The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Frame Pocket Cleaning??

Anyone have any tips for cleaning out those areas on the frame that form the pockets between cross members and frame rails? I have gotten them "OK" with wirebrushes, dremal and small pick, but I would like to find something like a wire ball brush that would get inside and do a good job. BTW, the frame is a 63 C10.

Thanks, Rick

Rick:

The best, sure-fire way is to have the frame sandblasted, however that can be rather pricey and requires the body to be removed. Spray the pockets real good with Simple Green or Purple degreaser. After is has soaked, most of the matter will dislodge. After the matter is removed, give it a good coat of POR15 or other rust inhibitor/encapsulator/preventor.

Tony

Thanks Tony,

The body is off the frame and I have gotten it about 90% clean. I will soak it with some simple green and see if I can get it any better. I have the por15 waiting for a clean surface to paint! Thanks.

63StepSide:

Best of luck. When doing the front portion of the frame on my '66 Chevy C20, I cleaned it two or three times with Simple Green, as well as the Purple Industrial Degreaser from The Home Depot. At the time I didn't have a power washer, so it was all hand work, with good results. I now have a 3,850 psi DeWALT power washer. With the zero degree tip in the wand, I can strip paint off of metal. This will take the grime out, down to the bare metal.

In any case, using the degreaser and some elbow grease, you will get it adequately to apply the POR15. Make sure there is no residual grease, otherwise the POR15 will not stick over the long haul. I also let my degreased frame set out in the elements for a week or so. It developed a very light surface rust. I applied the POR15 over this light surface rust and it seemed to stick better on the oxidation better than the parts of the frame with the factory still applied.

I hope this information is helpful.

Tony