Can a newbie strip the cab and doors on 77??

[77chevystepside]

My body guy has everything done except taking the cab and doors to the metal. Paying him by the hour and deer hit and other insurance jobs pay more so my truck sits. I asked him if he would mind me just stripping the thing and he said no problem since he is so busy. Using his tools and advice, how tough will this be for a guy who has never done any body work or sanding?? Lots of nooks and crannies on the back of the cab and firewall but I think I can get it done in 3 or 4 days. Any thoughts??

[cubicdollars]

Absoulutly , Get a roll of 80 grit sandpaper , good dustmask and hit it  not too much to it but it gets kinda boring where an Ipod or something to keep your mind going

[Blazin]

Why would you want to take it to bare metal? Factory paint is the best primer. If it has been painted one or more times just take those coats off.
If you have to take it to bare metal I would use a variable speed large grinder, with an 8" foam pad, self stick 36 grit paper. Then use 80, then 180 paper on a 5" or 6" DA. Use Aircraft Stripper to get in the hard spots, and also for the large areas that the 36 grit might heat up and warp.

[80stepsideguy]

I wouldnt take it to bare metal either.Maybe just the roof but the rest i say 180 grit and feather it all down to there isnt any shine anymore for the primer to bite into.I say just the roof cause the sun beats on them badly and cooks the paint and you can use a self etching primer or a primer sealer to seal it from rust.When your done sanding the roof take some lacquer thinner and wipe it clean but DONT touch the metal cause the oil in your hands will cause it to rust and you`ll have fingerprints over your freshly sanded metal.

thanks
pat

[77chevystepside]

Thanks for the input. The reason I want to go to the metal is that the current paint job started flaking off a few years ago. Large chunks would leave and reveal the primer. Not sure what the guy who painted it did but the paint did not bond to the primer. Since I have bought all of the fenders and the box, I only have to strip the cab and doors. The guy who is going to paint it for me does not want to use the existing primer-wants to start from metal and I agree with him given the way the paint has flaked off. Glad to hear I can do it and I do have an IPOD with 5,000 songs. Probably will need them all. LOL

[78 Chevyrado]

It's not tough to do, it's just hard work and takes time depending on the tools.  I've done it before and will do it again I'm sure, it's not super fun, but it sure saves a lot of $$$.

[Blazin]

Agreed, take it off if there is issues.

[77chevystepside]

Yeah Blazin there seems to be a real issue with the primer. I didn't mention but lost a lot paint off the front of the cab at the windshield. Also, the piece right behind the front bumper peeled badly. Primer is the dark red type. I know nothing about primer but the body guy suggested the primer may have collected some moisture (high humidity) or something. Who knows. Will save a lot of money for sure and the Randy doesn't mind me doing it myself in his shop using his equipment. He will tutor me so other than the pain in time it will take, it should be a fun learning experience. He does some kind of car racing and is not interested in working too hard this spring. Must be nice.