Repainting frame...I need a little advice

[detonateme]

I have a very well maintained 85 250sx, the paint on the frame is still pretty good except it has become very dull and there are rust spots that will eventually need my attention. I have all the material I need to repaint the frame (pj1) but i was wondering if i fixed the rust spots would I still need to take all that old paint off. Could I just spray over the existing? Im new at this so any input will be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[84honda200s]

well this depends if you wanna spray the whole frame ? if you wanna do the whole frame start tearing the motor and all that happy stuff out. then take all the paint off the frame. lightly grind the rust spots with either a angle grinder or a dremal .

[timex69]

If you have the paint, and want the best finished product..put the extra time in by stripping your machine down to the frame, (remove engine, front and rear end etc, get the frame sand blasted then prime + paint. Unless you like sanding, then you could sand it all down and then prime and paint. But if you catch someone thats already doign some sand blasting on the right day then they will only charge about 50-85 dollars to do an atc frame.

good luck, especially if you go the sanding route.

[Erics350x]

You dont need to strip all the paint, but it does need to be completely clean (paint thinner works well). I'd just use a Scotch Brite pad to take the shine off, repair and prime the damaged areas, then paint the whole thing.

[super90]

Wire wheels are good for stripping paint. Thats all i use mostly unless its aluminum.

[detonateme]

Thanks everybody....I guess i will have to bite the bullet and strip the frame. I suppose it will be worth in the end anyway. Any ideas of what to do about all those rusty bolts? I dont know that i can find replacements for then locally. Thanks for the help.

[1upfront]

You dont need to strip all the paint, but it does need to be completely clean (paint thinner works well). I'd just use a Scotch Brite pad to take the shine off, repair and prime the damaged areas, then paint the whole thing.

I agree red scuff pads and scuff until paint is thoroughly dull but you must sandblast the rust spots and feather back the paint around those areas with sandpaper first 180grit then 320grit then I spray can etch prime bare metal spots scuff again and spray can urethane prime spots, then I go over the whole thing with a gray scuff pad with comet and water then rinse off with water instead of the paint thinner and then I just set it in the sun to dry it off for a good while and paint it . I have also sand blasted entire frames but its usually not necessary:)

[El'Capitan]

If you can get a hold of a industrial sand blaster thats the way to go. It cost a couple beers and the frame on my quadracer and some other parts were down to bare metal. If you have the money i would suggest looking at powder coating-- looks amazing and lasts like none other.

[johnny's X]

Take frame to professeniol blaster mine only cost me 50 bucks. Take the frame to body shop have them spray it in booth. You can get on ebay and get a aftermarket bolt kit for it that everything is labeled. I guess my thinking is if you are gonna go through it do it the right way.