The first 10 years of listening to the Masters here at The StoveBolt were to learn every nuance of each step of the restoration process. I have been so blessed to have paid close attention to each thread and then surmised the value of each issue accordingly.
Here is what I personally decided. Your call and you SHOULD make your own decisions. Sandblast EVERYTHING. If its going back on the truck, its one of two things. Its either sandblasted or its plated by a professional plater. There is no gray area.
Blast with #1 Silica Sand using the appropriate safety crap, clean with PPG Metal Prep, Epoxy Prime with PPG DPLF, Primer with K36 High Build, then put it away for as long as 10 years until you are ready for it.
Its liberating that NONE of the issues above apply to me since all of the above issues are addressed in the very best way possible using tried and true (but nasty and miserable work) SANDBLASTING! So, get off the couch boys.. put away the video games, put on the suit, helmet, etc, etc and do something that will make your truck truly special!
I know I will hear about it, but guys, I hate to see people try things that LOOK like they will save you time or misery when there just isnt anything that beats sandblasting, only to spend the money on it, decide NO, thats not to my exacting standards, so now I get to throw good money after bad by now spending money on blasting equipment. You will be happy you did. I bet not a week goes by that I am not doing something at the blast cabinet.
Please dont get me wrong, but it feels wonderful knowing this is no longer an issue!
