Well, I'm an idiot.. but in my defense I didnt know any better... good
enough for non-government work. After about 300 hours of cleaning the frame
of my 50 3100 with an assortment of Drill/Dremel brushes (those arent free
either) I took the frame to a local concrete company that allows people to
use their sandblaster and totally sandblasted the frame inside and out. I
was done in about 4 hours. It was a miserable job outside in the winter
time, and the blaster shield I used was so pitted I couldnt see, but after
much ado I did a very thorough job. Why the change of mind you ask?
One of you (THANKS!!) pointed me to a book called "How to restore your
Chevrolet Pickup" by Tom Brownell. He and the people he collaborated with to
put the book together are very adamant about the proper way to prepare metal
work. He says that microscopic particles of rust that remain from wire
brushing or conventional sanding can haunt you later after your expensive
paint job is applied. This I didnt know due to a lack of proper research I
admit, but since I have the frame completely apart and CAN.. I decided to
correct my mistake before going further. So, there goes about 300 hours but
at least I learned something. So.. now that I have done this... now its your
turn to comment if I am about to make another mistake....
I will prime the sandblasted frame with Gray Epoxy Primer. Right now its at
the welder getting a few rusted out areas repaired. I am doing this without
disturbing any of the original rivets and when its done the repair will not
be visible in any way.
I will then (during the drying period for the Epoxy Primer) apply Black
Urethane Primer/Surfacer to aid in smoothing out the sand blasted look and
give it a factory smooth appearance.
After this I have to sand the Frame a bit to smooth things out, and then
apply Satin Finish Black Urethane Paint.
I will do this to the frame only.. altho I have the sandblasted front AND
rear ends in the shop, I will completely disassemble both in the next few
weeks and rebuild them. Once they are done, I will repeat the above process
for them. Is this overkill or is there a better way?
This has been a far bigger learning experience than I bargained for but I am
not losing interest and will proceed to make this truck the very best it can
possibly be. Thanks to all! And forget about wire brushing.. sand blasting
is the only way to go. There just isnt any substitute. :)
Deve
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