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So the project is moving fast now. I was able to finish rust-treating and painting the frame. While the bed was off I also replaced the shocks. I had Monroe Reflex shocks and although they still held pressure and offered resistance, they were rusted badly enough to be near failure. These are 8 years old with 75K miles.
The Reflex shocks had a Lifetime Warranty and it took 5 min at the local PepBoys to exchange them for a new set. I sprayed these with 4 coats of gloss enamel to try and offer additional rust protection. I think they look great:
Here's the finished frame, I am very happy with the results and I hope the protection lasts.
Just wanted to tie this up. The bed is married back to frame and it feels rock solid again. With all the work I did in this project (gas pump, shocks, frame, bed) the rear of the truck is close to new again.
Total cost was ~$1000 and I am hoping it will last at least 10 years.
SO before I removed the bed, ...
I intend to top coat all of this with an epoxy paint.
I found it was cheaper to buy a gallon jug of acid (phosphoric?). It's the same stuff they add to Rustoleum. Just wire brush then spray or brush on, then primer and paint. Looks great.
Just wanted to tie this up. The bed is married back to frame and it feels rock solid again. With all the work I did in this project (gas pump, shocks, frame, bed) the rear of the truck is close to new again.
Total cost was ~$1000 and I am hoping it will last at least 10 years.
MadScientist, Can you give us a 3 year update? How is it all holding up? Can you post pics of what the frame, underbed supports, etc. look like now? Is there anything you would do different? I may be doing the same operation soon!
