Prepping thin sheet metal on roof of pickup

Yossarian

Newbie
I'm looking for ideas on how to sand the roof of my truck without creating an "oil can" dent. The sheet metal is not very supported up there and will collapse some just laying my hand on it. Whats the best approach to avoid a problem?
 
It can be a real pain sanding a roof like that. Best advice I can give is when you are doing your final blocking use a long block (at least 12" preferably 16-17") fresh paper and very little pressure. Unless you are a total hamfist, you are not going to dent it stripping the paint or lightly DA'ing it. It becomes a concern if you are having to do any filler work or final blocking. Like I said keep the pressure very, very, light and constantly change paper. If you can access the backside, as a last resort you could try putting a square of sound deadening material like Evercoat "Q" pads. Make sure the roof is how want it (no depresions, dents etc) then mount the pad to the middle of the roof are (area you are working) That should help you with stiffness.
 
Thanks for the reply Chris, a couple of good ideas I had not thought of. Gotta love this site. Fortunately the metal is all straight except for a couple of half dollar size shallow dents on the back edge where it rolls to the top surface. That area is pretty rigid. Its the area out in the middle that concerns me. Trying to reach out there while maintaining light pressure seems pretty challenging. I really like the idea of somehow arranging a little extra support if possible, dont know why it didn't occur to me.
 
Your dents near the back edge may be partially pulling at the center crown, affecting the support normally seen in the roof panel. I would attempt a repair of the dents and see if the crown's support is improved.
 
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