Would you paint this cab?
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More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2013
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From: British Columbia
Would you paint this cab?
Hi everyone. Need some expertise help here. Have a donor cab for my '79 that I use to robb sheet metal from when I need it. Couldn't resist the $350.00 I paid for it, and delivered too! It has been walnut shelled to bare metal. I keep it inside but am running out of space so I've been thinking about throwing a layer of epoxy primer on it or? so I can leave it outside. The question is, would I have to prep it to the full extent or could I just spray it the way it is? Remember, I'm just robbing sheet metal off it as I need it. Thanks for any advice. Always lots of good help here. I'll post a pic here if I find one.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2005
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Primer is said to pull in moisture, leading to rust which would've been warded off by paint.
You could also use some sort of oil-based moisture-repellent.
You could always determine what parts you're going to need, and the section/cut up the cab in the right spots so as to not mess up any parts you'll need. With it cut up, it will take less space.
My old cab was trashed by rust, but I couldn't bring myself to get rid of it, so I cut it up with a sawzall, and have the back wall and corners and the firewall and maybe still the roof, stashed under my deck, waiting for the day I get the time and a welder, and set about patching up my truck.
You could also use some sort of oil-based moisture-repellent.
You could always determine what parts you're going to need, and the section/cut up the cab in the right spots so as to not mess up any parts you'll need. With it cut up, it will take less space.
My old cab was trashed by rust, but I couldn't bring myself to get rid of it, so I cut it up with a sawzall, and have the back wall and corners and the firewall and maybe still the roof, stashed under my deck, waiting for the day I get the time and a welder, and set about patching up my truck.
Tuned
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 475
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From: Vermont
I think the primer and moisture thing all pertains to a single stage primer (no catalyst/hardner) and especially the long used laquer primers. An epoxy primer would be o.k for what you want to do I would think.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2017
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From: San Jose, CA
No paint expert, but if it's listed as a "primer/sealer" then I would think that a better choice.
Remember epoxy is not good in the sun, but I think that's for fade resistance, rather than overall protection. Since it's not going to ever get the full paint treatment, I don't see this as a big deal. Just touch it up if it ever wears off and starts to rust. At that point, a rust converting primer may do the job.
I've used the rust-converting primers on my Bronco body with stupendous results. Still in good shape (and no rust bleed through) many years later and sitting outside.
There are also products like Shark Hide and other preservatives, but they may have to be reapplied every year or two. At some point, the cost of them over paint may not make sense.
Paul
Remember epoxy is not good in the sun, but I think that's for fade resistance, rather than overall protection. Since it's not going to ever get the full paint treatment, I don't see this as a big deal. Just touch it up if it ever wears off and starts to rust. At that point, a rust converting primer may do the job.
I've used the rust-converting primers on my Bronco body with stupendous results. Still in good shape (and no rust bleed through) many years later and sitting outside.
There are also products like Shark Hide and other preservatives, but they may have to be reapplied every year or two. At some point, the cost of them over paint may not make sense.
Paul
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2018
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An epoxy primer would work. but I would use a cheap acrylic enamel for what you're doing. not only will it work fine but it's much easier to remove .
If it's clean and dry is about all the prep you need to accomplish what you're after.
If it's clean and dry is about all the prep you need to accomplish what you're after.
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,238
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I'd put something on it. Pretty much any coating is going to help keep it in better shape, but the incorrect primer will absorb moisture. Even cheap spray bomb would be fine if it's just a parts vehicle in storage, it'll wash off easily with a little thinner. Epoxy primer/sealer, mixed at a sealer ratio would be the best, but unless you already have epoxy you're willing to use on a sacrificial cab, I'd say it's a waste. Also make sure there's good airflow around the cab where it's stored outside so it can dry out when it does get moisture and you won't have any real issues.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2005
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This:
And of course, make sure that nothing like leaves or whatever can accumulate anywhere on/in the cab, where they would retain moisture.
And of course, make sure that nothing like leaves or whatever can accumulate anywhere on/in the cab, where they would retain moisture.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2014
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I think you can still buy Cosmoline. That was a waxy coating manufacturers would use to coat and rustproof machinery prior to shipping or storage. Much less technical alternative.
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More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2013
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From: British Columbia
Ya you guys have good points. Maybe I'll offer a little more. If I kept it outside the way it is, it would surface rust right away, which really it has a slight start to it already, then it would start to set in pretty heavy by my guess. Now this might not be too bad, cut out my section I need, sandblast or do whatever is required to remove the surface rust. How much rust could set in an a year or so under a tarp? It's not like I will have it out there forever. (I've had the truck for 10 years now and still haven't started my restoration sooo...
) anyways, my point is I'm just trying to protect the metal a bit. Regular primer probably would absorb moisture, but would it be too much too deal with? If I quickly shoot an epoxy primer on it maybe it would last a little longer, but harder to remove when I start my resto? I'm really not sure of the best way, and don't want to really spend too much money on it either. Thanks again for all your suggestions.
) anyways, my point is I'm just trying to protect the metal a bit. Regular primer probably would absorb moisture, but would it be too much too deal with? If I quickly shoot an epoxy primer on it maybe it would last a little longer, but harder to remove when I start my resto? I'm really not sure of the best way, and don't want to really spend too much money on it either. Thanks again for all your suggestions.
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Joined: Feb 2013
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From: British Columbia
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2007
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I wouldn't use any grease or oil, cleaning it all off before paint could be an issue if it seeps into panel seams.
You could also treat it with phosphoric acid, it'll put on a protective coating that just needs to be scuffed and washed before primer. Just spray it on with a spray bottle, let it work, then rinse it off. Look into Ospho, Prep and Etch, pickle-x, etc.
You could also treat it with phosphoric acid, it'll put on a protective coating that just needs to be scuffed and washed before primer. Just spray it on with a spray bottle, let it work, then rinse it off. Look into Ospho, Prep and Etch, pickle-x, etc.
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