Operation Overhaul

[ramthis9501]

Well boys, its officially time to get started on the truck! Got it pulled in the shop and will be starting tear down later this evening.

Here it is as it sits right now...
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Photos/2012-05-16_17-52-05_935.jpg

I'll be updating this thread along the way. Estimated completion: 2-3 weeks

This is going to be badass :D

[BMRbrnSNRbrd]

Flat black buddy...do it.

[fast_Orange]

dude im so excited for this. ill be in town this weekend again helping mom. but if you need help i wouldnt mind stoppin in

[ramthis9501]

Sorry dude but I just can't... gonna be doing a gun metal gray

Got alot done in a couple hours...
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Photos/2012-05-16_21-30-25_45.jpg

http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Photos/2012-05-16_21-33-44_845.jpg

http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Photos/2012-05-16_21-33-54_402.jpg

More tear down tomorrow, then sanding will start!

[ramthis9501]

dude im so excited for this. ill be in town this weekend again helping mom. but if you need help i wouldnt mind stoppin in

Dammit... we'll be in Texas this weekend... sorry man. Come back up again next weekend and I'll be here lol

[DoubleTakeDodge]

I'm excited for ya man! Good luck!

[myoung84]

Looks like fun! I hate the sanding part though.

[0212353]

spiffy

[LowRam]

hell yea

[ramthis9501]

Been working hard today and finally got it all stripped down! Sanding will start tomorrow :D

http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Photos/2012-05-17_20-57-46_281.jpg

Oh and heres my ride for the time being! Moms car is in the shop and this is the loaner.
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Photos/2012-05-17_18-59-02_501.jpg

Has the 3.7 V6... so its far from a powerhouse lol but it drives pretty good!

I'll post some more pics tomorrow of my sanding progress... wish me luck!

[BMRbrnSNRbrd]

Are you sanding by hand or with an electric or air sander?

[ramthis9501]

Air sander!

[rvarela]

so far, so good. cant wait to see more. good luck bud!

[Matt]

Are you going to block it?

[BMRbrnSNRbrd]

Matt, please don't start picking apart everything he's doing.

[ramthis9501]

It's all good, I'm not blocking it but going to sand it as smooth as I possibly can with the air sander, then shoot it with some high build primer to fill in any other imperfections, sand that down smooth, shoot it again with primer and sealer, make sure that's smooth, then shoot it with paint and clear.

[Matt]

Matt, please don't start picking apart everything he's doing.

Way to over react ask a damn question without a hint of negativity or attitude you get all sensitive calm down just a simple question just as you asked one

[Matt]

It's all good, I'm not blocking it but going to sand it as smooth as I possibly can with the air sander, then shoot it with some high build primer to fill in any other imperfections, sand that down smooth, shoot it again with primer and sealer, make sure that's smooth, then shoot it with paint and clear.

After your first primer coat do a guide coat since you're not blocking it that will help you knock down any high spots what brand of primer/paint/clear are you using if you use nason/DuPont be careful with the clear it will orange peal easy

[ramthis9501]

Not exactly sure what brand, but I think I'm gonna get all the paint and primer at O'Relilys. I think it's Nason that they have, but I'm not exactly sure. I'll be getting the supplies here in the next week or so.

[BMRbrnSNRbrd]

Way to over react ask a damn question without a hint of negativity or attitude you get all sensitive calm down just a simple question just as you asked one

Matt I'm going off of your past posts whenever Colton does something. You seem to like to ride him. It was just a request, not an over reaction.

[Matt]

And since then have I had 1 negative comment towards him? Can't live in the past

[Okiespaniels]

Colton...
Just a thought here, but if you have some door dings or imperfections that are a bit deep, use some stuff called "plastic putty". Comes in a tube like spot putty, but unlike spot putty it is much tougher and can be built up thicker if need be.
It won't split or crack and sands easy like body filler, and is waterproof.

[Randall488]

I used to work at a body shop, lol I feel ur pain man. Can't wait to see the finished product.

[ramthis9501]

Awesome Al thanks for the info. Can I just get it at any auto parts store?

[Okiespaniels]

I believe so...although I may have bought my last tube at Wally-world!

[WillyBoy17]

Hey Colton, havent been on in a while and seen what is going on but can"t wait to see your masterpiece. 2nd Gens have to stick together!! roulette (http://slotsmastons.com)

[ramthis9501]

Hell yeah they do! Glad to see your still around

For the truck... just gonna say, it took a total transformation today lol I'll just let the pics do the explaning...

http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Photos/2012-05-20_19-16-03_582.jpg

http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Photos/2012-05-20_19-16-09_749.jpg

http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Photos/2012-05-20_19-16-13_663.jpg

And for the "grafitti" on the side of the truck... I let my friend get a little crazy with the paint lol gonna be sanding it off anyway

Sanding will officially start tomorrow!

[BMRbrnSNRbrd]

Wow man...its serious now.

[ramthis9501]

I've been serious :fuckyea:

[Okiespaniels]

Might as well sand and paint the frame since you have the bed off!

[ramthis9501]

Might as well sand and paint the frame since you have the bed off!

Thinking about it...

[BMRbrnSNRbrd]

I would at least give it a good coat of black Rustoleum. If it were a dedicated show truck I could see sanding and painting but since its not, you might as well do half the work.

[LowRam]

just bag it now lol, this is exactly how completly custom trucks start. they start by saying im going to paint it, then the bed is off then you say im going to paint the frame while everythings off, and say well since ive got it apart and not sparyed yet you say well i may as well buy a custom hood so when i paint everything will be the right color, then well its never ending lol just do work bro!

[ramthis9501]

I want it to be a show truck :) I think we actually have a couple gallons of gloss black left over from other projects in the past that's still good. So I might just do it...

And doubt I'll be doing bags lol I almost did get a shaker hood for it a couple weeks ago though, deal just fell through. At least I got a tonneau cover though!

[ramthis9501]

Oh and here's the bed...
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Photos/2012-05-21_12-43-37_773.jpg

Going to pick up some sand paper, plastic putty and some other things so I can get started on it later!

[ramthis9501]

Been busy last night and today sanding it down. We almost have the whole cab done, just have the hood, door jambs and a few little spots to feather in.

One thing I am glad I remembered to do was shave that stupid radio antenna. So here it is!

Before:
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Photos/2012-05-21_16-53-33_323.jpg

After:
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Photos/2012-05-22_16-42-32_132.jpg
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Photos/2012-05-22_16-42-45_419.jpg

Also got started on taking the plastidip off the wheels. Used Daves ingenious plan and used a high pressure water gun to take it off. Works like magic!
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Photos/2012-05-22_18-30-18_689.jpg

Two down, two to go... I'll be sanding those down as well and paint them with real wheel paint. Going with gloss black to match all the other accent pieces.

Called it a night, will be going to hopefully finish up the cab tomorrow, stay tuned!

[DoubleTakeDodge]

I like the shaved antenna. Truck's gonna look great man

[Matt]

did you weld that up or is it body filler?

[LowRam]

did you weld that up or is it body filler?

looks like he welded a peice of metal from be hind in first pic then fillered it in, which is how i personally would have done it, but i cant really tell if he did or not i hope he put something there welded tho.

@colton shave your door handles!:head3:

[ramthis9501]

Yes I put a piece of metal behind it and rivoted it in. Worked perfect!

And sorry but I just can't do the shaved door handle look... Just personal preferance.

[DoubleTakeDodge]

Yes I put a piece of metal behind it and rivoted it in. Worked perfect!

And sorry but I just can't do the shaved door handle look... Just personal preferance.

I agree. I think trucks look like they're missing something when they don't have handles

[LowRam]

I agree. I think trucks look like they're missing something when they don't have handles

yes there handles are missing when they dont have them lol :sorrysign:

[DoubleTakeDodge]

Hahaha yeah, I knew that was coming lol

[ramthis9501]

Got alot more sanded down today. Think about one more good day of sanding, then the cab will be done and ready for paint! Hopefully that can be done tomorrow

[rvarela]

soundz like your moving right along! good job man!

[myoung84]

Making some good progress!

[ramthis9501]

Truck is gonna be untouched over the weekend... but oh well, maybe I can meet up with a few of you all while I'm in Tulsa

[ramthis9501]

Gonna do some sanding here in awhile after it cools off... summer heat sucks!

[BMRbrnSNRbrd]

At least it's not like last year....I want pics.

[ramthis9501]

I'll get some tomorrow

[LowRam]

tomorrow is not soon enough lmao

[ramthis9501]

Pics as promised...

http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Photos/2012-05-29_19-13-07_377.jpg
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Photos/2012-05-29_19-13-24_502.jpg
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Photos/2012-05-29_19-13-28_411.jpg
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Photos/2012-05-29_19-13-37_202.jpg
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Photos/2012-05-29_19-13-51_971.jpg

Getting all the clearcoat sanded off... not the funnest thing in the world to do lol

Thinking about taking some 80 grit to it because even 120 is having a hard time getting through it. Hoping to have it ready for paint in about a week and a half or so.

[BMRbrnSNRbrd]

Good to hear you aren't rushing it.

[0212353]

damn, 120 isn't going through the clear?

[ramthis9501]

damn, 120 isn't going through the clear?

It is but taking FOREVER!!

[ramthis9501]

Been taking a break... gonna get to really working on it again tomorrow. Just gotta say... sanding clear coat off :favorites68: sucks!!

[BMRbrnSNRbrd]

Yes it does, but you know it will be worth it.

[DoubleTakeDodge]

It's gonna be lookin so good when you're done!

[ramthis9501]

Well we finally got the cab sanded down completely!! Just have to go over it with some 400 grit and then it'll be ready for primer :D Now time to do the bed and tonneau cover!

[BMRbrnSNRbrd]

Hey bud, how's it coming? I was thinking of taking a bit of a ride tomorrow and thought maybe I could swing by your house if you were going to be there and check this out first hand. Text me, post on here, pm...whatever.

[OklaHemi]

Nice work Colton, I'll be dropping my truck off when we get back from Florida(You had better have lots of money ready BTW you hve 2 weeks), I still want something a couple shades darker than the Escalade white diamond color. Hone your skills young Jedi

[ramthis9501]

Im saving up! Cant wait for Florida!

[BMRbrnSNRbrd]

Wait...are you guys serious. Mike, you painting yours too?

[ramthis9501]

Haha yup! Going back down to the Destin area for a week! They're taking me this time :D

[ramthis9501]

Got the tonneau cover completely sanded down again today... Going to shoot it with some better primer that we're gonna use on the rest of the truck.

http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Photos/2012-06-09_16-38-34_590.jpg
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Photos/2012-06-09_16-38-41_71.jpg

Tomorrow I'm hoping to get the bed sanded down and done with, then do the door jambs, front bumper, grille and few touch up areas. Thats all thats left... Thinking just a couple more days and sanding will be completed. Then it'll be time to shoot primer

[LowRam]

Sweet!!

[Okiespaniels]

NIce job grasshopper!

[BMRbrnSNRbrd]

It looked great when I was there!

[ramthis9501]

Thanks guys! I'm just ready to get it done now!

And glad you came by Dave. Heres a good idea... Why don't you all just come over and we'll have a sanding party? :D Haha

[BMRbrnSNRbrd]

And glad you came by Dave. Heres a good idea... Why don't you all just come over and we'll have a sanding party? :D Haha

Man I would love to except I don't wanna...

[Okiespaniels]

Man I would love to except I don't wanna...

>>>>One of the ways you can tell who your real friends are...that, and putting on a body lift! :lol:

[ramthis9501]

Well I felt pretty good today and decided to get some work done! Got the bed pretty much done except for the inside and the very front, which will be easy. Had to bondo a pretty big dent, which is in the picture below... It'll get sanded soon.

http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Photos/2012-06-14_13-16-44_699.jpg

Also got the tailgate done, but once again, except the inside. Not to much more sanding though and it'll be ready for primer!

http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Photos/2012-06-14_15-03-01_330.jpg

[BMRbrnSNRbrd]

Coming along great dude.

Are you going to the NCCO show on Saturday?

[Okiespaniels]

I'll "assume" you sanded the body down to bare metal where you wanted the filler to stick right. It adheres a whole lot better when you do.

[(S.M.R) 101]

Awesome job thus far buddy.. Can't wait to see her all back together

[BMRbrnSNRbrd]

I'll "assume" you sanded the body down to bare metal where you wanted the filler to stick right. It adheres a whole lot better when you do.

If not, now is the time to correct that.

[ramthis9501]

Thanks guys! Can't go to the show... gonna be out of town.

And yes, the places I bondoed have all been sanded down to bare metal. Doing it right the first time!

[BMRbrnSNRbrd]

Good for you.

[Matt]

just a heads up body filler shouldn't be applied any thicker than 1/4 inch (general rule of thumb and less on bigger sections) or you'll have cracking issues ... if you have more than a 1/4 of a dent or etc then use a body hammer and a dolly to work the metal out if it's really dented up you might need to rent/purchase a slide hammer to get the big ones out

[OklaHemi]

STOP.....

















Hammer Time. are you going to have that done before we leave?

[ramthis9501]

Not painted... Gonna go put alot of time into it today starting in about an hour. Its going to be all sanded and ready to shoot with primer by tomorrow!

[Graygoose]

looking great man, keep us posted!!

[BMRbrnSNRbrd]

Good to hear buddy. Better to spend a ton of time on prep then regret it later.

[ramthis9501]

Ok so heres what I got done today:
Mirrors sanded and ready
Door handles sanded and ready
Tailgate handle sanded and ready
Wiper cowel sanded and ready
Bumper and grille sanded and ready

All that needs done now is to go over it all with some 400 grit and also scuff up the inside of the bed, under the hood and door jambs. I'm not to worried about the inside of the bed because I am going to put a bed rug in it anyways.

[BMRbrnSNRbrd]

Door handles...I'm telling you. I know you want black accents but please re-consider the door handles.

[ramthis9501]

I'll think about it... is there a possibility of a chop made so I could see the two and compare them?

[EXSAILORwithaHEMI]

Looks like you been hard at lil buddy! Nice work! I'm with Dave on the door handles...

You thought about the street scene mirrors? I think they'd be a nice touch, just food for thought.

[ramthis9501]

I dont really like the street scene mirrors.. but thats just personal preference

[EXSAILORwithaHEMI]

Gotcha, I just think it would be a little cleaner look. Dodge sure does make some big dorky mirrors... but whatever blows your skirt up!

[ramthis9501]

The truck hasn't been forgotten about... just took a little break is all. Tomorrow is the big day when all sanding will be COMPLETE!!! :rockit:

Tuesday will be when we are going to build the paint booth around the truck. Primer should be lain down by the end of the week!

[Okiespaniels]

We're gonna need pics of the paint booth build here!

[ramthis9501]

I will but its gonna be really simple. We're just going to build it with pvc then wrap plastic around it.

[Matt]

as long as you seal it up well i've seen that work well many of times lol you might also think about wetting down the floor as well another redneck trick so you don't kick up any dust

[LowRam]

as long as you seal it up well i've seen that work well many of times lol you might also think about wetting down the floor as well another redneck trick so you don't kick up any dust

yes you definatly want to wet the floor like matt just mentioned

[swirvin21]

we always ran a soaker hose around the perimeter of the truck while painting in a redneck booth...it traps dust and particles so as you walk around you won't kick up additional debris that can get in your paint

[BMRbrnSNRbrd]

And it sounds like simple and cheap insurance.

[ramthis9501]

The soaker hose is a good idea... Might have to do that. Thanks!

[ramthis9501]

Well we got about halfway done with building the booth... Going to get the rest of what we need tomorrow and finish it up.
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Photos/2012-07-10_17-13-26_582.jpg
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Photos/2012-07-10_17-13-20_573.jpg

Also got all the plastidip off of the roll pan and got it pretty much sanded down and ready.

Tomorrow, the booth will be put up and ready and by Thursday or Friday at the latest it will be shot with primer!

[916Timmy]

Looks gangster!

[BMRbrnSNRbrd]

Nice job.

[myoung84]

That's pretty sweet!

[EXSAILORwithaHEMI]

What kind of paint guns are you using?

[ramthis9501]

We just have a cheaper one from Harbor Freight. We have used it before and it works perfect

[EXSAILORwithaHEMI]

Are you just using one tip?

[ramthis9501]

Yeah

[ramthis9501]

Booth is completed, truck is taped off and everything is clean... That only means one thing :D

Primer is going to be sprayed on in the morning!!

Heres some pics of the booth as requested
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Photos/2012-07-12_20-34-13_621.jpg
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Photos/2012-07-12_20-34-22_558.jpg
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Photos/2012-07-12_20-35-10_595.jpg
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Photos/2012-07-12_20-34-39_384.jpg
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Photos/2012-07-12_20-35-31_810.jpg

And taped off...
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Photos/0712122308a.jpg
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Photos/0712122308.jpg
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Photos/0712122308c.jpg
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Photos/0712122308b.jpg

Whole look of the truck is going to be changed by tomorrow morning! Pics will be posted so stay tuned!

[(S.M.R) 101]

Awesome colton! I can't wait to see how it turns out bud.

[myoung84]

Can't wait to see it!

[BMRbrnSNRbrd]

Awesome bud. I'm very happy for you. Door handles?

[ramthis9501]

Sorry Dave but door handles are gonna be black...

As for the truck, it is black! We sprayed it with black primer instead of the usual gray.

http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Photos/2012-07-13_14-24-13_602.jpg
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Photos/2012-07-13_14-24-30_810.jpg
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Photos/2012-07-13_14-24-38_35.jpg
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Photos/2012-07-13_14-24-44_583.jpg
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Photos/2012-07-13_14-24-59_478.jpg

The wheels, wiper cowel, door handles, tailgate handle and mirrors are going to be sprayed later this evening.

I'm happy with it so far, just ready to get paint on it now!

[Okiespaniels]

Nice job with the primer grasshopper...are you going to seal it before topcoating or just spray it?

[myoung84]

Sweet!

[ramthis9501]

Thanks! I'm not sure if we're going to seal it or not... When we go to pick up the paint, I'll see about getting some sealer while we're there.

[MegaCabMan]

looks like it is coming together nicely...just think you've already finished 1/3 of the sanding. If it were my project I'd block sand it at this point, that will help give you that super flat custom paint job look when your done. Then time to wet sand and buff. Just take your time and do the job right and you will have a truck that every time you walk by it, you will think---"I'm effing awesome, I did that!"

Oh and don't sweat your first time estimate, it always takes longer---ALWAYS!
I'll be updating this thread along the way. Estimated completion: 2-3 weeks

[ramthis9501]

Oh and don't sweat your first time estimate, it always takes longer---ALWAYS!

Yeah... that was just a day dream I had lol but the time we've put into it is definately going to be worth it.

We got the wheels and all that other stuff primered to! So as far as primer goes, it's all done :dogpile: It actually looks pretty good flat black like it is... but I think the gloss black will look a ton better.

http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Photos/2012-07-13_16-40-25_568.jpg
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Photos/2012-07-13_17-09-19_562.jpg
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Photos/2012-07-13_17-09-31_553.jpg

[916Timmy]

Finally some paint!!!! Just don't get too excited and rush it! :)

[Matt]

You might try adjusting the tip or spraying a little farther away looking a little streaky what color is it going again?

[ramthis9501]

Metallic Mineral Gray

[(S.M.R) 101]

Good job dude! Starting to come together

[ramthis9501]

Tonight we wet sanded the entire truck, including the wheels, mirrors and all that stuff. It's amazingly smooth :pedobear:

Tomorrow, we have to tape off the truck again and clean it all off because paint is going on within the week :D

[ramthis9501]

......

http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Photos/0722121405c.jpg
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Photos/0722121405d.jpg

[myoung84]

Looking good! Have you cleared it yet?

[ramthis9501]

Yup! Truck is completely 100% done!!

Later, we're gonna shoot the wheels and everything else that is going black. Then re-construction will begin in the next couple of days along with wet-sanding and buffing!

[myoung84]

Sweet! It will all be worth it once you crawl back in the driver seat!

[916Timmy]

You going to be ready by this weekend?

[ramthis9501]

You got that right Morgan! You have no idea how much I'm itching to drive it again lol

You going to be ready by this weekend?

Hell yes I will! :fuckyea:

[Okiespaniels]

Awesome Colton! I'm looking forward to seeing this!

[ramthis9501]

You entered in the car show right?

[BMRbrnSNRbrd]

Very nice bud.

[ramthis9501]

Thanks Dave.

Got the wheels, door handles, tailgate handle, wiper cowel, mirrors and windshield wiper arms all painted, cleared and done!! :dogpile:

Gonna wait til about Tuesday to let it all dry really good, then wet sand and put it all back together! I'm hoping to be driving it by Thursday!

http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Photos/2012-07-22_21-50-12_189.jpg
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Photos/2012-07-22_21-50-37_649.jpg
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Photos/2012-07-22_21-50-47_152.jpg

I'll get better pics soon

[(S.M.R) 101]

Awesome Dude!

I cannot wait to see it all back together

[DoubleTakeDodge]

oh buddy!!! get that thing put back together and give us pictures!!

[OklaHemi]

Looking good little weathers.

[ramthis9501]

So most of you all have already seen the truck from the pics of MMM, but I figured I'd go ahead and finish out this long drawn out thread...

So without further ado, I give you the final finish of Operation Overhaul!
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/ramthis9501/Photos/Mytruck.jpg

I want to say thanks to all that kept up with this and gave me tips and advice on how to do things. I also really appreciate all the positive feedback from you guys.

It was a long process but came out pretty good, overall I'm pretty happy with the outcome. Probably going to have the clearcoat redone by a professional later down the road and really bring out the shine. So just be ready everyone... The changing in looks isn't over yet ;)

[BMRbrnSNRbrd]

Very nice bud. Glad you got it all finished up.

[(S.M.R) 101]

Good job Buddy. lots of work involved their

[DoubleTakeDodge]

Very nice! Looks good man. I wouldn't have had the patience