New Paint for Tardis

(Truth or Consequences NM)
I finally gave up! The original red paint was just too oxidated to restore to acceptable condition. As the photo below shows, it was badly faded, and beyond saving. So, the decision was made to paint over the red.

New Paint for Tardis – Old Faded Red

I was sure that a new color was needed to avoid a repeat of the fading; as red is the most susceptible to the strong sun in the southwest. Instead, I chose a two-tone metallic blue-green; often called teal. It was a Lazy Daze factory color during the time Tardis was built.

New Two-tone Blue-green
Before New Pinstriping

Plus, it was really the color I wanted; but, was unable to find when I was looking for a rig. It’s interesting that the value of the new color changes with the lighting; appearing lighter or darker. Many have commented that they really like the new color.

With New Pinstripes
Closeup of Striping

The faux windows on the front were repainted black to keep with the classic Lazy Daze look. And, a few blemishes from too much back country use were repaired. Of course the pinstriping had to be redone also; and, I kept them like the original.

Darker Teal Value in Some Lighting
Lighter Teal at Other Times

I repainted the rubberized portion of the front bumper the original dark gray. Then, used Back to Black restorer on the side mirrors, and put new non-slip pads on the running boards and on the rear bumper below the roof ladder.

Faux Windows & Bumper Repainted
Mirrors, Steps & Wheels Restored

To complete the look, the wheels were painted black; with the possibility of color lug nuts and hub caps in the future. The original chrome wheel covers were long ago removed as they were a pain.

New Decal over New Paint

With new paint, Tardis looks brand new! I’m really happy with how it turned out. Now the challenge is to keep it that way.

Camp: Elephant Butte Lake SP
Scene: Paint Shop, Graphics Shop

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27 Responses to New Paint for Tardis

  1. Judie Ashford January 25, 2020 at 10:20 am #

    Hey – that looks really, really great! Just like brand new!!! Did you find a local place in New Mexico to have it done?

    Virtual hugs,
    Judie

    • Pleinguy January 30, 2020 at 10:37 am #

      Yes. The work was done in Truth or Consequences NM by local paint and graphics shops.

      • Steven R Fontaine June 8, 2021 at 8:46 pm #

        Hi,
        We have a 1999 Mid bath that could use some paint etc. Could you give info on painting and striping it? We live in Arizona, NM is really close.

        Thanks.

        • Pleinguy June 8, 2021 at 11:52 pm #

          The painting was done by a local paint/body shop. Only the color portion was redone; except for a few touch ups on the white. I bought the pinstriping from the Lazy Faze factory and it was applied by a local graphics shop. Not sure what else you wanted to know. Will send you an eMail.

  2. Brad January 25, 2020 at 10:48 am #

    Nice paint job. Also teal is the color for ovarian cancer, so good choice.

    • Pleinguy January 30, 2020 at 10:38 am #

      Glad you like it Brad. I’m quite pleased to have a decent looking rig again.

  3. Steven Crisp January 25, 2020 at 10:57 am #

    It does look fantastic. Congratulations!

    I too am curious where it was done (I was assuming the factory?)>

    Also, if you would be willing to share, what was the cost of the work, and did they do everything (cleaning and prep, minor body repairs, painting, striping, etc).

    Your rig looks brand new! A lot cheaper than buying a new one I am sure. And a good reminder about the red color too.

    Wishing you all the best,

    S-

    • Pleinguy January 30, 2020 at 10:40 am #

      Sent you an eMail with details. All work done by local shops in New Mexico. I’m loving it.

  4. Barney Ward January 25, 2020 at 1:47 pm #

    Beautiful. Congratulations on the choices made.

    • Pleinguy January 30, 2020 at 10:41 am #

      Appreciate the comment Barney. It’s nice having a good looking rig again.

  5. michelle January 26, 2020 at 9:10 pm #

    Tardis looks great! I always enjoy reading your blog😀

    • Pleinguy January 30, 2020 at 10:42 am #

      Thanks for reading Michelle.

  6. squeakytiki January 30, 2020 at 11:07 am #

    I left a response a few days ago but I guess it didn’t go through? As the owner of another faded red Lazy Daze I was just wondering if you only got the stripes redone or did the whole rig get a re-paint? And I”m curious what something like that costs?

    • Pleinguy January 30, 2020 at 11:20 am #

      Repainted the two-tone reds to teal green, black, and touchup on the white. Sent you an eMail with details. Thanks for commenting.

  7. Bradford D Harris February 2, 2020 at 5:50 am #

    Tardis is looking sharp, Pleinguy! I love the teal! Nice job!

    • Pleinguy February 2, 2020 at 8:41 am #

      Thanks Brad; glad you like it.

  8. Annell June 8, 2021 at 1:21 pm #

    My Lazy Daze is named Sarah Jane and I’m getting ready to paint it reminiscent of the Tardis! Love the name and paint job!

    • Pleinguy June 8, 2021 at 6:18 pm #

      Thanks Annell. Glad you like my rig and its name. Hope your paint works out as well as mine.

  9. CK June 8, 2021 at 5:42 pm #

    We live in New Mexico. Please email us pricing to have this done and where it was done. Thanks

    • Pleinguy June 8, 2021 at 6:20 pm #

      Will send you an eMail later with details. Thanks for asking.

      • Lisa October 9, 2023 at 11:54 am #

        I’d love to know where you got Tardis painted and price. Ours is in bad need of paint. Thank you kindly.

  10. Cynthia June 8, 2021 at 5:52 pm #

    Hi, I was so glad to see this in the LD fan club on Facebook. I just bought a red 1998 23.5 ft twin/king a couple of weeks ago and was wondering if it was even worth trying to compound and wax to see if I can get the finish back. I just had the mechanical work done and have some work to do on the water system and solar. I am not planning on going full time for about 2 years but have been studying and learning for the past 5 or 6. I was specifically looking for an LD for the last 2 yrs. I would be interested in your paint job and the numbers if you would share. Also, are the steps on the side sprayed on? Thanks so much. I am off to look through the rest of your blog and have started with the Tardis first!

    • Pleinguy June 8, 2021 at 6:25 pm #

      Well Cynthia, the color of your rig will be a big factor in whether it can be restored. Mine was red, and impossible to bring back even after several attempts. Perhaps try a small section as a test? The running board non-slip surface is not painted on; replacement pads were ordered from the Lazy Daze factory. I will send you an eMail with details later. Hope you enjoy reading about the journey.

  11. Don Malpas June 13, 2021 at 8:40 am #

    Who is doing the painting? You, Pleinguy?

    • Pleinguy June 13, 2021 at 10:16 pm #

      The new paint was done by a body shop in Truth or Consequences NM.

  12. John September 8, 2021 at 4:44 pm #

    Love the paint job! I have a green 2007 LD that is terribly faded and desperately needs a new paint job, too! I’m also in NM, up in Gallup now, working as a travel nurse but living in Taos. I know you already shared the paint work was done in Truth or Consequences, but if you have time to email me the details about what you paid and what shop did the work, I would really appreciate it!

    Thanks! Looks great!

    • Pleinguy September 12, 2021 at 5:46 pm #

      Sent you an eMail with the details. Good luck on improving the look of your rig.

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