Im am just about ready to sand down my 66 ss but have never done it before, any tips on what kind of grit to use or what kind of sander, any information would be helpful, thanks.

There's a few questions that need to be answered
before advice can properly be given.

Are you re-painting the whole car?

How many coats of paint are on it now?

What is the condition of the exsisting paint?

What level of quality do you desire for the final finish? (show paint, slick-smooth and very nice, OK from 10 feet, OK from 50 feet, Earl Shieb special?)

What tools do you have available? Air compressor?



[This message has been edited by Jimmy P (edited 02-25-2002).]

Yes i am going to repaint the whole car, but i dont want to do it myself, im going to leave that to a pro. The car has about a half a coat of paint still on it, i jasco'd the car and got most of it off but there is still a good layer left on it. The paint job is going to be best of show quality (hopefully) and i do have a compressor and an electrical belt sander. Should i use a circular sander though? i hope this info helps.

Are you going too be able too prime your car after you have finished sanding her down? If Not I would say leave the rest of the work too the pro's... If you leave the car un-primered for any length of time you are basically writing a blank check for rust too eat your car.. If you can prime it, use a DA sander, with 80 grit discs.. that should knock it down rather nicely. But please protect it once you get it down too bare metal. Don't forget too wipe the car down before you prime. Good Luck

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If you are going to let a professional paint the car to show quality standards, I'm sure he is going to want to do the prep work himself. A good foundation is paramount to a good finish that will last. To spend Big $$ on paint on a surface that's questionable isn't a good idea.
Do a search on :
primer

prep

sanding

There's alot of info you can read. Also, if you're really interested in doing this type of work you can buy some books or research the web for some sites with a lot of good info. I'm not trying to blow off your question, it's just A LOT of info to cover in one post. By the way, leave that belt sander in the box and don't let near your car. http://www.chevelles.com/forum/wink.gif

Whats a D.A.?

A D.A. is a district attorney, like Marsha Clark. http://personal.clt.bellsouth.net/clt/m/g/mgervin/smilies/nahnah.gif KIDDING!
It's a random orbital sander usually having a 6" flat round pad that round self-adhesive sanding discs are stuck to. It's air operated and most need about 8cfm/minute. That means you probably need a 6 hp comporessor or better to run one at a constant rate. These are what to use on automotive finishes. Not belt sanders, not electric sanders or anything on a drill motor. To take on a project of prepping a car correctly for an outstanding finish takes the right tools, some experience and most of all, a lot of time and patience.

[This message has been edited by Jimmy P (edited 02-26-2002).]

From my experience, I'd say shop around, ask questions and figure out where you want to get it painted based on price, quality, recommendations, warranty etc etc.. Be sure to talk to past customers.
Then talk to the shop operator and see what they want for preparation. You need to have something they can work with.
PS: check prices , I'd say that a "best of show quality" you're lookin at $5000 or more??

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