I spent the better part of every weekend the past four months restoring the frame on my 84 Bronco. While it was undercoated new at the dealer, after 20 years it was peeling and the frame looked terrible. So, while my drivetrain is out waiting for a swap, I decided to clean up the front engine bay which continued into a complete frame restore. I did not completely remove the body, but did raise it 3-4 inches one side at a time to work on the frame. While I would prefer sandblasting to remove all rust, my limited time only allowed cleaning the frame with a wire wheel, thin scraper and light sanding. Most of the original undercoating flaked off easily, then the frame was brushed with OSPHO, a rust converter that eliminates rust. After applying Rustoleum primer, the frame was sprayed with Dupli-Color Spray-on Truck Bedliner. I have used this stuff previously on some suspension parts, and it holds up decently. This project should last 2-4 years, until I can completely remove the body, sandblast the frame, apply epoxy primer and a top coat with hardener. I plan to install a 4-link front & rear which will require some brackets to be welded on and portions of the frame to be boxxed in. so this should cover me for now. Pics are at Superford.org, JSM84

Cleaning & Restoring Frame

 

sounds nice,

mind telling me a little about the bedliner you used? I'm looking to use a color matched spray on for my truck and I'm shopping for options.

 

Dupli-Color makes a bedliner-type product, similar to Herculiner. IT's Available in a gallon can or an aerosol spray can. I've used the spray-can version ($8.00) before on the anti-sway bar links, skid plates, etc. and on the inside of the tailgate. While it only comes in black, it can be painted over, as I did on the tailgate. 2-3 coats do a decent job, but that will wear off after a year or two on the suspension parts. I just recently applied the HEreculiner stuff to the floor and inner bedsides inside the Bronco. Whiles it's a bigger mess and hassle to apply, the HErculiner looks to be thicker with 2 coats and is more durable. It can also be painted over after dried, but has a rougher texture. A gallon costs $90 and is brushed or rolled on. Good for large jobs, while the D-C is convenient for small items. JSM84

 

Actually Dupli-Color comes in several different colors. Wal-Mart and parts stores only sells black, but on there site, they have a good bit of colors, but I prefer the herculiner stuff. It's worked great for me a couple times.

 

yeah my truck is two tone silver and red. Black dosen't exactly look good on it. I'll check out the dupli-color. can't hurt to have options.

 

MBB, thanks for that info!!! Now if only HErculiner came in a spray can for those small jobs...

 

I know what you mean, but Herculiner uses small pieces of rubber, which would make it near impossible to come out of a arisol spray can.
But that should would make things quick and easy.