Choosing a 'cheap' paint

I own a 1958 Ford 1801(industrial 801) that I bought 20 yrs ago, freshly rebuilt and with a fair repaint job. A few weeks ago
we had several inches of snow, and while pushing it around, my fan belt broke and I overheated it badly. I then realized that,
because the hydraulic pump for my loader is driven by an output shaft beneath the radiator, I have to remove the big cast iron
grill, etc and remove said pump just to replace the fan belt. This meant taking all the sheet metal off except the fenders, so
I decided to replace all the renewable stuff while I had it torn down, and that this would be an oportune time to repaint the
hood and grille. When I went to my local parts house to get a gallon of paint, I almost fainted when I was quoted
$335(including all the goodies). This is a work tractor, not a show piece, and I just want some durable protection. I've read
a lot of disparaging remarks about Tractor Supply's paint on this forum, and even though I don't need red paint(my tractor's
Yellow over blue), I would like the job to last a while. I've shot lots of lacquer and conversion varnish on wood, but this
will be my first paint on metal , aside from the occasional spray can. Is there some middle ground that will be user friendly
for a newbie, hold up well, and not break the bank? Will adding a clear coat help? Thanks for any advice you can offer.

You might use Sherkim enamel from Sherwin Williams. It's a cheaper urethane than the automotive paints. It was developed for farm implements and dumpsters which take a lot of abuse.

Steve isn't it Sher Kem?

It may be. It's been a long time since I used it and I didn't look it up to get the correct spelling.

35 for a gallon is cheap, good paint will cost you a couple hundred a gallon, get a quart.

Try looking at Case IH Iron Guard. Good quality paint and high gloss, easy to mix. They have different OEM colors including Ford Blue. I think a gallon is pretty reasonable, like $70. Someone told me recently it was made by Valspar.

i agree with married2allis on the ironguard choice. its reasonable inexpensive and easy to use. you can add a hardener to it. follow the safety guidelines for using hardener. i would not clear coat the iron guard. its a slow dry enamel and the clear will seal the enamel and it wont dry well.

I refurbished my loader several years ago using Tractor Supply paint (without hardener) and have been pleased with the results. The paint has held up well even on the side of the bucket after driving into rocky soil hundreds of times.

The iron guard paint is pretty good as I have used a couple gallons in my struggles to be a painter. I have also used PPG ALK200 which you can get mixed to any color. Its a modified acrylic emamel like iron guard paint and about the same price point at 70-80 bucks a gallon. Its a step up from off the shelf implement enamel.