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Masking tape and plastic sheets are used to mask off areas on the vehicle that need to be protected from overspray.
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In this segment of Weekend Mechanic, with the old drop-in bed liner removed, the truck bed is sanded and prepped for the spray-on liner using methyl ethyl ketone.Materials: In addition to standard auto-mechanic's tools (wrenches, ratchets, extenders, screwdrivers, nut-drivers, etc.), some of the specialty tools that will be needed for this project include a hopper spray-gun, air compressor, rotary sander, mixing tools, plastic scrapers, broom, methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), rags, coveralls, rubber gloves, dust mask, painting respirator-masks and safety glasses.
Safety Alert: Always wear eye protection, and follow proper safety precautions, when working with power tools.Safety Alert: When working with toxic chemicals, solvents, paints, etc., always work in a well ventilated area. For some jobs, eye protection and respirator masks are required. Sanding and Prep for Spraying
Start sanding along the top and sides, and work your way down to the bed floor. Avoid sanding in one spot for two long, as this may start to abrade away the metal.For areas where the rotary sander can't reach, you'll need to sand by hand (figure C).Keep sanding until the entire bed has been uniformly and thoroughly sanded. You can clean away sanding dust with your air-compressor hose (figure D).
The metal surface will need to be primed with a spray primer before painting. But prior to priming, it's important to clean the surface with a solvent like methyl ethyl ketone (figure E), also known as MEK. This solvent will remove any remaining grease or films on the metal, so that the primer will have a good bonding surface. You'll need heavy-duty rubber gloves, safety glasses and a respirator mask for this procedure.Important Safety Alert: When working with hazardous solvents like MEK, read and follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety warnings. And never use MEK or any solvent without reading the material safety data sheet that comes with the product. Note that MEK is very flammable, and should never be used near a potential spark or flame. MEK should also only be used in a well-ventilated area. For cleaning with MEK (figure F), start with the top and sides of the bed and work your way to the bottom. Use plenty of MEK, and clean the bed thoroughly. Any excess MEK left on the surface will evaporate quickly.
Sand and clean the tailgate in the same way.Next, you'll need to mask off areas of the tailgate where you don't want primer to be sprayed (figure G). We used masking tape and plastic sheets to mask off areas on the tailgate, using the straight edge along the tailgate protector as a guide (figure H).Important: The tape and plastic must be attached in such a way that it can easily be removed right away once the bed liner has been sprayed on. This prevents the tape edge from being hardened into place, and ensures that the edges of the bed liner will appear smooth.Continue in this way, masking off the areas of the truck outside the bed. All parts of the truck that are not being sprayed should be covered with plastic, including the front and top of the cab. Wherever possible, use a single sheet (or as few sheets as possible) of plastic and continuous, unbroken strips of tape.Note: The liquid liner will usually not stick to the plastic, and can be wiped off once it has partially hardened.
Once the taping and masking is complete, you can begin mixing the primer components. This particular primer comes in two parts labeled "A" and "B" (figure I), and does not contain any pigment.During the mixing of the primer, a paint pigment can be added that matches the color of the truck. The primer can be applied without pigment, but the spray coverage is easier to see if the pigment is used. Black is the pigment most often used when mixing primer.250 milliliters of each part is combined, totaling 500 ml, to provide enough primer to spray the bed of an average pickup truck (figure J). Stir the mixture for at least 15 seconds, but no longer than a minute.Safety Alert: As with any chemicals, when mixing primer read and follow the manufacturer's safety precautions. A respirator mask is not necessary, but be sure to wear safety glasses and rubber or latex gloves.
Important: Included in this segment are the steps in this automotive procedure as shown in the episode. These steps are general guidelines that are applicable to most vehicles. With any particular vehicle, there may be procedures, specifications, settings, tolerances, components, etc. that are specific to that vehicle. There are also variations according to the type and brand of repair-kit you select. Always consult your vehicle's service manual when undertaking significant automotive repairs, and read and follow the manufacturer's directions and precautions that come with your kit or replacement parts.DIY Difficulty Rating for Project: This job requires some special experience and equipment, and the chemicals used are toxic and must be handled properly. We gave it a difficulty rating of 4 on a 5-point intermediate-level scale. There are other types of bed liners available that might be better suited to the novice do-it-yourselfer. It took us about 12 hours, over two days, to finish this project. Depending on the nature or severity of the problem, completion time for this job may vary. In the segment that follows, the primer is sprayed on and, once it has dried, the bed liner itself is applied.
RESOURCES :
Ultimate Auto Detailing
Model: 0879389419
Author: David H. Jacobs
(1995)
To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
Motorbooks International
Auto Detailing: Step-By-Step Procedures for Complete Automobile Detailing
Model: 0801983940
Author: James Joseph
(1998)
To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
Chilton Book Company
Westchester, PA 19380
Phone: 610-738-9280
Fax: 610-738-9354
Automotive Detailing: A Complete Car Care Guide for Auto Enthusiasts and Detailing Professionals
1557882886
Don Taylor
To order this title from Amazon, click here.
H.P. Books
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