73-87chevytrucks.com
73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Body, Glass & Paint => Topic started by: bladerunner on August 02, 2011, 08:30:19 pm
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Hey everybody. So I am contemplating what I want to do about rust on my frame. My truck has all new body panels and bed, and those pieces are all rust free (for now). My frame has some surface rust, some scale, etc. as shown below:
(http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab289/bladerunner1337/IMG_20110802_203735.jpg)
(http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab289/bladerunner1337/IMG_20110802_203758.jpg)
I am thinking of scouring it with a wire brush, prepping it with degreaser and the Metal Ready stuff and finally some POR 15. Sound good so far?
Next up are the two problem areas where the rust has perforated the metal. I am not sure what exactly these do, but the metal affected are some thin braces? under the cab, just forward of the gas tanks. My pictures are horrible, sorry:
(http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab289/bladerunner1337/IMG_20110802_204450.jpg)
(http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab289/bladerunner1337/IMG_20110802_204215.jpg)
They seem like small pieces and are separate from the frame. Anyone know their significance? (BTW, this an 85 K10 shortie) I can try for better pictures tomorrow if that helps. Anyway, I am thinking of having them replaced and new pieces welded in, then POR 15'ing them just to be safe.
I am not looking for a show car, but I do live in Maine and would like to use this truck year round (think of it as a part time daily). I want to get this truck ready for the harshness of winters here and am more than willing to put some work and cash into her every year in keeping the rust under control (I am not sure you can ever beat rust, but just control it).
I appreciate your thoughts and opinions.
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Your frame is actually not to bad. I have seen / fixed allot worse! I would needle scale the rust. It will remove all the scale. Wire brush will only take the loose stuff off, and polish the rest or the rust. Plus a needle scaler will fit into the corners, wire brush or wheel wont. As far as the second pictures that is the floor and floor support of your cab. You will need to pull up the mat, cut them out and weld in new patches.
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I think this is what you need:
http://store.73-87chevytrucks.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=7&Product_Code=0850-319-320&Category_Code=C1
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Thanks guys! I am looking into renting a needle scaler now and hopefully I can borrow my father-in-law's compressor for the job.
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I have actually seen some fairly cheap needle scalers online, like $45 at Harbor Freight, but I hear their tools can be junk. Should I opt for a cheaper scaler or rent one? This might be the only time I ever use one.
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You will use it again if you own it. Mine is from MAC Tools and it broke the other day!