Well, Only if you don't laugh at me...
Really not much to tell though. The frame wasn't in horrible condition. About what you'd expect with 20 years of normal service - lotsa surface rust, but no severe damage. I took everything apart (except riveted members) and used wire wheels on a grinder to "pre" clean the rails and parts. Then sandblasted everything using the white sand that is used (I think) for laying interlocking brick. I did the larger parts in sections. Stripping the metal down until it was uniform bare metal with no rust spots left. Blew everything off with air and gave it a couple of primer coats. I just bought a few cases of grey automotive spray primer from Canadian Tire, nothing special and not self etching - the kind you'd use for driveway auto body, y'know? After that just whatever colour of choice I wanted. Several coats following instructions on the can. I used several different brands of paint, but all the spray bomb kind. I know this wasn't a true restoration. The project started with intending to replace all of the front end components (shafts, bushings, U+L ball joints, tie rod, idler, coils, etc...) and turned into a Frame off restification because I had the time, money, and space at the time. All said, I went at it for between 8 months and a year. Man did it look nice when it was done! (I linked an "in progress" picture in my original post) Strangly enough, the sway bar still looks good to this day. I started thinking this was some sort of galvanic issue instead of a prep issue as the bar is the only part totally isolated by rubber bushings. All the primer and paint was layed on warm dry sunny days, and nothing was allowed to sit bare after blasting. The edges of parts (like the lip of the lower control arm) were filed down so there were no sharp corners. hell, I even drilled a 1/4" hole in that lip so that any water would drain) Maybe I was just stupid and nieve thinking that spray can would hold up? Although I did the body in flat grey (light sanding and same primer) and it has still held up fine - of course it wasn't down to bare metal. I hate to brag, but I'm quite good with spray bomb, I don't want you to think it was a TOTAL hillbilly job done with a roller... However, my spidey senses tell me that you're slapping your forehead an thinking "Oh, God. He used SPRAY cans."
Jim.
