A Quick Guide to Restoring Corroded Frames

Pickup

There’s nothing like reliable old pickup trucks, and most of us are more concerned with how they runs than how they look. But you can’t always assume that rust and corrosion is just a cosmetic issue. A rusted body frame is a much bigger problem than a quarter panel you haven’t gotten around to painting. That’s why it’s so important to deal with rust right away. There’s no better time to deal with the problem than the present, and it’s a relatively easy DIY project. Here are a few tips to help you get started. If you have any questions visit us at White’s International Trucks in North Carolina; we serve all of North Carolina.

Getting Started

Two of the most essential things you’ll need to get started are time and elbow grease. If the frame is still in serviceable condition you might be available to complete the project in a weekend. Here are the tools you’ll need:

  • A hand-held grinder with a wire wheel attachment.
  • A wire brush and coarse sandpaper.
  • A 5-in-1 scraper.
  • Painter’s tape and masking paper.
  • Rubber glove and eye protection.
  • A paint gun or spray container.
  • Rust reformer (approximately 2 quarts or 6 spray cans per coat).

Prep the Frame

Removing all the rust and old paint will be the most time consuming part of the process. Your grinder will do the fastest work on all the areas where you can reach. For the other areas you’ll need to use brushes, scrapers and coarse sandpaper. Remove all the rust you can from your frame, axles and suspension. The final step is to pressure wash the whole area and allow it to dry.

Before you apply the rust reformer you should cover up anything you don’t intend to paint. This includes the exhaust system, the transmission and the transfer case. You can use masking tape or painter’s tape, and aluminum foil on larger areas.

You can use virtually any type of sprayer or paint gun to apply the rust reformer. You can use a gravity feed paint gun, a  Hudson sprayer, or even a repurposed spray bottle you don’t intend to reuse. Apply your rust reformer liberally to every exposed surface and use brushes to ensure the whole area is evenly coated.

Add Your Topcoat

When the rust reformer has completely dried the final step will be adding the topcoat. There are  several automotive paints on the market or you can use your choice of spray paint. An aerosol can is an easy way to get the job done quickly, and you should purchase at least 6 cans of spray paint for each coat. 

For more information, visit White’s International Trucks in North Carolina, serving all of North Carolina.