what parts of a car CAN you SANDblast with good results?

[LDGn63]

It it OK to sandblast door and trunk jambs?

I believe that the "peening" of sandblasting warps metal more than the heat… I would never sandblast a doorskin…

However, I am quite tempted to sandblast other (more structuraly stable) areas of my car like the door/trunk jambs and maybe the firewall.

Anybody have horror stories or input to share?

Thanks!

[Rick_L]

Door jambs, dashboard, floorboards, inner fenders, frame, etc. are inherently stiff enough that sandblasting won't warp them. Only the big flat body panels are typically susceptible.

[Chevynut]

I did just what you're proposing on my Nomad. I stripped the paint from the doors, fenders, quarters, and roof and sandblasted the edges of everything. Generally where you have a sharp bend or curve sandblasting isn't going to hurt it. I replaced all of my floors, tubs, and firewall, so I didn't have to do them. :)

[LDGn63]

Thanks guys.

It's always good to get input from folks who have done it things with success!

[Jemo]

I had my entire car sandblasted and it turned out great. The only part that the guy went around was the center sections of the doors.

http://pic1.picturetrail.com/VOL1152/4407107/9319904/176236928.jpg

http://pic1.picturetrail.com/VOL1152/4407107/9319904/176236934.jpg

[LDGn63]

I had my entire car sandblasted and it turned out great. The only part that the guy went around was the center sections of the doors.



WOW. i'm not sure i would have the stones for that!

looks like it is a nice body to start with!

who did you take it to?

[Jemo]

I took it to a guy in Gainesville, TX which is right on the border with Oklahoma. I was also nervous about having the whole body blasted but he assured me that he's done 100's of cars. He did a test section and stopped to show that it wasn't going to cause any problems.

Like I said, it turned out super but I'm still finding sand in nooks and crannies. That stuff gets everywhere.

[Tabasco]

Jemo,

Maybe you got lucky. I hope after you get a nice paint job on it, you still think it turned out OK. If so I will want that guys number.

I have had two vehicles totally sandblasted, a '48 Chevy pickup and '49 Studebaker pickup. They have heavy metal and I still got some distortion which showed up when I was prepping them for paint.

Now, I use the method that Chevynut uses.

[56-210sedan]

another thing is not to confuse sandblasting with media blasting there is a difference. Media blasting is used quite frequently on a daily basis for cars, might be plastic beads, walnut shells Etc... Sandblasting is just what it sounds like blasting metal with some form of sand and there are different courses that are used. sand also creates heat faster then media.

[Jemo]

Tabasco,

I'll let you know....hope I live long enough to see paint on this car at the pace I'm working.

A friend in our Tri Five Club has a '56 Nomad and had his car sandblasted several years ago. His car turned out super and is the one that encouraged me to do it. I haven't noticed any distortion or problems at all and the price was right ($400).

Jeff

[ron wilson]

i was told to use baking soda it will not harm

[LDGn63]

thanks all!

[HomemadeHardtop57]

I had someone warp the heck out of a fender while sandblasting....had to get another one:mad:

[surface1]

Been around custom paint and body work for along time! Never seen a panel sand blasted that had to be replaced or has even been warped.Not saying it cant happen,but I wouldnt let that person who did it put gas in my car!:confused:

[ETriggs]

Well, I can say that frames are perfect candidates for sandblasting. :D

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/6/web/2634000-2634999/2634772_127_full.jpg

[Tuned55]

I saw a set up for power washers that will blast with silica sand as well as the water pressure and no dust. It seemed to work well