Lots of info and opinions, of which I agree with just about all of them. But to give you some "reassurance" here is my story.
On my first vehicle,37pickup, I took it to a car wash and pressure washed all the grease and gunk off that I could see. Then I took it home and, like Woody, did the steel brush cleaning method. Primed it with Rustoleum primer, then painted it with aresol gloss black enamel Rustoleum. Now, 10 years later it still looks good.... but it does sit in side, and yes, its been in the rain several times. I drive it regularly.
My second vehicle,52 Panel, sandblasted the frame myself, on hot August days, and then put a good coat of POR15 on it. Since all my kids are now out of college ect I had just a few more dollars than when I did my 37 so its moved along better. PLUS all the Knowledge/kindness and helpfulness of guys here on the STOVEBOLT. They have been grrrreat.
In looking back, and looking forward my next one....if there is a next one, I will take the chassis and pay to sand blast it. Then I will use the POR15 on it again or if I have the money I will have it powder coated. My local powder coated said he could blast it clean and powder coat one for $450.
I really lean toward the POR15 on a nicely blasted chassis. Its tough as nails.
So, in the end it usually boils down to $$$ and what you are expecting or what you want your truck to look like, what it means to you and in some cases the time frame. I spent over 5 years on my 37 and would love to do it again using all the things I've learned over the years. On the other hand I have been on my panel "only" 3 1/2 years and I'm getting close to being done...... both different due to TIME and MONEY.
Good luck on your project. Let us know what you decide and keep us posted.
