Hi,
So as you probably know about my recent adoption of Jerry's old truck, I managed to get to a point where I can see the entire frame. The sad part is that the floors of this truck looked like someone sprayed it with acid, the frame to my surprise is actually in better overall shape then mine. I see the start of the the usual rust areas, so far evident only as small holes on the bottom of the inside cover. The back piece of course is flaking off and the very far rear cross-member was shot, but other then that it is solid metal almost everywhere. Now in it's current state (with nothing attached) it is easier to work on. The question is is it worth it?
For those who don't know my metal skills I am a huge fan of over kill, so that said if I was to fix it I would reinforce and improve on all the bad and weak areas.
Following this is always a question of what's next? how do you "prevent" it from rusting again?
Powder coating - doesn't get in everywhere, it still chips and the rust comes back. You want to add anything you have to grind it down and can't replace it.
Just painting it is even more useless.
Galvanizing - by far the most appealing option, but it costs $1.08 a pound, the frame has to sandblasted spotless (unless you managed to get it acid dipped), and the process of galvanizing heats up the frame to 840 deg. F. Which can warp it very nicely.
On the other hand there is the option of putting constant "band-aids" on my existing frame while the truck is sitting on it.
In either case for me the only cost for repairs it time and cost of steel.
Any suggestions?
So as you probably know about my recent adoption of Jerry's old truck, I managed to get to a point where I can see the entire frame. The sad part is that the floors of this truck looked like someone sprayed it with acid, the frame to my surprise is actually in better overall shape then mine. I see the start of the the usual rust areas, so far evident only as small holes on the bottom of the inside cover. The back piece of course is flaking off and the very far rear cross-member was shot, but other then that it is solid metal almost everywhere. Now in it's current state (with nothing attached) it is easier to work on. The question is is it worth it?
For those who don't know my metal skills I am a huge fan of over kill, so that said if I was to fix it I would reinforce and improve on all the bad and weak areas.
Following this is always a question of what's next? how do you "prevent" it from rusting again?
Powder coating - doesn't get in everywhere, it still chips and the rust comes back. You want to add anything you have to grind it down and can't replace it.
Just painting it is even more useless.
Galvanizing - by far the most appealing option, but it costs $1.08 a pound, the frame has to sandblasted spotless (unless you managed to get it acid dipped), and the process of galvanizing heats up the frame to 840 deg. F. Which can warp it very nicely.
On the other hand there is the option of putting constant "band-aids" on my existing frame while the truck is sitting on it.
In either case for me the only cost for repairs it time and cost of steel.
Any suggestions?