I am just begining a frame off on a 53 Dodge. I wonder if it is better to sandblast or dip. The dipping process seems to be 1. paint stripping and degreaseing using a hot caustic bath, 2. rust removal in a cold bath, 3. use iron phosphate to neutralize and seal the metal. Also, What about a ceramic spray coat that is supposed to insulate and reduce sound? Any advice greatly appreciated.
I've had it done both ways. I won't dip anything that has a seam or fold in it again. The chemicals are near impossible to get back out and can cause lotsa problems later. Find a good blaster who knows how to properly do sheetmetal.
Sandblast it, if possiable ask what media there using. PMB type 5"plastic" is good, it doesnt streek, most gl*** and ceramics are good also but not as forgiving as PMB. When there done blasting they should do a distilled wash or bath, then cook the frame to remove any residual mositure. Chemical conversion coating. Then powder coat that baby.
Dip get's all the rust Blasting get's only what it hits check here for companies that specialize in Auto paint stripping there was a place in Santa Ana Ca don't know if they are still around Redi-Strip was the name of the company I think it was a franchise might be one close to you
Blast it. The chemicals from dipping ( acids and bases ) will stay in all of the tight overlaps. Until they rust out
What issues specifically did you have? I've heard guys say they've had issues, but I've never heard specifically what they are. What kind of "after" treatment was done? I'd like to learn all you can tell. -Brad
<fang> Yeah like a guy in OR is going to have his car shipped to SoCal for stripping and then back to OR - add say $2500 to the bill - WTF. Soda blasting works great, but if heavy rust then blasting, but only by somebody who knows what they are doing - the big danger is too much heat build up which warps panels and they are nigh impossible to get straight again. I have just stripped a body this past weekend using 3M Strip It purple discs and a Makita GV 5000 sander. Took the weekend to do and got all but the small nooks and crannies. Do it outdoors as it is messy - dust everywhere - wear a respirator and safety gl***es as chunks of the Strip It disc fly off. Chemical strip probably will come back and haunt you unless you get all the chemicals out of the seams yourself and I would not recommend it. I have had all three procedures done and soda is my preferred option if I do not do it myself. My 0.02c ..... </fang>
Another NO to dip here. A friend has his porsche dipped recently. Its been sat in a dry workshop in E coat and all the seams now have rot where the chemicals sat. Also, you vet little air pockets in high up places that dont get touched by the chemicals. Dipping is alot of money and prety much ruins the body.
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