VTX1800N1

At 88K miles, the truck needed new shocks, since these appear to be the originals. I ordered a set of Bilstein 5100s for all 4 corners. I installed the rear shocks today:

Lots of frame rust. This used to be a WI truck, so...







I degreased the entire area with Simple Green and a scrub brush:





After that, it was time to spray on POR 15 Metal Prep. This stuff needs to stay on and wet for 30 minutes.





I got 2 cans of Chassis Black. It's actually being replaced with a new product called Top Coat, and Amazon sent me one of each. They are the same satin black color.




The end results were much better. I'm still waiting on the other side to dry, so I haven't taken it for a ride yet. It took an entire can of paint to do that one small area and half the differential. I'll have to order at least 4 more cans for the front suspension area and the rest of the frame. This stuff isn't cheap, but there should be no more rusting of the frame. I also got some stuff from Eastwood on the way that is supposed to convert rust and prevent more. It's got a long straw that lets you get inside the frame members.

VTX1800N1

I've got MOOG upper control arms and lower ball joints for the front suspension when I get around to that.

VTX1800N1

It's dry, looks nice!

VTX1800N1

Took it for a drive. The rear suspension is MUCH better controlled. Can't wait till I can get the front done. I have all the parts here, I just need to order more POR 15 to clean up the frame while I have everything out. Going to paint the steering knuckle too.

QuickRick52

VTX,

Looks really good. I thought of this too while doing the exhaust system. Here was a nice shiny truck with an exhaust that looked like it was buried on the Titanic, which I replaced. I painted that raw un-coated drive shaft, differential, and frame in spots. I used that rust prep without paint, your looks more shiny. Atleast if I don't get around to painting with POR 15 etc. it is black (the color the rust prep leaves it).

I also did the front suspension knuckles that are raw cast iron. Any of these make the truck look so much better IMHO.

I keep forgetting about this product you showed in your photos and nice to know Amazon has it too.

QR

VTX1800N1

I have new rear calipers here. Waiting on a POR 15 caliper paint kit to get here so I can get them installed.

tritonbullet

Looks great! Looks expensive...

RustyCJ

Looks good.
Ive always used POR15 in cans that you brush on. Didn't know about the spray cans. Gonna have to get some of those.

VTX1800N1

The nice part is, once it's done, it'll never rust again.

tritonbullet

How much were your shocks?