69 paint prep sanding - good enough or keep going?

[madtom]

I've just started sanding on a 69 f100. This is my first time, so I'm not sure how it's supposed to look. The pictures are after block sanding with 120 and I plan to go over what you see with 300 before priming. Should I go for sanding to bare metal all over, or is it more or less okay as is (a mix of bare metal, factory primer and a bit of paint in the low spots)? As far as I know, I am removing the original factory paint and primer. In some places the paint comes off very easy, in others only with considerable effort.

Just trying to make sure I'm on the right track, so any comments or feed back will be greatly appreciated.

Before

truck1.jpg

sanded with 120

truck 2.jpg

[cep62]

welcome to the site.

There's no sense in going finer than 150-220 before priming because primer will fill those scratches just fine.
(Years ago we'd prime over 80)

Primer is for gaining adhesion and filling imperfections, so if your paint is in good shape you can sand and paint over it.
In your case you may not have to strip it all off , but I'd count on priming most if not all of your truck.
(from what I can tell frome your pictures.)

[madtom]

Thanks! This is exactly the kind of advice I need. I didn't know if the surface had to be smooth, another words all one layer.

[390bump]

There are different types of primers. I would read and follow this: https://www.autobody101.com/forums/view ... =5&t=17445

You want to sand the paint off but leave the original primer unless you find rust and need to get rid of the rust... The original bare metal primer should be left alone if possible.

[390bump]

And take all your trim off!

[machineman]

How do you get the tailgate panel off of a Ranger XLT?

[madtom]

Some of the tailgate trim was riveted and some was bolted/screwed. I gave up trying to get the bottom piece off and just taped it.