This is the end results of the information found and advice given in the "Paint and Bodywork" forum, as well as my own discoveries. Just wanted to share what I did, not only becuase I like to show off what I have done , but for future reference for others here.

After I fixed the frame (clad weld on the back half, patched on the front) I power washed and scrubbed it with unscented detergent. Power washer makes quick work of lose paint and rust scale. I then proceeded to wire brush it. I did it in sections, with different methods and found out this: An angle grinder/wire cup brush isn't as effective as I thought it would be. Yes it knocked off alot of rust, but polished the rest of it so as to diminish the effects of the rust converter (which did nothing on the polished section of frame). A hand wire brush worked well, but the wire cup brush worked best when used right. I found that QUICKLY going over an area to knock off the lose rust and scale and dust, but leaving a semi porous surface let the rust converter soak in and do its job in one coat, as to the 2 coats the hand brushed side took. After it cured over night, I lightly hand wire brushed it again (80 grit on the polished side) to knock off any dust and remaining grit/dirt, wiped it down with mineral spirits and began painting. Paint used was Sherwin Williams Industrial Enamel. Goes on nice and thick, brushes well, flows out nice (nearly all brush marks are gone). Went on with a cheap plastix bristle brush. It won't win any awards, but for $50 and some free time, it beats the $400 I was quoted for sand blasting

Before. . .


After. . .






(click pics)

 

wow, that looks great guy ! You will always be glad the foundation of your truck has been well cared for. Chassis detailing is hard and nasty work as you now know , but worth it in the long run. Congrats,

 

Awesome, frame looks really good. In fact, it looks damn good!

 

Steve, the frame not only looks great, but you'll find it much easier to keep clean now.

Nice Job.

 

"it beats the $400 I was quoted for sand blasting "



-wow man . those sandblasters were trying to make a quick buck.
i got my frame from the sandblasters yesterday and it only cost me $80 canadian.
$60 hr x 1.33 hrs
sure hope mine looks as nice as yours when it is done.

 

Thanks for the compliments guys and gals, means alot coming from yall Its suppossed to rain all this week, so that second coats gonna be put off I was dealing with a shipyard, couldn't find anyone else who would do it. They would have to pull one of there guys off to do the frame, I'm sure they wanted to break even at least profit wise

 

gee thats is to bad.
your frame looked clean compareds to mine so i am sure glad i got a good price. i still have to take off 2 crossmembers and shock mounts and clean in behind them and bolt it back together. damn northern weather, to much salt used. lol

 

I cut EVERYTHING off the frame, besides the crossmembers. This truck was built at the Norfolk plant, which is like 25 minutes away, but spent its life up north around DC/Pennsylvania and there was some amount of scale behind all those peices. Those 2 gray areas are were it nearly ate through the frame, and had to be fixed. The other side is cupped some, but should be just fine Gotta make do with what yah got I guess.

 

Looks good!! Nice job!

Bobby

 

Looks great. What truck is the frame for? I am planning on doing the same with my 50 f-1. How long did it take you?

Flyhound

 

Thanks guys for the compliments I'd give the frame, overall, an 8 out of 10. The frame was done this way so I could get about 7-10 years out of the finish with occasional touch up and minimal rust through. If it is warranted at the time, I have no trouble tearing it down and then maybe having it plated If you want a show finish or want it to last "forever" sand blast it and epoxy coat it (the whole shabang). Flyhound, It took me about 16 hours of me working off and on over about 2 weeks. Obviously no rush here This is for my '78 F-250.

 

hey good job on the frame. Looks realy nice!!!!!!!!

 

That sounds almost identical to what I did to my frame. There is just something about a painted frame that makes the truck look better to me. A ball peen hammer also will help break off the big chunks of scale. I use ajax soap because it is really harsh, and really cheap. Nice job, and keep up the good work

 

Thanks guys I will have to try Ajax on the axles. And I will definatley try the ballpeen hammer on my next project. . .yes I said next one. . .I'm down with the sickness

 

I used a welding chipping hammer to knock off the rust flakes, instead of a ball peen. Wear hearing protection though, makes a hell of a racket.