fresh paint can't restore. I managed this on a shoestring paint budget of just $100 and a few weeks of elbow grease.
Let me know what you think! There were plenty of mistakes and learning opportunities along the way, so please comment if you have any tips or questions about anything at all!

[@snezzijezzi9037]

damn this is epic, all you need to do now is swap in the v6 from the Fiero.

[@PostalDog94]

As sad as I am to see the original clapped out Grumman stripes go, I love the new theme! I sometimes wish mine was more beat up so I wouldn't feel as bad completely redoing all the decals. I love having an toy LLV on the dash, it'll lock in place if you put the rear bumper over the center vent 😆 Also: +1 for a roof deck. I had wanted to do the same with mine, but I frequently park it in 7'+ parking garages downtown Seattle where it only just fits by a finger or two most the time

[@MattWinkler1]

Thanks man! Yeah your LLV has held up a lot better so there's definitely more historical value still there... but it'd still be really cool if you ever decide to redo it in one fashion or another. Turns out my toy LLV can hang on the vent by the front bumper instead, which is a good trick, because it's rolled off onto the floor every time I've jacked up one side of the truck. It has a new safe home though - I just finished installing one of those classic wall mount mail boxes as a glove box lol.

[@sonadorbroadcastingservice2330]

You know a video's gonna be good when We're Finally Landing kicks in.

[@tonywtyt]

I had a friend in school that painted his old van with a paint roller... It looked DOPE at the time, as a high schooler : )

[@barryismygod]

It now looks Like a race Team parts truck which is cool

[@jimmyholl9732]

Very very good job on that old mail truck there my little buddy ....

[@MattWinkler1]

0:00 - Intro and disassembly 0:58 - Rolling on a little primer and more prep work 2:24 - First proper primer coat 4:13 - Color coats 6:16 - Livery 9:44 - ASMR 11:01 - Finishing touches Some bonus thoughts: - If you have the option, a bigger compressor is absolutely the first thing to upgrade! The small 3 gallon pancake compressor was still better than rattle cans, but pressure wasn't as consistent as I'd like and the small motor meant waiting around for it to "recharge" in the middle of painting. - I'm quite happy with painting on the livery rather than using vinyl decals for the stripes, it should hold up better over time and the design looks especially integrated and intentional up close. - Likewise, I'm happy with how the finish turned out without a clear coat - the low gloss finish is still easy to clean but doesn't highlight the imperfections as much as a mirror gloss. A catalyzed paint would definitely add some extra durability, but they're more expensive and toxic, and as-is this is incredibly easy to repair if needed. - The rattle cans with multiple tips are such an improvement, I wish they all sprayed with a vertical pattern instead of in a big blob. - I no longer feel like I'm going to get tetanus from touching it, which is nice I guess.

[@Minibox_Ghost]

Absolutely loved the use of home we’re finally landing in your speed up painting footage. Would love to own an oddball vehicle like this and make it viable for everyday use. Good work.

[@darkninjacorporation]

Grumman LLVs are friend shaped American icons and they deserve a nice retirement.

[@MattWinkler1]

@@darkninjacorporation amen 🙌

[@workingcountry1776]

An overdrive automatic and a 4.3L from an s10 and youd gain fuel mileage and power. Neat project!

[@nightrunner1456]

A lot of people can't afford a ride, these days.

[@lynn.1998]

as a mail carrier, Ill say this is the best llv i’ve ever seen!

[@MattWinkler1]

Thank you so much!

[@chrisnoeske8904]

I've been wanting one of them postal trucks for a long time, but I. Keep being told you can't buy them and yet. You still see them every now and then on KZbin privately owned. It's pretty cool what you did to it.

[@45AMT]

Looks a heck of a lot better than it did.

[@Michka1001]

Please don't stop making videos, you're awesome man! ❤

[@toddthewodd]

I dig it. Impressed by your motivation.

[@timmynator2002]

The paint job looks great! Well done. I'm so glad you didn't go for the ugly and played out "patina" look.

[@MattWinkler1]

@@timmynator2002 Thank you! It already came with a patina of its own and it was even uglier in person than on video haha

[@David-q2v]

I've seen people paint a car with a paintbrush before and it turned out pretty good

[@karenstein8261]

Some completely irreverent decor themes: 1. Paint olive drab, mark as “ Ukrainian General Staff.” 2. Wrap in Vvid vinyl, make it a rolling mirror- gloss gold brick. 3. Winnebago scheme, mark as “Munchkin RV.” 4. Police colors, “Small Wheel Auto Truck..” (SWAT) 5. Orange paint, labeled “I-Haul.” 6. UPS brown, gold trim. 7. Paint like a Snap-On tool truck, label “Harbor Freight.” 8. “Men in Black” incident control team truck.. 9. Black and orange, “Harley Motor Cars. “ 10.

[@MattWinkler1]

The Winnebago and Snap-On themes would be hilarious

[@jodybruce5097]

wow that turned out awesome! great job

[@tjmellonslap]

Great Job ! Always like that truck style !!

[@CatGoomba64]

I really like what you're doing with this, big fan of racing liveries myself too so this is a really unique project that I gotta give you props for. That said I almost feel like you gotta throw a Martini sticker on the hood or the rear panel, just to truly nail the design of the old Lancia livery. Can't believe you pulled off such a nice paintjob for so cheap though lol

[@AUTOMOTIVEGRAVEYARDLLC]

THIS SHOULD HAVE WAY WAY MORE VIEWS! NICE WORK!

[@richgwozdz8580]

It would look like fire on a set of old school 14” inch work meisters

[@tomcarlisle2459]

As a mail carrier who spends way too much time in one of these, can you come and paint mine.?

[@573customs6]

Nice job. Looks great. You should lower it a little and add some nice wheels now

[@nightrunner1456]

Great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@earldasquirrel9176]

Glad this was on my feed... Going to check out the other videos about this vehicle 👍 Are u eventually using it for gig delivery jobs?

[@MattWinkler1]

Thanks! No, I think between the slow speed, bad fuel economy, and not wanting to get mistaken for a USPS official, that would probably not be the best idea

[@earldasquirrel9176]

@MattWinkler1 ah, even with the repaint and different design, I can see that people will mistake it as a USPS vehicle since they're still being used. Just saw the previous video and your updated maintenance 👍

[@deliveryguyrx]

Excellent job! That would be the ultimate parts hauler/swap meet truck. BTW did you spray clearcoat over it?

[@MattWinkler1]

@@deliveryguyrx Thanks! No clear coat here, with all the imperfections in the surface underneath, I think a glossier finish would actually detract by making the flaws all the more evident (and I don't really think of the LLV as a glossy truck!) So far, a year down the line it's shown zero signs of wear or fading, just dirt here and there.

[@aaronlane8276]

Good Job! 👏🏻

[@GamingByBaka]

MORE MAIL TRUCK CONTENT. VW 1.9TDI SWAP WHEN?!

[@MattWinkler1]

Soon! Working on a video on the repairs and another on more cosmetic upgrades. The truck is in pretty good shape, but my camera had issues and there's a lot of footage to edit down haha

[@Matt-uk6uc]

Put a set of classic Cragar five spoke chrome wheels on the mail truck.

[@1wildwackywoman]

That was like a striptease restoration. Well done!

[@thecoolerTK421]

Fantastic!

[@killacrush3437]

❤Good job👏🏆

[@Alwhite1929]

How did you ever find this? I've been looking forever with no luck.

[@flixzys1175]

What rattle cans did you use? Turned out awesome!

[@MattWinkler1]

@@flixzys1175 Thanks! The black was the XL can of Rust-Oleum high performance, and the red and blue were Rust-Oleum outdoor (may have been labeled automotive) with the selectable nozzles. The fan spray nozzles are great

[@kirbyyasha]

I wish USPS would sell these. Tons will be reduced to nothing 😢

[@richgwozdz8580]

They do end up being sold to the public after so many years

[@ivanofski]

Great job my dude :D Love from europe

[@MattWinkler1]

Thanks man, appreciate it!

[@nighthiker8872]

What I'm looking at doing is designing an Escort Bicycle fund Serve. Each City has over 100, charities and Sponer companies. This is for all ages! groups. I'm looking to have beginner bike runs. 30- miles, 60-miles to 100 miles, runs. The 100- 60-miles would be overnight camping. These runs would be on feeder roads along HWYs. Runs would be for companies, sponsoring a charity. The more people are having a great safe time, the more they will be back, and tell their friends. Carefully mapping out secluded areas, from heavy traffic routes. I want to work with all the realtors, in the area. Who on board with these plans. This is going to be between 50-miles from 2, Maga cities. I plan to have 2 customize, repainted mail trucks with bike flags on the back. Also planning to work with the city hall. To get designated bike path warning signs put-up. All bicycles' groups will need to sign a waiver agreement, and have bike mirror, 4" bike orange or red flag. The Sponers will pay ahead of time, the Escort Bicycle fund Serve. The trucks would have tools to repair bike tires. Also, cold water and towels, first aid. This escort serve would be able to bring over 100 people into the area, weekly. People who are able to purchase homes, and property. Mostly ever week post videos of the bike rides and people enjoying the day. Plus, a camp site, for only 24-hour camping.

[@nighthiker8872]

On the top of the trucks will have emergency flashers. Maybe CB- channel that be able to talk to the front truck.

[@nighthiker8872]

AC-unite on top. All bikes need to be on time and ready to ride between, 7:30 to 8:30am.

[@craigmonteforte6111]

just a quick Tip you can get near perfect Results Rolling on a Paint Job on most Vehicles a great paint is Imronits expensive but will last I grew up inSouthFlorida and have Painted a lot of boats,Motor Yahtz that way however I have switched to Spraying Cars Boats and Woodworking Projects with a Turbine HVLP System mine is a Campbell Hausefield but. iMO all the other brands give similiar results

[@GaryHanlon-ee7xw]

Any over spray on that car next to your project ? 🤔

[@navelriver]

I like those vehicles.

[@STRANGExDAYSx]

I wonder how you can buy one. I've seen a few privately owned ones but never got a chance to ask in traffic. A garage is a much better environment for painting 👍. Nice job though.

[@HAMBYCHARGERGUYGAMING]

If you don't mind me asking how much did you end up getting the LLV for?

[@MattWinkler1]

More than a cheap Miata, but less than an expensive Miata. It's less fun to drive, but more fun to talk about. Jk I paid $5k for it.

[@profrog493]

How much? Year, specs? Whete are you?

[@hutchcraftcp]

Needs a set of wheels to finish the race look

[@waltpastick1236]

Rust-Oleum is fine n dandy

[@CableWrestler]

I bet you had a hell of a lot of runs in that paint

[@MattWinkler1]

The paint was incredibly runny during the first primer coat being rolled on! After dialing back the amount of thinner, there were no issues by the last coats.

[@thebestisyettocome4114]

How old are you?

[@carguy4658]

🤔It needs some sharp racing wheels. A set of minilite wheels would be era appropriate.

[@gazehound]

Turn it into a camper, lol. Roof deck would be sick.

[@surferbri5346]

Cant fix that sound though

[@Redneckofgaming]

I want to get one and to in to a a small food truck

[@earldasquirrel9176]

Better off with a decommissioned step van

[@Redneckofgaming]

@earldasquirrel9176 for idea I have it should be perfect size

[@earldasquirrel9176]

@@Redneckofgaming type of food? Because those others I've seen needs that standing room for final food prep So your food will be ready to serve from the git-go?

[@Redneckofgaming]

@earldasquirrel9176 be more of a sweet truck that sells cotton candy and other sweets

[@stevebennett9750]

An LS swap and you'd be all set :)

[@MattWinkler1]

Nonsense, it already gets from 0-60 eventually! It even makes it up most hills!

[@workingcountry1776]

A 4.8L and 4L60e would get better gas mileage

[@silverlaptop2022]

And yes, I jumped to the end cuz I really do have better things to do with my time😕

[@earldasquirrel9176]

You don't multi task and have KZbin running in the background? I am on my laptop, smartphone, and the TV running KZbin simultaneously 😅

[@waltpastick1236]

Oh ya baby, i weenie roll my ve bus,, n it looks a lot better

[@kntwing23]

look even. better if there no logo martini on the truck...it look stupid with the logo martini on it..

[@rudemooddudehamburg]

Yep thats what I thought too. From classy to stupid in seconds

[@zachariah74]

Disagreed, looks like a rally parts truck that Lancia would have had accompany them to stages in the 80s.

[@mikecagle984]

"Better for the plant"?? Help me out here. You are wearing a resperator which tells me you dont want want to breath the fumes because they are hazardous to your health, but you want to help "save the planet"??

[@MattWinkler1]

@@mikecagle984 Better than dozens of disposable cans with dimethyl ether or propane propellant in addition to paint, absolutely. Much better than throwing a wonderful historic vehicle in the landfill.