Rusty Jacks

[MattE]

The electric jacks on my Lance (Atwoods I think) have developed some ugly looking rusty spots on the outer cylinders in a few places. I want to strip the original paint (and rust) off and repaint them, but the original paint is really tough. The local body shop wasn't interested in the job but suggested I call a local guy who does sandblasting then paint them myself. Any of you guys already been through this that can offer any advice? How to strip the old stuff off, what paint to use, etc.?

[MattE]

The electric jacks on my Lance (Atwoods I think) have developed some ugly looking rusty spots on the outer cylinders in a few places. I want to strip the original paint (and rust) off and repaint them, but the original paint is really tough. The local body shop wasn't interested in the job but suggested I call a local guy who does sandblasting then paint them myself. Any of you guys already been through this that can offer any advice? How to strip the old stuff off, what paint to use, etc.?

[Hemi]

MattE

I had the same problem with our bigfoot camper. Basically rust began to appear on the inside corner of the jack brakets...the power coat was too thin, or the primer was not good or a combination of both. Here is what I did...and it has lasted now for nearly 5 years.

1. Get some phosphoric acid (Ace Hardware) rust cleaner/remover (it comes in a plastic bottle and has a green or bluish tint)...brush on,leave overnight; the next day the rust is gone.

2. Clean off the acid residue real well.

3. Get some zinc chromate primer, again at Ace Hardware, it comes in a spray can.

4. Spray over the rust ...2-3 coats.

5. Get either appliance paint or epoxy paint (both in spray) and spray over the impacted area. I applied 2-3 coats...letting each coat dry for about a day.

This solved my problem... I am sure it will work fine for you.

I would contact Lance and tell the company they need to improve QA/QC on the power coating. I did the same ... contacted Bigfoot.

Good luck, IWD

[MattE]

I'll give it a try, thanks Hemi!