52 Dodge Truck body repair

[Carverr]

I came across a killer deal on a 52 dodge truck. Rebuilt motor, transmission, brakes, axels, basically everything rebuilt but the body. I got it , another running 52 and a cab plus 12 k of rare parts for 2k. Guys wife made him sell it since it was taking space in the garage. So my question for you guys that do body work is whats the best sander for this type of work. I'm looking at the RO 150  but not sure if that would be way too big or a perfect size.
  Also looked at a few other brands but would like to stay with festool since I'll use it in my remodeling once this project. If I go festool for this project what type of paper?  Any answers will be very appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Kev]

There's actually a trade in my neighbourhood that gets about in one of those.

My suggestion is to view some of the "festool automotive" youtube videos. I don't think Festool's automotive products have hit the US significantly, but the RO's ar ok options.

You can use Granat as it's a good all rounder, other that that, Titan 2 is probably going to be your friend.

The RO's are also going to be you friend for polishing ... no real need to get a dedicated polisher if you have a RO.

Body contours are going to be the biggest issue regarding sander pad size ... and you don't want to be swapping constantly on the same surface area! (hence have a peek at the videos).

Interface pads will be useful following that hood's curves [cool]

 

[Carverr]

Thanks for the reply. I have a buddy who graduated from one of the top restoration schools in the country near here in McPherson ks. Jay leno supports it and I got to meet him. My friend never heard of Festool but after using a few I own and reading about them he thinks I should try the 150. He mostly works on Model A's and most of that he does by hand.
  The contours with all be done with sanding sponges but the flats all have surface rust and that's alot of work by hand. I'll look on youtube for some videos on Festool automotive. I have a sister going to Europe soon so I may have pick me up a few things while she's there.

 

[jacko9]

Sounds like you got a killer deal.  I compared the various Festool sanders at a few of my local dealers and the RO150 seemed like a very heavy machine to be using for extended periods of time, you might want to compare it to the RO125 at a local dealer.

Jack

 

[festooldude]

I think you need a RO 150, ets 150/3 and an ets 125.. Good luck!

 

[Carverr]

I already have the  ETS 150/3 and 125 and both are great sanders. My reason for thinking about an RO was because of the aggressive sanding option as well as buffing. and once the body work is done Ill have the sander for my business. And....It's and excuse to get another great sander ;D.  I also looked at the Ceros  sanders but I've never seen or used them and noone close has one to try out. At least with the Festool I have 30 days to try it out. Even if I didn't  like it for body work I could still use it for wood working. I may decide to go that route. I did look on you tube for the Festool Automotive and most videos weren't in English but what I saw I liked. Just wish we had them here in the states.
  I really think I need a support group for my Festool addiction. I cant stop at just a few tools I want them all [embarassed]. I may go ahead and get the RO and have my sister pick up the Festool hand sanders for auto when she's over seas. Since I know how people love to see pictures of projects Ill start posting my progress as I go along. Thanks for all who responded.

 

[Sparktrician]

It's and excuse to get another great sander ;D. 

Really???  You need an excuse??? 

[poke]

 

[jimbouk]

Would be great to see some pictures of the truck before you set to work on it [smile]