Posted by Paul (in NY) on Saturday, July 05, 2003 at 12:49PM :
Yesterday, I finished blasting the entire Carryall body and frame with Black Beauty. I had already decided to use PickleX-20 on all the raw steel. Today, I shot it. The PickleX-20 is green, water based product. Its consistancy is like water. Instructions say to spray it on and wipe it off after about 2 minutes. The Carryall was all bright shiney steel after blasting. They say PickleX-20 will convert the surface immediatelly. It did, the steel turned to a light gray color just a little darker than Gray Primer. Some areas on the axles and third members where some deep rust pits were present, turned to almost a Battleship Gray. The drying time is equal to the time water would take to evaporate and dry. You are instructed to wipe off the picklex-20 and not to leave puddles. This also helps for a fast dry. They state it should dry for 24 hours before doing any body repairs. Fillers should be applied to top of the PickleX-20, not under it. After 24 hours you can prime with a NON etching primer. I am using PPG Epoxy Primer.
One of the added benifits to this process is that the now protected steel will not rust. I have plenty of time to repair some minor dings in the body, install the engine and drive train so I can fab a new front floor and Tranny cover. Then when I am ready, I can pull the engine/drive train and shoot primer and color.
From what I have read on a few auto body forums, this is the way to go. It only cost $64.00 + shipping, and with all the work I am putting into this project, I want the best possible outcome. I will give a long term report in 75 years on forum #161,789 ha ha. My only interest in this product is long term protection.
Paul
Follow Ups: