Frame prep and paint
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Junior User
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Rapid City, SD
Frame prep and paint
Hey guys, quick question.... I've just about got "rusty" stripped down to the frame( need some help lifting the cab). I'm wondering what everyone recomends to clean the frame and then what is the best ( without breaking the bank) paint to use? There is a considerable amount of grease and dirt, which i otta be able to get off with a preasure washer, is it worth paying for sand blasting? I have a grinder with a wire wheel...is that a good option? After i get it cleaned up is POR 15 worth the crazy price? Thanks for the help!
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 372
Likes: 0
From: Visalia
Hello there,
If you are even considering sand blasting or soda blasting your frame, you might as well have them paint / powdercoat it while you're at it. But if you want to do it yourself, POR 15 ROCKS!
Paul
If you are even considering sand blasting or soda blasting your frame, you might as well have them paint / powdercoat it while you're at it. But if you want to do it yourself, POR 15 ROCKS!
Paul
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,222
Likes: 6
From: Houston
If you wire brush it make sure you protect yourself. They tend to shoot off wires at high speeds, eyes are their favorite targets. I pressure washed mine and then brushed and sanded it. It isn't perfect like a show truck, but it is protected and does look good.
I got my paint at Eastwood. They have some similar to Por 15 and they have frame paint that is the correct sheen. All kinds of primers, equipment, etc. And lots cheaper than the local auto paint suppliers. I usually like to buy local, but I found Eastwood to be less than half the price (including shipping) then the locals.
I got my paint at Eastwood. They have some similar to Por 15 and they have frame paint that is the correct sheen. All kinds of primers, equipment, etc. And lots cheaper than the local auto paint suppliers. I usually like to buy local, but I found Eastwood to be less than half the price (including shipping) then the locals.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,669
Likes: 1,249
From: Jefferson City, MO
I went the grinder with a wire wheel and Rustoleum. I did 2 coats of primer then 2 coats of black brushed on. Very slow but cheap and I got to know my frame very well.
Since I have little to no progress right now, I can't tell you how it will hold up, but what I have on it now is probably as good as what the factory put on.
Here is a thread on the subject:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...rustoleum.html
and another:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...d-for-now.html
I know there are other threads out there discussing it. The thing is painting the frame has been done 50 different ways with mixed degrees of success for each one. That is the nice thing about this forum you will get a good mix of answers allowing you to choose what best fits your situation.
Let us know what you decided and how it goes for you.
Since I have little to no progress right now, I can't tell you how it will hold up, but what I have on it now is probably as good as what the factory put on.
Here is a thread on the subject:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...rustoleum.html
and another:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...d-for-now.html
I know there are other threads out there discussing it. The thing is painting the frame has been done 50 different ways with mixed degrees of success for each one. That is the nice thing about this forum you will get a good mix of answers allowing you to choose what best fits your situation.
Let us know what you decided and how it goes for you.
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,624
Likes: 7
From: OR and UT
I used an old wood chisel to remove the factory undercoating, then a wire wheel mounted on the grinder. Once it was down to bare metal, I used a coat of Krylon spray primer followed by a couple coats of Krylon semi-flat black. It is durable and easy to touch up if needed. 
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
Kbs coatings is what I'm using they have prep and paint kits for $60 and it allows you to paint over rust with a nice finish.
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 948
Likes: 0
From: Central Oregon
I went the cheap route too and just used some rustoleum black I had after wire brushing down the frame. Probably not as tough as some of the others, but good enough for me for now. Fortunately, we don't salt the roads around here so that helps a lot.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 5,510
Likes: 27
From: Winnipeg, Manitoba
I used a wire brush on my air angle die grinder, then used a scotch bright pad on the same. I then cleaned it with brake clean metal etched and painted it all with Duplcolor spray bomb's. It's a lot better than facory, and it won't be pummelled like it was in the day. Mine is a budget build daily driver, and my concentration will be on what people actually see. IMOP if you're not building a show piece, build it to drive. My truck will not see winter driving, so if my frame pitt's a bit I'll just crawl under and touch it up. Too each is own.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 175
Likes: 4
From: Reno, NV
I'm broke as hell. Been laid off for a while now... So I went the cheap route. A wire brush and flapper disc on my grinder got it all off nicely, and I have been using Summit Racing's semi-gloss chassis paint. It's cheap, goes on nicely and was pretty tough to sand off in an area I had to go back and weld. It also makes it cheap and easy to go back and touch up. Still in my garage, so I obviously can't comment on longevity. If you're doing a driver and on the cheap, I would definitely recommend it. 
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,670
Likes: 367
From: Fallon,NV & Bainbridge OH
I used a harbor freight pressure pot and sand blasted my frame after cleaning with a Hotsy. I sprayed it Summit brand chassis epoxy paint, very durable. Had to remove some overspray and the only way was by sanding it off, no chemicals worked.
Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,125
Likes: 191
From: Wharton, PA
I went the wire wheel on my angle grinder route too....
finished it off with Chassis Saver from Magnet Paints. Similar to POR-15 but not as expensive
Not planning on a show truck, so it worked for me
finished it off with Chassis Saver from Magnet Paints. Similar to POR-15 but not as expensive
Not planning on a show truck, so it worked for me
