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Long Term '87 Ranger 4x4 Project Build Thread

  • Thread starter Thread starter jhammel85
  • Start date Start date

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

Started out well! Popped out the dent pretty easily
bdceaab3cfa7bf5d2bc79d241be21add.jpg
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Then i found this..

79af5f5bf2c8aff1406a5e4ee1c2f25d.jpg


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.
 
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Well, theres one side. I need to do the bedrail as you can see. Im happy with it.
 
Very nice! Did you use glaze? If so where'd you buy...decided I'm going to cover my patching with glaze.
 
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.
 
Nice truck. Looking forward to updates. Great color! Same as my B2 . Lol
 

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