Sandblasting

[Focustjohn]

Can anyone advise me on what grade of sand to use when sandblasting the mk1?

was thinking of getting the thing dipped to clear all the rust but i think there would be nothing left.

So sand blasting is the only way.

can anyone point me in the right direction for what grade/type to use?

thanks

[DodgeRover]

Don't use sand you end up with silicosis (buggered lungs) use a proper blasting media such as grit, glass beads or soda etc, if you must use sand then do it in a sealed area and use an air fed breathing mask while doing so.

You can sweep all the used blast media back together and reuse it loads of times so its not really as expensive as it sounds.

[Focustjohn]

Don't use sand you end up with silicosis (buggered lungs) use a proper blasting media such as grit, glass beads or soda etc, if you must use sand then do it in a sealed area and use an air fed breathing mask while doing so.

You can sweep all the used blast media back together and reuse it loads of times so its not really as expensive as it sounds.

Oh thanks, do you have an idea what profile of blasting media to use? I have heard there is loads of different types.

IV been told not to use soda as it mess's up the paint as you have to clean the steel after blasting it, this almost instantly starts corroding the steel.

I'm going to buy a 3hp compressor and a blast pot this week.

[limitedblack]

I've done some, but it will take you an extremely long time. I bought a big old compressor, and it took weeks of work just to do the engine bay. In the end I payed a specialist to do the whole vehicle, it took them less than one day.

Media blasting can warp panels, so find someone who's done it before. Plan to paint it the same day with a self etch primer.

I did my car 16 years ago, and there is still no rust.

Most places charge about £300 a day. Soda blasting is more because its not reuseable. The chap I had used coal grit, but he's long gone. Compressor was about 25 hp.

[Focustjohn]

I've done some, but it will take you an extremely long time. I bought a big old compressor, and it took weeks of work just to do the engine bay. In the end I payed a specialist to do the whole vehicle, it took them less than one day.

Media blasting can warp panels, so find someone who's done it before. Plan to paint it the same day with a self etch primer.

I did my car 16 years ago, and there is still no rust.

Most places charge about £300 a day. Soda blasting is more because its not reuseable. The chap I had used coal grit, but he's long gone. Compressor was about 25 hp.

25hp? iv only looked online and the sand blasting pots require atleast 3hp compressor. how come it took weeks?? is itnot as simple as firing grit at a panel?

my dad knows someone who will do it for £150 but i want to try and do it myself, £150 will be half of what it will cost for the equipment. we have quite a few project cars and are always buying more so it can come in handy. i can always use it for spray so it will come in handy.

[limitedblack]

You need a very high pressure to get any results (about 120psi), then when you open the gun the CFM is very high, so the pressure drops extremely quickly. You then have to wait for the pressure to gain again, or it won't strip the panel. Then you have to clear up the grit to re use. You also have the problem of trying to work with enough gear on to stop the grit going in your eyes etc. Honestly, I've had a go at most things, and I did succeed in completing some parts, but you need a huge compressor, a large sealed unit, and a high quality gun to do this QUICKLY.

When I decided to have the underneath and door shuts, gutters, boot done by a proper blaster, after that I realised how much time I would of saved if I'd of just had it all done by someone in the first place.

The weak point is really the compressor, it's thousands for one that you can blast continuously with. If you can work overtime, or for cash, then do that instead and use the money to pay someone, as it will be quicker.

Small parts are fine with a smaller compressor, but not whole shells. You will find you get about 20-30 seconds of good pressure, then 3-5 minutes waiting for the tank to pressure up again.

Just my advice, trust me it's best to get someone in.

[Focustjohn]

hmmmm ill do some research, i need a compressor anyway for spraying the thing,, blast pots are only £80 so worth the risk

[limitedblack]

They are good for little rust spots, so not a complete waste

[Focustjohn]

it will come handy for when i want to spray the calipers on a car and for crap like that can be a decent little investment.