Hello all, I've always had things sandblasted in the past and really liked the results (other than the cleanup...). However, it seems like alot of people on here opt for either chemically (home applied stripper), or mechanically (read: sandpaper/grinder). I would just be interested in the reasons why people choose to go the way they do... Cost? Quality? Speed? H***le? Bragging rights? Thanks, Ben
Small parts that you can do in a cabinet is fine......Doing body parts is messy and sandblasting work hardens and warps body panels
I should be more specific... I've hired out sandblasting in the past (other than small things like wheels). And I guess, I meant "media blasting" not specifically sandblasting. I have heard that using walnut shells, plastic beads, etc doesn't harm (or at least is not as bad as sand). In response to you Roadrat Eddie, doesn't grinding/sanding warp panels too? I guess if you go slow (maybe I don't have the patience!) it would be okay? Thanks, Ben
I hand sanded mine because I could not afford sand blasting (or did not want to fork over the cash at the time) I do have a buddy that is a body shop owner and has built several hot rods for himself and he has also done a lot of work on cl***ic cars and hot rods for the public. I respect his knowledge and he says he will not work on a car that has had the body panels sand blasted for the reason stated above. He said almost always it warps the body panels so bad that it is a mess. Frame, and smaller other parts are a different story. There is no reason not to sand blast them if you have the means IMO.
I totally stripped my car using a carbide tool bit mounted in a home made holder. The original enamel paint chipped off without too much h***le down to and mostly thru the primer. The remainder was removed with a DA sander and 80 grit paper. I found this method to be cleaner and simpler than chemical stripping. Most commercial strippers use baking soda or other media to strip now. They can strip without having to remove gl*** or chrome. There is no problem with warping or change in metal hardness.
IF WE CAN GET A CUSTOMER TO GO FOR IT, WE ALWAYS GO FOR THE WALNUT MEDIA BLASTING. WE ARE FORTUNATE ENOUGH THAT THE GUY WHO BLASTS THE STUFF TAKES THE TIME TO CLEAN UP AFTER HIMSELF, WHICH DOESNT HAPPEN AT A LOT OF SHOPS. WE DO THIS BECAUSE DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR, (TIME IS MONEY) ITS FASTER AND MORE COST EFFECTIVE. ALSO REALLY LETS YOU SEE YOUR BASE THAT YOUR STARTING WITH. AND WALNUT IS GENTLE ON THE PANELS.
The Jalopy Journal
