the undercarriage of my truck doesnt look so great so i want to paint it. i searched a little and decided to use rustoleum paint on it, but what should i do to the parts before painting?

 

If it's rusted (I assume it is since you want to paint it) you'll want to do something about the rust first. They make rust converters. I've used both the paint on type and the rattle can type of converters. I'd try and knock the major rust of first with a hammer or scraper or both. If it's actually in decent shape, you're going to want to clean it up somehow so you have a clean surface to paint. If there's a lot of heavy dirt and grease I'd use a strong degreaser on it and then pressure wash it off. When it's dry, wipe it down with some kind of kind of prep cleaner, like prepsol. Then I'd hit it with a primer (which shouldn't be necessary with the converter) and paint it with whatever you choose.

 

i did my rear axle and driveshaft. first i went under there with a wire brush and got off all the chunks of old paint and such, make sure to wear some kind of eye protection!!! then just threw some rustoleum black on it. mine was not THAT bad. if yours is in bad shape you may want to do some more prep work than i did.

 

I would definitely do the Rustoleum thing. Unless you are going to turn your truck into a show truck, the little bit of dust that will always be on your undercarriage after you paint it will mask any small defects in your paint job. No one (other than a mechanic or you while painting it) will ever get close enough to see your work. It is not likely that you will ever have to worry about rusting through any parts in the drivetrain during the life of the vehicle. Just touch it up in the future if the rust appearance returns.

 

nothing on the truck is really rusted terribly. just has the appearance of it from dirt and almost 11 years of being in the midwest. the degreaser idea was exactly what i was looking for. i think ill do that and then get at the frame with a wire brush cuz its mostly caked on mud and dirt. where could i get the rust converter you were talking about at?

 

Honestly, I don't know where to get it. Everytime I've used it has been at work and was supplied to me. Sorry.

 

oh thats cool. it shouldnt be hard to find

 

Ever since I've owned my truck, I religiously go under my truck when it gets in the 70F's, and I put my truck up on some ramps and I attack it with a pressure washer with soap. Right now there is no rust... but what I do anyways is I get about 10 cans of Rustoleum Industrial Grade High Gloss Black paint, and I spray the entire frame, rear end, and anything else that was factory black. I do recommend wearing vinyl/latex gloves, full clothing, and safety goggles, and possibly a hat. Last time I did it, I wore shorts, t-shirt, my regular glasses and no gloves... and boy was I regretting it.

 

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