Long Term '87 Ranger 4x4 Project Build Thread

[drsvox]

I'm impressed...looking really good!!

I'm no expert when it comes to the painting, but I've been doing a lot of research on it in prep for my 83.

I think as a general rule, shooting an epoxy primer/sealer is best for DTM (or any surface really), but there are some solid DTM non-epoxy primers out there. I plan on using Eastwood's polyester contour over metal, filler, and oem paint prepped w/ 120-grit paper. Following that with a 2-stage urethane.

Also: be sure to read the tech sheet on whichever paint you're using. Some (like the epoxys) are good for 5 or so days before you have to re-scuff and re-seal or primer; other paints, like the urethanes have very short recoat windows (less than 24 hours)...

add on: if i'm not mistaken (and i'm pretty sure i'm not), you should seal, then prime, then base, then clear.

 

[jhammel85]

Thanks! I appreciate the help. That definitely clears up a few things.

I'm noticing this morning that my thin coat of bondo is showing through the primer. I can see a few lines and definitely ridges. I cross sanded with 80 grit, then featheted with 180 and 320. I also used spot putty / glazing when i finished, sanded it with 180 and painted it.. I haven't wet sanded the panel yet but im not too confident in this. I might have to sand some more? Maybe even another coat to smooth it down?
Either way I guess i cant be too hard on myself about it. Its my first welding in panel and bondo work. The rollpan was very easy to do compared to this.

 

[drsvox]

I have zero welding ability so I can't even begin to imagine the amount of work needed to smooth a panel out...and bondo isn't the easiest stuff to work with either...one of the reasons I picked eastwood's contour...supposedly very forgiving with a high build for blocking and shaping (but its pot life is only 30 minutes).

Are you planning to repaint entirely, or are you blending the panel into the existing paint?

 

[jhammel85]

Nope total repaint down the road. I think i need to find 2 part glazing. The stuff that turns bluish green and looks like cake icing. I just have to find it now, there's a lot of different things out there. The bondo coat is just too rough.

The welding part was easy.. Its blending the bondo in that's killing me.

 

[drsvox]

surprisingly, wearing rubber gloves (blue nitrile) acts kind of like an amplifier and should help you feel for imperfections or unevenness...worth a try...?

 

[jhammel85]

Yeah ill give it a shot, thanks!

 

[jhammel85]

I've always wanted a ford stamped tailgate as opposed to the stainless panel. I know the letters are under there. The problem is the R has a dent. Its a pretty round dent from what I remember, no creases, so i hope to knock that out.

The welded fender is done, i just have some minor things to do.

 

[drsvox]

I'm inspired. My tailgate has a few dents in it and I was going to take the easy way out and buy new, but now I think I'll save some money by spending some effort.

 

[jhammel85]

Go for it! I'm hoping i can get mine out. If this doesn't work out then thats fine. It'll be a guinea pig for me to mess with. If it doesn't work out, ill continue down the path of finding a stamped tailgate in decent shape. Im just hoping to save a few bucks.

 

[jhammel85]

Bad night....

Started out well! Popped out the dent pretty easily

Then i found this..

So thats a bummer...I'll find a stamped gate soon and scrap this one. I dont think its worth all the welding and body work.

 

[jhammel85]

Well, theres one side. I need to do the bedrail as you can see. Im happy with it.

 

[drsvox]

Very nice! Did you use glaze? If so where'd you buy...decided I'm going to cover my patching with glaze.

 

[jhammel85]

No glaze just lots and lots of sanding. I didn't need it after all.

Just the typical spot putty from 3m. Its not bad stuff at all.

 

[drsvox]

Oh very cool. Looks great!

 

[NEALD]

Nice truck. Looking forward to updates. Great color! Same as my B2 . Lol