Northern Virginia Roll Call

Anyone have a good hardwood flooring repair contact?

 

Metal working experts, a question. I ordered a "blemished" unfinished bed rack from Rago. The pictures showed some surface rust that looked like it would take a fair amount of work. I was very surprised when I picked it up today. Not nearly as bad as the pics showed, and a lot of new pieces. The pics below show one as it came in, one after a wire brush on a grinder. Beside degeasing / cleaning, does the 'clean exterior one look like it needs more? There is still a little discoloration,but the surface looks good beside that. Thoughts?

 

What are you coating it with?

 

So theres an acid based metal prep that would 100% clean all at up. I cant remember what it is. Dave, do you know?

 

I have Rustoleum primer for rusty metal and a self etching primer. Was going to use each as needed. Haven't decided on paint yet.

 

I saw some stuff at Lowes, but didn't have my glasses so I couldn't read the -3 font.

 

You spreken of the POR-15?

 

I thought about that as I thought the metal was in worse shape. But so far, what's pictured is the worst I've seen.

 

Gotcha.. The cleaned up piece looks good. the POR might finish it up, pending how clean you want it.

 

POR15 makes something like that in prep for application of their product. Can't remember the exact name, but they only make a few products. For bare metal prep is the absolute most important step.

You could use the POR 15 process and get it ready for paint. And still have a rust preventative under the paint.

It's important to etch the metal for adherence. Or everything will just flake off.

 

I’d just wire wheel or grind off the surface rust, degrease it real good and shoot it with self-etching, then top coat with rattle can of choice. There really isn’t much of a perfect metal prep for just a diy job that ends in rattle can.

I’ve top coated a lot of diy jobs with duplicolor engine enamel (with ceramic) from advanced auto and like it a lot. Have shot wheels and sliders with it and it holds up for what it is. The black Ford semi gloss has been my color of choice. They have a satin black also that looks great.

 

I'll hit Lowe's in the morning and see what they have for the cleaner/acid prep. I have 7-8 cans of self etching and 3-4 of the Rustoleum rust inhibitor. Either way, I'm farther ahead than I thought I would be already.

 

Sounds like that's all you'll need.

 

I used these for the bare metal transfer case skid then top-coated with POR15 Rust Prohibitive. As you can see from the picture the paint can bonds itself to the lid making it nearly impossible to open the can back up. Even after thoroughly cleaning both pieces.

 

So I unexpectedly got the weekend off and have decided to make an impromptu camping near big levels. Doubt anyone wants to join me with this short of a notice and in this frigid temperatures, but the invite is there.

At the very least I can give you a trail report when I get back for the trip some of you are thinking of taking later this month.

 

Where are you camping at and what time are you going to get there? I’m going to be out playing today and it’s not far from me so I might stop by

 

Edit: I forgot to mention I have plenty of the cleaner/degreaser and metal prep left over if you happen to need any.

 

Apologies for the late response, I've been driving.

This is my first time going, so I have zero idea where I'll end up setting up. Figured I'd pull over at the first camping spot when it hits beer O'clock.

 

I am hoping like hell it’s open for you. The usual open date is April 1., but over the years it has had the postponed date pending weather.

I put a call in to the Rangers office with no answer but a recording. I’d hate for you to get there and the gates are still locked.

Sherando lake camp ground is down the Blueridge parkway some from Bald mtn. That is open with camping by reservations only. Day use is open to all.

# for the Rangers office 540-291-2188, should they answer for ya.

 

Enjoy friends.