Sweet 16 Project: Pickup body meets 60 chassis.

cruiserpilot · May 9, 2026

If you are painting frame to protect, Cosmoline RP-342 Black ships from Kelowna. Not much is better at all around
sealing and rust converting. Sprays on, takes a couple days to really set up but can be top coated later and kept
at 100% coverage. Creeps really well.

seapotato · May 10, 2026

cruiserpilot said:
If you are painting frame to protect, Cosmoline RP-342 Black ships from Kelowna. Not much is better at all around
sealing and rust converting. Sprays on, takes a couple days to really set up but can be top coated later and kept
at 100% coverage. Creeps really well.

Actually on sale a little bit right now too.

Just ordered a 6 pack to try out.

PeeZed · May 11, 2026

cruiserpilot said:
If you are painting frame to protect, Cosmoline RP-342 Black ships from Kelowna. Not much is better at all around
sealing and rust converting. Sprays on, takes a couple days to really set up but can be top coated later and kept
at 100% coverage. Creeps really well.

Online it says this is a “Protective Wax Coating.” Is it a wax product that protects from rust or does it convert rust?

My initial plan was to clean the frame as best as possible and then PAINT the frame with Cloverdale Maintenance and Marine Enamel. THEN, after paint is dry, top coat with a wax based product and each year after power washing the frame re-apply a wax based coating again.

Is the RP-342 sooooo good that you don’t need to paint first…because I don’t see a wax based product actually binding to the frame (especially since they clearly say re-application depends on context).

I’d rather do whatever permanent (as much as that is possible anyways) sealing be down while the body is off, and then annually apply a “maintenance” coat of something which essentially protects the paint.

Am I missing something? Is this RP product really that good?

seapotato · May 11, 2026

PeeZed said:
Online it says this is a “Protective Wax Coating.” Is it a wax product that protects from rust or does it convert rust?

My initial plan was to clean the frame as best as possible and then PAINT the frame with Cloverdale Maintenance and Marine Enamel. THEN, after paint is dry, top coat with a wax based product and each year after power washing the frame re-apply a wax based coating again.

Is the RP-342 sooooo good that you don’t need to paint first…because I don’t see a wax based product actually binding to the frame (especially since they clearly say re-application depends on context).

I’d rather do whatever permanent (as much as that is possible anyways) sealing be down while the body is off, and then annually apply a “maintenance” coat of something which essentially protects the paint.

Am I missing something? Is this RP product really that good?

I feel like you should maybe read the instructions, and then decide

cruiserpilot · May 12, 2026

PeeZed said:
Is the RP-342 sooooo good that you don’t need to paint first…because I don’t see a wax based product actually binding to the frame (especially since they clearly say re-application depends on context).

Spray directly onto that frame, brush off the crap if you use a 4" wire wheel on a grinder that would be exceptional. Do not
do anything else. It is that good. This is the number one military prep product there is. Spray 2-3 coats. Let it set up, dry.
It's ugly sticky stuff, don't wear clothing/shoes you spray with into the house. I wear a disposable paint suit. It stays sticky for a couple
of days.

PeeZed · May 12, 2026

@seapotato, I did not proceed with more edumacationing…and I did purchase 2 Gallons of the goop simply so I can use my fancy internal frame spray wand extension doohickeys.

In other news, anyone need any nearly mint 60series body mount brackets? The kid is busy drilling and grinding them off currently.

PeeZed · May 18, 2026

Decent day.

We got the 4 cab body mounts installed with custom body mounts we built. Yes, the red line indicates a crossmember that will be welded in for extra support/strength.

The kid is laying down some decent welds and I’m so stoked he’s learning and experiencing a sense of accomplishment when you put your mind to something (notwithstanding having a few tools and the space to use them helps a bit too).

Bottom of Rockers sit at 30” off ground. Great for clearing those tight corners over large rocks and roots, but a decent ways up if you’re old like me and trying to get into the truck!

Orders some nice brand new OEM drivers side hinges as the door was slapping pretty hard when closing…smooth like butter now, but holy $hit are they ever expensive once you include shipping and currency and duties! Worth it though…closes like new

Paint experiments on the side for a Tan color. Darker one is “beige” from Coverdale Paints maintenance and marine enamel. He wanted it lighter so I added 33% of the white in same paint and it came out much nicer we thought.

Toshi38 · May 18, 2026

Nice!

You can always just cut a triangle or two from some flat stock, adds a lot if strength and won't catch mud etc.

PeeZed · May 18, 2026

@Toshi38. Yeah, the pic probably doesn’t give the correct angle, but I was just planning on adding some flat stock to the side(s) to add the extra strength.

bikersmurf · May 19, 2026

PeeZed said:
@Toshi38. Yeah, the pic probably doesn’t give the correct angle, but I was just planning on adding some flat stock to the side(s) to add the extra strength.

I’ve also seen gussets on similar mounts made from box steel to maximize strength.

Toshi38 · May 19, 2026

bikersmurf said:
I’ve also seen gussets on similar mounts made from box steel to maximize strength.

Exactly what I would avoid, to avoid trapping mud/ water inside the box

PeeZed · May 23, 2026

Body off to prep undercarriage and power wash (with venturi sandblasting) the frame before giving it the RP342 business.

PeeZed · May 24, 2026

Little bit by bit.

PeeZed · May 28, 2026

Paint on underside of body and RP342 on frame.

Sooooo…RP342 is the consistency of water…really glad we put tarps down first!

I’ve got some other wax based “ProForm” product from Lordco leftover and it is WAY thicker consistency than RP342.

Regardless, the frame is coated inside and out and we’ll let it cook I the sun over the weekend to harden up.

Then it’ll be time for the cab to go back on and we start figuring out the nose job extension…

Oh, FJ60 stamp on frame.

PeeZed · May 28, 2026

Frame with RP342 on it.

PeeZed · May 28, 2026

Just did a “cleanup 2nd coat” with the HVLP and that’s where it’s at my friends.

The Shuntz gun for inside frame rails with the long flexible extension wand thingy was necessary, but probably better with a thicker product because it puked out so much product that I cried a little when I saw it pooling on the tarp.

Anyways, 2nd coat way more precise and manageable with HVLP.

Gonna let it cook over the weekend and then slap the body on.

Oh, current paint ideas have pivoted to a white cab with the classic red/orange/yellow stripes. Not sure how or where or how wide, but because the front fenders will be extra wide between the front doors and tires that may prove to be a good spot for some wide stripes.

Pic for attention…