Panning my restoration. If it all works out it will happen this Spring!
To begin, this rig (once done) will go back to being a daily driver (even in winter).
I bought the rig with a very small rust spot. Daily driver for 5ish years and completely rusted out. A few years ago, I bought a used stock tub and replacement panels. Bobcat taught me how to remove the rotten portions and spot weld in the replacement panels. Involuntary job change resulted in postponing the rebuild...I treated the tub with a zinc coating and tucked it away in the garage waiting on funds. I treat the tub every year to prevent flash rust. So far, so good...
What now has me concerned is my overall plan of using the rig as a daily driver. I have debated the merits of a fiberglass tub and originally decided on this steel one I have. However, my build has change...I am now going half cab...which means I have to consider rust in the bed.
My initial plan was to have the frame galvanize dipped, then coat with Master Series Mastercoat and debating spraying the inside with boiled linseed oil. For my tub I am planning on coating the inside, underside, and firewall with Master Series Mastercoat, then a nice urethane primer, and urethane top coat. Install the bulkhead and debating Line-X the bed area. Once all that is done, I am having the whole rig coated with Rust Check.
So, given my change to half cab, I guess my questions:
1) Should I reconsider fiberglass? I don't care for the look as much, the weight difference, or all the little massaging that would be needed to make things fit. Plus, I seem to recall issues with the core being wood that could rot out, issues with the bed cracking if it is actually used to haul stuff, things like that.
2) Boiled linseed oil? Not overly expensive; but, is it overkill when considering the Rust Check?
3) Line-X the bed? I would have it painted first...but, have read of issues with cracks/chips allowing water underneath and actually promoting rust.
4) How do I seal the bulkhead? I know there was a gasket originally; but, that didn't work well in mine before. Is it better to use seam sealer? And, if so, shouldn't I do it before having it painted (after the Mastercoat)? What about the rear lip (by the tailgate) and the seams by the wheel wells? Seam sealer there?
5) How do I best protect the rollbar? I plan on Mastercoat on it as well; but, do I seal it to the floor? Install it before Line-X or after?
Lots of questions...thanks...
To begin, this rig (once done) will go back to being a daily driver (even in winter).
I bought the rig with a very small rust spot. Daily driver for 5ish years and completely rusted out. A few years ago, I bought a used stock tub and replacement panels. Bobcat taught me how to remove the rotten portions and spot weld in the replacement panels. Involuntary job change resulted in postponing the rebuild...I treated the tub with a zinc coating and tucked it away in the garage waiting on funds. I treat the tub every year to prevent flash rust. So far, so good...
What now has me concerned is my overall plan of using the rig as a daily driver. I have debated the merits of a fiberglass tub and originally decided on this steel one I have. However, my build has change...I am now going half cab...which means I have to consider rust in the bed.
My initial plan was to have the frame galvanize dipped, then coat with Master Series Mastercoat and debating spraying the inside with boiled linseed oil. For my tub I am planning on coating the inside, underside, and firewall with Master Series Mastercoat, then a nice urethane primer, and urethane top coat. Install the bulkhead and debating Line-X the bed area. Once all that is done, I am having the whole rig coated with Rust Check.
So, given my change to half cab, I guess my questions:
1) Should I reconsider fiberglass? I don't care for the look as much, the weight difference, or all the little massaging that would be needed to make things fit. Plus, I seem to recall issues with the core being wood that could rot out, issues with the bed cracking if it is actually used to haul stuff, things like that.
2) Boiled linseed oil? Not overly expensive; but, is it overkill when considering the Rust Check?
3) Line-X the bed? I would have it painted first...but, have read of issues with cracks/chips allowing water underneath and actually promoting rust.
4) How do I seal the bulkhead? I know there was a gasket originally; but, that didn't work well in mine before. Is it better to use seam sealer? And, if so, shouldn't I do it before having it painted (after the Mastercoat)? What about the rear lip (by the tailgate) and the seams by the wheel wells? Seam sealer there?
5) How do I best protect the rollbar? I plan on Mastercoat on it as well; but, do I seal it to the floor? Install it before Line-X or after?
Lots of questions...thanks...