with the winter cold and snow coming on here in OH I'm beginning to plan projects on the truck for the spring. I think at this point the best project-worthy thing to do is attack the heavy rust on the frame and suspension. I've never done rust work before though so I'll defer to the advice of anyone more seasoned. A couple questions:

What's the best way to get the rust off? chemical rust remover/converter, wire brush, sandblasting, something else?

What's the best way to protect the bare metal once I have the rust stripped off? prime & paint? any favorite products?

There is heavy rust on pretty much every unpainted component on the undercarriage. I'm sure some of you saw pics from when I was doing the ball joints. Is it going to be best to take apart the front end and do each piece individually? And how should I handle the rust on the frame? Will I need to remove the bed?

Any other advice would be appreciated Thanks!

 

I have used POR-15 on my frame. I wire brushed what I could. In the spring I plan on pulling the bed, use a wire wheel on the drill and clean up the parts of the frame I didn't get to before. The I will apply more POR-15 and leave it go at that.

I am also going to replace the front tank, and the filler hose on the rear tank. I would also like to install a frame mounted hitch at that time. My cab corners need replaced also, but don't know if I will have the cash to do that.

 

did you use anything to prime/treat between wire brushing and the POR-15? and did you put a coat of anything on over the POR-15

 

Nope. No primer or topcoat. Just the POR 15. Just remember, if you buy any, have some glass jars handy and pour the POR 15 in them. Put plastic wrap between the lid and jar. The POR will seal the original can lid, and you WON'T be able to remove it. The jars cure this problem. The stuff is not cheap. I think I paid around $40 for a quart.

Also, wear rubber gloves and old clothes when you go to apply this stuff. If you get this stuff on your hands, it will take up to a month to wear off. Just buy some cheap plastic bristle brushes to apply it, and pitch them when done.

 

how much POR-15 did you use total on your frame?

 

also, does anyone have any suggestions for the rear axle and differentials? I suspect I'd have to take the diffs apart to paint them, or at least remove the covers

 

POR = paint over rust

Remove the parts that you don't want sealed in place and any loose rust.

 

I would say a quart should do it. And, as the good advice above states, DO NOT use the POR on bolts and nuts and things that you may have to take apart in the future. The POR will pretty much "weld" those bolts in place when it hardens.

 

will I need to take apart the leaf springs and paint each leaf individually?

 

Nah, just don't paint the bolts themselves. I'd just use rustoleum satin black on those areas.