Hello all! I am not an auto body guy so I need some advice. My truck is ready for blasting, primer and body work. Is it advisable to have the body blasted and sit for body work or is it best to get it all done at once? For paint is it better to paint in separate pieces or the truck all ***embled?
Make sure the blaster knows what they are doing. You can ruin panels I prefer to strip the paint prior to blast. Only blast the rust. I usually DA sand after blasting. Then epoxy prime. As far as painting apart, depends on what it is and color. Metallic and pearls need the parts oriented as it will sit when together. Need to know what color and model truck to answer completely. Painting a late 50s slab side truck together is easier than a 30s truck with fenders ***embled there’s more than one correct answer
As far Blasting, check options like media, vapor ( water) or Sand Blasting ( which takes a special touch not to warp panels. Either way - after blasting, get Etch Sealer Primer on it so it doesn’t flash rust. Discuss the rest with a quality body shop. Good luck
I never blast big panels, only door jams, firewalls, etc, and spots that real hard to sand. very easy to warp stuff no matter how careful you are.
My go-to is gl*** blasting dry then right to HOK KD series epoxy. Been working for me for years. Need a blaster that knows his stuff or you can end up with a mess. Always done on a rotisserie, makes it a lot easier.
Some media embeds itself into the metal and leaves a residue. It can later cause adhesion problems if not removed. I've seen folks blast 'em and shoot 'em but I wouldn't. Run over it with a stripping disc and you'll see the difference I'm talking about. Anthony's method is a good one.
If you're counting on other people to do all this work, under your piecemeal direction...good luck.... Whoever is going to do bodywork and paint it, should be in charge of paint removal and priming. And they need to be someone who has a good reputation for getting things done quickly, not letting them sit around. Look at his shop, are there half done project sitting there? You don't want yours to turn into one of them. and that has a lot to do with how much money you have available to get the job done all at once, at the price it costs. You're better off getting the truck running and driving and leaving the body "as is", if you don't have the means to get it done well all at once.
I found someone who did a fantastic wet sandblast job for me on my last car. Need him now but he retired. Why do we have to all grow old at the same time?
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