In this video, I show a case study of how an inexperienced amateur was able to repair and paint the rusted doors of a 1998 Dodge Ram, in his driveway, with no prior experience spraying automotive paint. This is worth watching if you are considering accepting this challenge yourself, because you’ll see several examples of what not to do along the way.
This video clearly shows the good, the bad, and the ugly of DIY rust repair. The result is not perfect and you’ll get to follow along as I climb up the novice part of the learning curve. Professionals generally don’t fix these problems because old trucks are rarely worth the cost of repair, which leaves it to amateurs to experience how difficult this can be.
One of the most critical parts of the task is to have a protected area where problems of pollen, insects, rain, wind, dust, and cold/warm temperatures can mess up the job. I used an old carport tent that offered some protection from wind, though it was far from perfect.
In the end, it was a lot of work, I’m reasonably happy with the result, and I learned a ton about how this is done.
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Great job! Now the only way to be sure to stop rust in a cavity is lanoline grease (made from wool), fluid film or other brand. This would have prevented the issue in the first place. And of course fix scratches etc sooner rather than later.
for an amateur and a great effort you did a splendid job,.By comparison with the original rusty doors it looks great and you are the only one that in general would notice the mistakes. and you explained it with excellence . well done Sir and very best wishes from NZ.
Practice makes perfect. Its a good job since you've never done it before!
Orange peel can be minimized by polishing with a Dual Action Polisher?
When you are painting parts off of the vehicle you should paint them as they are not the vehicle. Don't lay doors flat or hang a hood vertical that way the paint is done as it was in the factory.
You did a great job. Was well worth doing it.
A cheep can of white or black spray bomb for a guide coat to see high and low spots comes in handy in all stages of metal work to bondo spot puddy and blocking primer .
If you painted outside in the sun that was your problem the metal was to hot even with slow dry reducer it will not flow very well.. the max course to put primer is 220-240 grit us safe for primer for paint 400 -600 usually 500 grit is good for base clear or single stage . But using epoxy primer was your best choice I do that all the time the do body work on top the another coat then quick blocking 240 – 320 grit then a couple coats of high solid primer then fin sand for the paint I'm putting on . I usually block all sanding for show cars but they pay for that process or buzz sand for street use.
I know the feeling about that person hitting your door to bad you did not notice it sooner.
Rebuild the door bottoms using fibre glass and the door bottoms never rust out again.
Not bad for an amateur at least made a good attempt and didn’t turn out too bad those Dodgers were they were they were nice looking truck to a man they were alpha roster night around the doors it was too bad but I like them all dodge trucks like at
Sand. primer Aluminum self adhesive tape Bondo roof coat inside 50$ respray . They make a pop rivet metal patch if severe. Don't take the doors off. Use self drill screws then replace
w rivets. Your way great but too much work for a 2k truck that will probably be rip anyway.😅