Notices

DIY paint removal for beginner???

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 8, 2010 | 11:09 PM
  #1  
89F150Guy84's Avatar
89F150Guy84
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
DIY paint removal for beginner???

I have an 87 Ford F150 that was originally grey in color, but is now peeling and rusting has begun in some spots. I am eventually going to want to paint this truck, but I want to do alot of the prep work myself.

How easy would it be to remove the old paint by myself? I guess via sander & sand paper would be my best option? I would buy a sander for this job so can anyone recommend one? Id also like to know if anyone could describe the process for me? Ive searched but not found to much on basic paint removal. The paint is thin it seems and peeling almost everywhere on the truck......


Thanks guys.
 
Reply
Old Jul 9, 2010 | 12:03 AM
  #2  
e-tek's Avatar
e-tek
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 648
Likes: 0
From: Saskatoon
I think if you googled Automotive paint stripping you'd get a screen full. Autobody101.com and autobodystore.com are greta sites too.

Two basic procedures are what you described: Sanding it off, starting with a 5-7inch grinder and 24-36 grit, or with a DA (Dual Action sander) and 40 grit
or, using a stripper - called Aircraft Stripper and available at any Autopaint shop.

The grinder is dusty, messy, can warp panels and attack trim and glass. The stripper is cleaner and not as dangerous (to the car - always wear safety gear!!).Either way, tape off the stuff you want to protect with several layers of masking or duct tape and take your time. Several times over with either is the way to the bare steel.

That's the 1000 foot basics.....
 
Reply
Old Jul 9, 2010 | 02:28 PM
  #3  
benmoderow's Avatar
benmoderow
Tuned
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 435
Likes: 1
I recently did my 76 and played around with a few techniques and the absolute best was using a 4 inch angle grinder with a 36 grit disc. The paint basically flew off. Then I used a cheap Fleet Farm da sander with some 80 grit and it worked great. I tried the stripper and that stuff is terrible! And you still need to sand some. I heard someone say that the stripper can work it's way into all kinds of places and come back out once the new paint is on so that scared me away from it.
 
Reply
Old Jul 11, 2010 | 04:50 AM
  #4  
89F150Guy84's Avatar
89F150Guy84
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
What about the rusted spots? Sand them too or something else required?
 
Reply
Old Jul 11, 2010 | 03:10 PM
  #5  
gfw1985's Avatar
gfw1985
Cranky Old Guy
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,562
Likes: 6
From: Raphine, Virginia
Yea, sand them and kill the rust with Ospho etc. If you don't treat it it will pop right back out within a year and if covered with filler without treating it will rust underneath that.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
NewEnglander
1978 - 1996 Big Bronco
4
Jun 28, 2017 10:03 AM
Steve_250
Escape & Escape Hybrid
0
Sep 11, 2016 11:35 AM
65f100pdx
1961 - 1966 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
16
May 18, 2008 11:03 AM
Red1989F-150
Paint & Bodywork
1
Dec 4, 2004 07:40 PM
Josh79
Paint & Bodywork
4
Nov 15, 2004 07:31 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:31 PM.

story-0
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-30 18:33:59


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-2
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-4
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-5
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-6
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-8
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE