Well, I started some body work...

[cmann250]

I started and thats about it. I thought I'd start a thread to ask all my complete newb questions. I have the classic surface rust everywhere because the paint peeled off. It's also rusted through above both rear wheel wells, both rockers are gone, there is a rust through behind the passenger front wheel, and there's a big dent in front of the rear wheel on the passenger side of the bed. I'll try to get some pics up, for the sake of before and after.

I picked up a self etching primer for the really bad spots. So how much of this surface rust do I need to get off, using that primer?

Also, I have no intentions to make this a show quality paint job. I just don't have the skills, time, or money. My idea of a good paint job is one that keeps the rust away for 15 of 20 years. If it turns out good, I'll be thrilled

[PToombs]

Is the paint still peeling off? If so, you need to sand it ALL off. Otherwise, it will keep peeling after the new paint is on. When these trucks were made, they didn't use UV resistant primer or paint, only the clear coat. So when that was gone the UV attacked the paint and primer and broke the bond between the 2. That's why it peels off and leaves the primer on.
You should get all the rust off you can. I usually use a metal prep of some kind to kill the rust, it seems to help.

[cmann250]

Yep it's still peeling. I taped off a section to practice a little and when I peeled the masking tape off, off a came some dark blue paint with it. I suppose I should get a good sander. Rat farts

My thoughts were where it has surface rust now, hit it with that special primer and where it has paint now a regular primer will do. True?

[PToombs]

You might better prime it all with the good stuff. Better wait and see what some others say, I'm not a real body man. I can do it, but I don't know all the newest and bestest stuff to use.

[PJ 3]

When I bought my truck new it started to peel about a year after the warranty run off. I fought with Chrysler to come good for it but no win. I brought the truck to one of the best body guys in this area and they said that everything had to come off. He sanded the complete truck right down to the bare metal. When I walked into the shop to check on the progress, I thought he chromed it. His opinion on it at the time was that the primer was no good and to paint over something that was bad to begin with was a waste of money so he stripped it clean and re-finished the whole truck. I suppose it's the proper thing to do but also expensive.

[ellis93]

Buy some Aircraft paint remover. Stuff is really good. Spray it on, blow the paint off with water or shop air. You can buy it at O'Reilly auto parts.

http://www.google.com/m/products/catalo ... ce=desktop

[cmann250]

Thanks Ellis. What's that stuff do to rust? I've never used it on rust

[dazedandconfused]

http://www.eastwood.com/rust-encapsulat ... protection

[ellis93]

Nothing,but it'll save you some sanding

I'm no body man but I'd sand blast the rust. Nothing sucks more than that stuff coming back after lots of work

[Alec]

I am not a body or paint guy. That said, I haven't seen a re-paint on any vehicle in my area that is run in the winter salt that has lasted more than five years. I'm not saying it can't be done, I'm saying it is very hard, time consuming and expensive. Metal blasted white clean, etched, and painted with zinc-chromate primer & and quality color or color & clear coat might get you in the 15 year range, assuming you do it on both sides of every panel.

[cmann250]

I'm bumping this one back up.

My current plan is to sand off all the surface rust, patch in the panels that have rusted through, spray the aircraft remover to strip the remaining paint, primer accordingly, and paint the whole thing. I rattle can primered it just for a bit of protection during my slow progress. My biggest goal is to get rid of all that UGLY surface rust where the paint peeled off.

Does anyone with more expirence than me see anything blatantly wrong with that plan? I realize the rust throughs will come back in time and I'm not as concerned about that as the surface rust.

Also does anyone know of a good brand of orbital sander? Mine flew apart and broke today

Thanks guys

[dazedandconfused]

I've heard good things about this stuff.
http://autobodystore.com/picklex20.shtml

[ellis93]

I bought one from harbor freight a few years ago and it does alright. Its made very light with blue plastic,so at the time I thought it would have been done in short order. Its held up so far.

[cmann250]

I've had some time here and there and the vast majority of my surface rust is gone. I took a wire wheel to the drip rail and found mine is rust free I ended up getting an electric Dewalt sander for my birthday. It kicks some serious butt compared to the old one. The air compressor I'm using royally blows so the electric is awesome.

I'll get some pics of the progress up tomorrow in the day light

[ellis93]

I'll get some pics of the progress up tomorrow in the day light

What a tease