Hi, my name is Kirk. I have joined this forum because I would like to do something with a truck that I bought for my son. This was his first vehicle (1984 Dodge Ram 250 2wd) and I sure wish I still had my first vehicle. My son is away at MMI in Orlando for 2 years and I would like to save the truck for him when he gets out and has the money to do something with it. We purchased the truck for $3200 with around 100,000 mi. on it because it was as clean as I have ever seen. (When the guy took his license plate off, underneath it looked like he had just buffed it.) My son drove it for a short while and someone he knows sabotaged the engine. After purchasing a different vehicle for him I decided to put another engine in which cost me an additional $1500. I now have so much money into it that it wouldn't make sense to get rid of it. What I am trying to find out is how to do preventive bodywork to it to keep it from rotting away. It is extremely solid all over. Whoever painted it didn't do a great job because there are some pits and runs. So, I was thinking of sanding down the rockers and such to ensure they are not rusting and priming all the spots until I can comeup with the money to repaint it. I have 2 years to make something of this truck to give it to him for a graduation present. I was also wondering if anyone has made a 3/4 ton into a race truck or if it is simply too heavy. Thanks
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Location: Manassa, Colorado (Home of Boxer Jack Dempsey)
Posts: 22,090
RE: 1st Project '84 Ram 250
Welcome to Dodge Forum, Kirk!! Enjoy the site!!
Dusty
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I don't know where you are, but I'm from the Northeast where they use salt on the highways during winter. Once corrosion begins you're dealing with the devil. The pits and runs may not mean that it'll rot out on you, provided that the surface was properly prepared and primed.
But if the sheetmetal was pitted prior to the repaint, the only thing I've seen that always works toproperly remove the problem is a sandblaster and someone that knows how to use it. Brass brushes/wheels andsanding disks/paper will do the job if you cansmooth out the pit and remove all the oxidation, including that which moves laterally. I'm not familiar with your '84. Some newer steels and some steels from the 60's don't seem to haveas much of the problemdescribedabove.
Is there evidence (bubbles or paint discoloration) indicating that refinishing is needed? Can you keep the vehicle properly garaged or is it outside under a cover? The rockers are pitted but the bodyseams and door seams are not indicating a problem? The floorpans under the vehicle are OK? The calipers and wheel cylinders bleeder screws are in what condition?Is the axle and differential rusty?How does the frame look? How does the engine compartment look (seams especially)?
Inspect the entire vehicle carefullyand determine if refinishing is in order. If the undercarriage is getting rough, you'veprobably already lost the battle unless you do a frame up restoration.
My brother bought a '71 Cutlass 350 4bbl3.90 that had all the body panels, hood and trink lid,& doors replaced.
1st Project '84 Ram 250
