If you’re lucky enough to own a truck, you know that they’re built to last. But even the most durable trucks can succumb to the elements, and one of the most common problems is rust. Rust can form on the truck bed for a variety of reasons, including exposure to moisture or chemicals. If left untreated, rust can cause serious damage to the truck bed, making it difficult to transport cargo. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to fix a rusted truck bed.
Step 1 – Prep
The first step is to remove any loose rust from the bed. This can be done with a wire brush or a power sander. Once the loose rust has been removed, you will need to remove any paint or primer that is still clinging to the metal. This can be done with a chemical paint stripper. Remember that you don’t want to scuff any of the surrounding areas. Then, smooth the area with 150-grit sandpaper. After you finish sanding, wash the truck bed to remove all sediment and dust that has accumulated. Make sure there is no remaining corrosion.
Step 2 – Apply Body Filler To Holes
Holes in your truck bed can not only be unsightly, but they can also lead to more serious problems down the road. If left unrepaired, these holes can grow larger and threaten the structural integrity of your truck. Fortunately, body filler can provide a quick and easy way to patch up these holes. Simply apply the filler to the affected area and smooth it out until it is level with the surrounding surface. Once the filler is dry, you can sand it down and proceed to the next step.
Step 3 – Apply Primer
When the patches are smoothed out to your satisfaction, apply an automotive primer to the patch and all exposed metal. The primer takes about an hour to dry, at which point you will want to sand down the area with 400-grit sandpaper. After you finish sanding, apply a second coat of primer and allow it to dry before smoothing again.
Step 4 – Restore The Finish
After applying both coats of your primer and smoothing out the surface, let the prime dry overnight, and then wash and dry the truck bed again. Now it’s time to repaint the truck bed.
For best results, apply a total of three coats of paint, sanding with 400-grit in-between coats just as you did with the primer. After finishing the third coat, sand the area smooth again, but use water on the paper to ensure a more delicate finish. Once the final coat is dry, apply a clear coat to the painted area.
As you can tell, there is quite a bit of work involved to repair your truck bed. This project is quite time-consuming. For best results, of course, you can always take your truck to a professional body shop. The technicians at Continental Truck Services are here to help you. We are highly skilled and certified to quickly and effectively fix any problem. We are here to provide top quality service at the fastest possible times. Call us today to schedule your appointment: (407) 591-6747. We are located at 9640 SIDNEY HAYES RD, Orlando, FL 32824, United States. So come on over today to see why thousands of others have turned to us for all their trucking needs!
