Striping rust & paint, repainting

fall_risk · Apr 19, 2018

Anyone do this sort of thing themselves? I bought a used truck and the dump body is well used, but still pretty solid. I did a little google-fu, and came up with "abrasive media blasting", since it seems like sand isn't used too much anymore. What abrasives have you used? Did you buy or rent the equipment? How hard is it to clean up and/or reuse the media. I am leaning towards trying corn cob or Walnut shell media to start, as the seem the least offensive, but I also want to get to bare steel in a reasonable time frame. Is this something I should just spend the money on? I'd also like to hit the frame if it's realistic.

What should I repaint body/frame with? Should I have that done professionally? I am starting with zero equipment (well, aluminum oxide sandpaper...), and I'm trying to save money here, but I don't mind spending money one quality tools that will save me money over time...I also don't mind paying someone else to have it done right while I get dat paper crushing tree work.

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craneguy1 · Apr 19, 2018

Media blasting is $$$ in my area... cheaper to buy new/and or fab stuff...a solid heavy duty trailer is cheaper to replace than to blast and re-paint. Not a lot of competition aeound us i guess. Dirty nasty job, and too expensive to do yourself. I bought 2 buckets of black garnet from tsc 10 years ago to do a 14 foot trailer...worked great...only got the tongue done though. F that... i would have needed 30 more buckets...and it wasnt cheap...play sand is cheap, but doesn't take it down to clean steel.

Tom Dunlap · Apr 19, 2018

I've read a LOT of good things about POR 15 and other rust conversion paints. When I fabricated a chip truck box I got Fleet Farm's 'rustoleum' primer enamel and top coat paint. Using a gallon paint pot and spray gun. Put on two coats of primer. The stuff lasted a LONG time. Not too expensive either

TCtreeswinger · Apr 19, 2018

Jeep guys swear by por15 if done correctly. A good sanding and oil based or chemically bonding like truck bed liner seems to give best relults dyi but it all just slows it down and white doesnt do well imo.

southsoundtree · Apr 19, 2018

I'm getting after my chipper tomorrow IF I'm lucky, with an angle grinder and flapwheel. I've heard it will bang it out quickly.

flyingsquirrel25 · Apr 19, 2018

@fall_risk look through Lancaster farmer or even contact @SuperK. I believe he has had a couple trucks plainted out that way. Might be a bit of a drive for ya but it might also be a really good deal. I seem to remember it being rather affordable!