Air compressor minumum.

I, too, got fed-up using spray cans and 7 years ago I bit the bullet and bought a 6hp/33gallon Craftsman compressor. Since then...I've never looked back.

Recently, Sears started rating their compressors differently and I believe mine was re-rated at 1.6hp. I think I paid about $250 and I added a 3 year warranty that tacked an additional $50. All I could tell you is...I've put that compressor through the wringer and somehow it keeps on ticking. I haven't painted a car with it but man, the parts I've painted with it have come out real sweet! :thumbrig:

One more thing...when shopping, look at the compressor's SCFM rating. The label on my compressor says it's rated at 8.6 SCFM @ 40 psi and 6.4 SCFM @ 90 psi.

Here's a link to the compressor that I believe superceded mine:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00916763000P?

The first time you paint with a spray gun you'll wonder why you didn't take the leap sooner. Good luck!

One last thing...if you'd like to learn more about painting then you owe it to yourself to visit the following forum:

http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/

Click on: Body - Exterior which covers all paint, body, and exterior questions.

These guys know their painting as well as the members of this forum know their A-bodys. :notworth: