The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Tired of sanding

I stripped the cab to bare metal,primed it and done the body work,and primed it heavy.I blocked it down thinking it would be ready for paint,and found several more small dings.I have been using Icing to work them out,but this sanding is getting old.When I was younger I did a lot of body work on the side to make extra money,but I don"t remember this much sanding,maybe thats why I stopped doing it.I will soon be done, whether I have all the dents out or not.

I feel your pain. I spent about 4 weeks doing all the prep for my bed. Finally sprayed the color and I missed a dent. Ahhhhhhhhh. This weekend is sand the finish down to 2000 and buff it. I still have all the fenders,doors, hood. Well this is fun right!

the body work is definitely the most challenging part of the job. I'm not even close to paint.I just have to keep telling my self how cool it will be when it is done.

I am hoping the doors and hood will not have so many dings.the cab looks like hail damage on it.I don't think it is.its just years being used as a truck.I sure am ready to move on to the doors.

The buffing is not much fun ether, but at least the compounds are better now so it goes better. I have repainted so I didn't have to buff.

So who's hand sanding and who's using a DA?

I find on the 58 that the doors and hood are the only surface I can use a sander on and only part of them.
I will say I find 2 softblocks laying side by side in 1/2 a sheet of paper make a better pass than a single one when your trying to cut the peel flat...

I too feel your pain. I took a break from the cab to do a door, I guess I just needed to feel like some progress was being made I put the final coat of primer on the passenger door yesterday , it's now ready for the final sanding and color. Back to cab for a while.

This is a hobby for me so I am not methodical in what I work on today. I keep it interesting and fun. When its not fun I take a break for a couple days

If you guys make them to nice, you'll be afraid to drive it.... LOL
John

I use a DA some and a line sander but the cab is mostly done by hand.To many curves

If it helps, just think of paying a shop $ 50.00 / Hr.

Speaking of curves. Does any one else make their own sanding blocks to conform to the curves they're working on? I found it really helps get them straight. I made some from hardwood but then found 2" foam board works just as well and is a lot easier to form.

I've found the rubbery rollers from wringer washers work well for some shapes - for odd places I shoot some of the spray can insulating foam onto a piece of saran wrap and form it to suit and let it cure, can also shoot a light cardboard tube full [like TP or paper towel cores] then later peel the cardboard off

Bill

"It hurts so good."

Great thread, I have this to look forward to. Just think a good paint job with good body work costs a ton of money these days. If you have more time than money, like me, it is time well spent. IMHO. The last job we used feather fill and it was so much better to sand, almost enjoyable, almost.

A few years back, Woody (I think) posted information on this Wagner Paint Eater. It works great and does not clog.

This was not available when I bought the Wagner unit. I'd have no problem buying it from Harbor Freight. Buy it when you are going to use it - if it lasts 90 days of heavy use, it will last longer (if it breaks, bring it back for a refund).

I use apoxciy primer [I can't spell] It goes on heavy and seals the body work.I think the cab is finally ready for final sanding and paint.The doors are next;

I bailed on doing my bodywork, a local shop a few years ago was needing some work so for $2500 They did all the body work & painted everything in pieces. They had it about a month before I started hauling it all home to put together. Between lack of time & lack of knowledge on bodywork it was the best route for me on the 1953, but I think I will tackle the next one all one my own.....

It's a Zen thing. You have to put on some good music (and a good mask) and get in a sanding groove.

When I work in the garage that is the 1st rule.The radio gets turned on before I do anything.I sanded a door to bare metal tonight,It is in good shape so it should be and easy fix.Just a few small dings.I hope the other one is this good.