Been out of the car resto hobby for a while and need some opinions on how to best prep chassis components and body panels on a full restoration of 1948 Ford. I plan on removing the body, dissembling the chassis, stripping everything, painting or powder coating and then building it back up, replacing parts as necessary. How are you guys removing paint & rust? Media blasting the chassis components is pretty safe I think, but with what type of media? Glass vs. walnut shells vs. "sand"? What about soda blasting? Have heard good and bad there. How bout for the body panels? What types of primers or sealers are being used? I've heard of guys using vinegar to seal the rust after blasting. Good? Bad? What about POR-15? While I'm not planning on showing the car when it's done, I do want it to be "correct" in terms of color and finish. So if any of you guys restoring the 42-48 Fords have specific advise, I'd really welcome that. I'm a sponge at this point and welcome any and all comments or direction. Thanks in advance, Ron
As for chassis parts, I sandblast frames, axles, etc. Don't sandblast body panels especially flat panels because you will warp them. I learned this the hard way. Some panels such as inner fender panels can be sandblasted, but go easy on them.
If you haven't been, WELCOME to our world.........My advise is to find you a good paint & body supply house, go in throw yourself down and profess your ignorance of all things paint related.........I'm sure one of the counter guy's will take mercy on you and help. They have connections with all the blasters etc that you need and will help you with choices on the metal prep......GOOD LUCK, STEVE
Yeah, figured I was safe sand blasting the chassis. What's the best way to handle the body panels? Soda blasting? Stripper? Abrasive disks? How about for the inside of the door shells or other spots that are hard to get to? Just go real slow and easy with the sand blaster holding the nozzle way back? Thanks for the info.
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