I want to do an acid dip process on a 1955 Chevy and I was hopeing people on this forum could share their experiences on the subject. Specifically I live in Arizona and I wan to dip the car in acid and then start a complete metal body restoration and then when the metal phase is complete I would like the car to be e-Coated so if there are people on the forum who have recommendations of shops in or around Arizona and even cost estimates of the acid dip, chemical rust prevention, then e-Coating.
I used to go around a shop here in NC back in the 80's and they acid dipped stuff to lighten it. They would have panels in those plastic swimming pools. I have no idea what type of acid but if left to long there would be no panel left. LOL
There was a place in Sante Fe Springs Calif that did it years ago, (EPA might have shut them down by now) They would dip the shell, then neutralize the acid, and the final step was to dip in Phosphoric Acid to keep the bare steel from rusting. Where the factory would rotate the shell in the coatings to be positive every spot would get treatment, just dipping does not guarantee the same results and you could wind up with problem areas within pockets and seams
I looked into getting our '38 Ford cabriolet dipped this week (Redi-Strip). Was given the following ballpark budget numbers. $4000-5000 for the body shell, $500-700 per additional panel (per door, fender, hood (3 pieces), deck lid etc.). Add an additional 40% for the zinc phoshate corrosion protection. That's about $13-17k all in with corrosion protection...oh yeah, and will take 8-12 weeks to try and fit in the dipping between industrial jobs. Too rich and slow for my blood...back to hand stripping and driveway sand blasting as necessary for me.
Had mine done hear, reasonable price & lead time. They are used by Steves Auto Restoration, Graveyard Carz, and most other good shops. Phosphated also, epoxy primed as soon as it was home. This is non acid, electrolysis. https://www.americanmetalcleaning.com/ Sent from my SM-G973U using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
Roughly same price as I was quoted- too expensive for me too. Nearest one to me is Louisiana, coasts too far. Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
Using the term “ acid dipping” may confuse some people. For what you are describing you want all the rust, bondo, sound deader removed. This process is considered “chemical stripping”, acid dipping is what racers do to remove metal thickness for weight reduction. I have had multiple vehicles chemically stripped and e coated. My experiences have been positive and I highly recommend the process. One note of caution, chemically stripped parts sometimes get bad reviews because the owners do not follow through and have them e coated. Epoxy primer only seals the exposed parts, e coat covers everything inside and out. I recently finished the car in my avatar, it was stripped 80% then I brought it back to my shop for fabrication and mock up. Then I broke it down, sent it back for a final strip and e coat. Final body work was done over the e coat after it was scuffed.
>Using the term “ acid dipping” may confuse some people. For what you are describing you want all the rust, bondo, sound deader removed. This process is considered “chemical stripping”, acid dipping is what racers do to remove metal thickness for weight reduction. Yes...sorry for the inaccurate description. Yes I am talking about chemical dipping. I live in Arizona so it would be interesting to see if there was a shop in the area.
I had my car done with a wet blasting method. It came out great with no warpage. The darker areas in the picture are where the water hadn't evaporated yet.
This process seems to be a lot of money. What kind of shape is this car in as far as paint and undercoating?
This is a place I found a few years ago, I don't have any prices. They are in South Phoenix. http://xpressmetalcleaning.com/
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