[eric302]

I am fixing the paint defects on a 02 Explorer (paint bubbling and peeling). Apparently Ford is aware of this cause there is a TSB out on this problem. It appears to be limited to the aluminum body panels, hood and front fenders. The worst part is on the front edge of the hood. I am no stranger to collision work but this is my first time at aluminum panels as most of the work I do is on older cars. I was going to sand the corrision and sand till I get to good metal, wash it good with dawn, wipe it with SPI water based cleaner, SPI epoxy, metal glaze, Seal wth reduced SPI epoxy and base/clear. Do I need to use any kind of special cleaner on the bare aluminum? Thanks in advance.

[bigdog7373]

Hmm not sure about cars but when i took aviation sheetmetal classes we aleays treated it with some sort of anti corosion stuff before painting. Read up on aircraft sheetmetal, it will say what it's called. It has a yellowish color to it.

[bigdog7373]

Remebered what its called! ALODINE. Again, not sure if you need it but just a thought.

[OneMoreTime]

I have used the SPI epoxy direct to aluminum with no ill effects so I would just do what you are doing..

Sam

[eric302]

Thanks for your input!