Newb paint question

[803Paul]

I know a DA sander is the preferred type of sander for paint prep. I don't own one. I do however own a plan old orbital dewalt sander. Is this an acceptable tool for doing paint prep. The paint on the truck is not that bad, its oxidized and just a few surface rust spots and some cracking along the bottom. I was just thinking about scuffing up the original paint fixing the spots that need it and then primer and paint. What do you experts think? I am not looking for anything show car quality just a decent 10 footer.

[xten]

That'll work.

[803Paul]

So what is the best plan to attack this? What grits do you guys think I should use?

[Diabolical]

watching...

[xten]

The BEST way is to sandblast the rust, featheredge with 80 grit, then to 150-180 grit, then use some sort of etch primer. We use PPG here, and the one we use is DP-LF. It comes in colors. lol. Best to get the etch down ASAP. You can put filler over cured DP. Or you could go the POR-15 or Chassis saver route. Grind and wire brush as much of the rust out of the metal, then put your POR over it. It can be brushed on. I am partial to the first option, but realize that it's not practical sometimes.
I'm sure there will be others with different methods offering their techniques, these are two methods we have used. Hope this helps. Give'er hell!

[803Paul]

Thanks very much for the help!