[AustinPhoenix]

Taking my car apart and deciding if I want to media blast it all. Can't really decide but wanted some input on whether I should send it off or buy a sand blaster.

Opinions?

Any recommendations around Austin?

[001mustang]

If you media blast thin sheet metal make sure you keep gun moving. If you have a powerful blaster and stay in one spot too long you can warp metal. Your compressor needs proper plumbing to prevent water from mixing with media. I slope line towards compressor so condensed water will go to compressor tank not to the media.

Media blasting a whole car makes a giant plum and media will get in every crevice. Consider using water mist to keep dust down. Breathing sand dust is hazardous so proper breathing apparatus is a must.

I would remove bulk of paint with a DA sander. Again keep it moving to prevent panel warpage. I would use media blaster to clean metal in hard to get to areas. I use a grinder with a wire wheel from welding supply store to quickly remove paint and rust on many hard to get to areas (eye protection is a must).

I would consider a chemical stripper but the ones I have are not effective. I don't know what is the best paint stripper?

[Cape Cod Bob]

Have u considered soda blasting. Saw this on Truck U ,I think.. They do it outside and not worry about the mess,

[001mustang]

I considered soda blasting but I think it is too whimpy and expensive for me. I understand that soda will not remove rust effectively. It costs about $0.80/lb which can start adding up fast since it is not aggressive.

[push rod]

Soda blasting does not remove rust. But it does however remove everything else from sheet metal. Soda blasting is truly the way to go. First the soda residue acts as a rust inhibitor, keeping the flash rusting away for approx. 5-6 weeks. When you are ready, you can remove the residue with soap and water. Because of flash rusting. I recommend a product called holdtight 102. This product removes all salt,and residue from the sheet metal giving 70 % better adhesion than without using. That goes for non soda blasted metal as well. Washing the vehicle with holdtight 102 will allow the vehicle to dry without flash rusting. You then have about a 5 day window to get your project to the body shop before flashing starts. In my experience proper residue removal has insured fantastic results. My painter does all his normal pre paint prep, and my 2 vehicles have turned out better than great. Don't let some sandblaster in the forum tell you soda blasting is no good. Sandblasting is a process of the past. It is known for causing cancer, as well as damaging sheet metal. The world is evolving and so is the automotive restoration business. In southern california where I am from every top hot rod , and muscle car builder uses soda blasting for there resto projects. So Cal speed shop, Barry's speed shop, and dozens of other high end speed shops must know something about quality. They have been around for years. They build the best. They all use soda blasting. Enough said.

[Jon]

This is covered in the wiki:

Media blasting
Soda blasting
Stripping paint
Rust

[001mustang]

Originally Posted by push rod

Soda blasting does not remove rust. But it does however remove everything else from sheet metal. Soda blasting is truly the way to go. First the soda residue acts as a rust inhibitor, keeping the flash rusting away for approx. 5-6 weeks. When you are ready, you can remove the residue with soap and water. Because of flash rusting. I recommend a product called holdtight 102. This product removes all salt,and residue from the sheet metal giving 70 % better adhesion than without using. That goes for non soda blasted metal as well. Washing the vehicle with holdtight 102 will allow the vehicle to dry without flash rusting. You then have about a 5 day window to get your project to the body shop before flashing starts. In my experience proper residue removal has insured fantastic results. My painter does all his normal pre paint prep, and my 2 vehicles have turned out better than great. Don't let some sandblaster in the forum tell you soda blasting is no good. Sandblasting is a process of the past. It is known for causing cancer, as well as damaging sheet metal. The world is evolving and so is the automotive restoration business. In southern california where I am from every top hot rod , and muscle car builder uses soda blasting for there resto projects. So Cal speed shop, Barry's speed shop, and dozens of other high end speed shops must know something about quality. They have been around for years. They build the best. They all use soda blasting. Enough said.

So how do you remove rust in hard to get to crevices?

[shine]

i do it for a living. i use several different medias depending on what condition the car is in. sand is not one of them and only a moron would risk the hazards of using sand. not to mention that sand contains caustic salts and creates chloride ions which promote rust. do your research as this has been discussed many times here . use soda and your on your own in this industry. it is the least favorable way of removing paint and leaves no anchor pattern not to mention the adhesion problems you can run into. never put anything on a body you can not paint over.

[001mustang]

Originally Posted by shine

i do it for a living. i use several different medias depending on what condition the car is in. sand is not one of them and only a moron would risk the hazards of using sand. not to mention that sand contains caustic salts and creates chloride ions which promote rust. do your research as this has been discussed many times here . use soda and your on your own in this industry. it is the least favorable way of removing paint and leaves no anchor pattern not to mention the adhesion problems you can run into. never put anything on a body you can not paint over.

What media do you use to remove surface rust from crevices?

[shine]

Starblast or green lightning works well.

[jeremyb]

Originally Posted by 001mustang

I considered soda blasting but I think it is too whimpy and expensive for me. I understand that soda will not remove rust effectively. It costs about $0.80/lb which can start adding up fast since it is not aggressive.

Just because it isn't as aggressive as most other abrasives out there doesn't mean it isn't efficient at removing paint. Soda is, more times than not, quicker at removing paint then most medias out there. Not really going to get into another fuss about soda, as it has been beaten to death in many threads. Do your research on everything and make your own decision. But I will say that I will stand by any vehicle that I have sodablasted.

[001mustang]

Originally Posted by shine

Starblast or green lightning works well.

Thanks Mr. Shine,

That's the info I was looking for.