This seems to be a hotly debated topic so I wanted to open it up and get some opinions. I have a 1969 Chevell that I am currently in the processes of doing a frame off restification on. I have never had a vehicle chemically stripped. I have heard positive stories and negative stories regarding chem stripping but never from anyone who has actually had it done.

I see no other way of stripping the car I am working on. I have rust in areas where media blasting simply can not get to. Also, I will have to unstitch some major panels for replacement so I need to have all the seam sealer removed as well.

If you have had a car chem stripped I would really be interested in hearing your story so the I can get the full scoop from people with first hand experience.

Bill
Macomb, MI

Search the archives! There is plenty on the subject

This is an article by the late Skip Cain, who, before his untimely passing, was considered to be one of the most knowledgable restoration people on this site. http://www.chevelles.com/shop/resto_3.html

I have read Skip's article and it seems to lead me to believe that Chemical Stripping is the right way to go for this project (not to mention he used the word "lucky" when stating he had a chem stripper nearby).

I have also searched the archives and I see lots of opinions but none of them seem to be from people who have had anything dipped. I'm really interested in hearing from people who have actually had this done and can point out some pitfalls to watch for.

My car has tons of bad body work and lots of hidden rust. I am looking for people who have been in this same situation and done chem stripping with either good or poor results.

Thanks,

Bill
Macomb, MI

I've had a lot of parts chemically stripped by International Paint Strippers and for the most part have been very satisfied with the results. However, I would not recommend dipping a hood or body for the simple reason that the chemicals will go where you can't and the rust starts from then on. I had a core support stripped then powder coated, internal rust city! There is/was a guy in our area that offered part stripping followed by e-coating but I need to find his number. I had some parts e-coated a few years ago by Hermes Coatings in Detroit off of Michigan Ave, don't know if they're still in business.

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69 SS396 69 Malibu Ragtop
70 Monte 72 El Camino
Team Chevelle Gold #33
ACES Member #02913
Chevelle Club of Michigan
Rode shotgun in the ONLY Z16 convertible made.

Tom,

I found the guy you are talking about. The name of his business is Carponents. He has a website at www.ecoatking.com. (http://www.ecoatking.com.) I spoke with him on the phone and he said if you are going to get a car chem stripped you need to have it e-coated for the very reason you stated (you can't get to the areas the chemicals do with a spray gun and it will rust from the inside out).

Thanks for the info.

Bill
Macomb, MI

Bill, you are entirely welcome! The web site address doesn't work, blank page on my machine?!

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69 SS396 69 Malibu Ragtop
70 Monte 72 El Camino
Team Chevelle Gold #33
ACES Member #02913
Chevelle Club of Michigan
Rode shotgun in the ONLY Z16 convertible made.

Try this
http://www.ecoatking.com/

it had a period . at the end of com



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Rick
My home Page (http://rickhelton.home.sprynet.com)
72 Malibu
98 Fatboy
Team Chevelle Member #369

Jeez..No ecoatking on my budjet.. I like the looks, but those Prices! I would buy another car before I did the entire body that way.

Tim

[This message has been edited by BLU69 (edited 09-27-2000).]

Hey Bill,

I have had both chemical & media stripping done.

Chemical:
I used chemical stripping on my wife's camaro as well as on a previous Firebird. I used the aircraft stripper stuff and applied it with brush. I learned on the Camaro that it's a lot easier to do that if you give the paint a quick scuff with 80 grit so that the chemicals get "into" the paint. It still has to be scraped off and sanded afterwards and then neutralised. The stuff get's into nook's and crannies which can be a real pain to clean out but the results are good. Would I do it again ? NO, unless there was a facility to actually "dunk" the body and do it right.

Media blasting:
I generally stuck with undersides etc... for sand blasting (Black Beauty 40) but I came across a shop who had the equipment and we blasted one of my other projects. It turned out great and no warpage but you gotta keep moving. We used a plastic (looks like perilite) media.

There is a local company that does assorted media blasting. Went with a friend to see it done and they did amazing work. They remove the paint with walnut shell and you would be amazed at how well it takes out old putty etc... They then take the part to another booth and do a soda blast if nescessary, which they get into the nooks with and it surfaces the metal very nicely.

The media blasting is quite costly but I think it's worth the 1,000/1,200 to do it if you want perfect results. It's certainly a cleaner solution to chemical and you don't have to worry about some missed checmical in some nook.

Keep in mind that I'm in Canada and this stuff costs a bit more up here. But then our dollar is only 60 cent's to your's, so .....

Hope it helps

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Steve Soltesz
Something about me & Canadian Car's....
Team Chevelle Gold Member #37
64 Malibu SS (ZZ4/TH350, Show'n Go)
68 Beaumont (396/TH400 Street/Strip)
69 Beaumont (307/PG ??)
80 Camaro (Mrs.64's 355/TH350 Show'n Go)
WebSite http://www.magma.ca/~ssoltesz (To be Updated Soon)

Thanks for the info guys.

I have had my car looked at by several media blasters and none of them are confident that they can get into all the areas that need gettin' on my car.

I am chasing this dream of a near perfect car (nothing is ever perfect). I have been saving money to do this project for 10 years (and I've aleady heard everyone tell me how I will never get the money out...but I don't care).

So with that being said I'm going to give International Paint Stripping and the E-coat King a shot. If it doesn't work I guess I'll have to buy a new body.

I appreciate all the input.

Bill
Macomb, MI