Well guys we're having some fun now...

I had to work my 2nd job all last weekend so I didn't get to work on the 72 until this afternoon. So far I've got all 4 hinges cleaned up, rebuilt and reinstalled and the doors aligned. Went smoothly with no problems, had a ball.

Then I broke out my grinder and DA and cleaned up the one rear section where my body guy had welded in a patch. The surface rust cleaned up easily. But, I learned that my poor little compressor is just not up to this job. I've had it a number of years and it has served me well running all kinds of nail guns and other smaller tools, but this DA really works it hard and it over heated and kicked its internal breaker. So tomorrow, after working my part-time thing, I'm off compressor shopping.

I also took a stab at the body filler tonight. I have to learn to be a little more patient. I tried to use the surform on it to soon and screwed it up, so I'll start over tomorrow night or sunday.

Anyone have any experience with paint strippers removing paint where there is body filler under the paint? Someone told me that stripper might lift the filler. I have a section where the prior owner replaced a quarter, he did a nice job, but I have to strip the area so I can flow in my new patch work and I don't want to risk pulling up the filler that is already there.


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70 and 72 Chevelle
ACES # 4051 MCC # 448
TC # 1549 81/70 Cruisers

Prof, There may be strippers out there that I don't know about, but those that I do know will affect the old filler to the point that it will need to be removed and replaced.

Compressors: Depends on how much you want to spend/can afford to spend. Smaller compressors will overheat with constant use such as DA or even paint spraying. For many years, at home, I've used 5 HP Craftsman compressors with 20-33 gal tanks. When I do sanding or spraying, I always place a portable fan to blow directly on the compressor to keep it cool. Even then, multiple water traps are necessary to combat the condensation generated by the high heat.
A 60 gal. tank is absolute minimum and you may still have overheating problems with extended use, notwithstanding the condensation problem.

Ok, thanks, I'll sand the paint down over that area then...

I'm thinking about a vertical 60 gal about 7 HP, I'd like to find somthing with about 10 CFM @ 90 PSI. I think that should handle the DA.

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70 and 72 Chevelle
ACES # 4051 MCC # 448
TC # 1549 81/70 Cruisers

Professor I agree with vettefella on this no stipper I know of will leave the filler un touched. It would be best to remove the old filler and replace with new filler. The filler can absorb some of the paint stripper and later down the road only to have come back back and ruin the paint. I personally dont like blending old filler with new filler, any body man hates fixing a spot that has been fixed before because he knows the danger that can happen.

Remove the old stuff and start over no matter how nice it looks, adding new filler to old is just asking for trouble.

The surform you mentioned I personally dont like either. Just let the filler set up and hardern for 30 min and go after it with 36 grit. Those surforms to me seem to cause nothing but more work in the end...Eric

Oh Mr.PROF

Plese send me an E mail W3EA@enter.net

Wayne

Buy a TWO STAGE aircompressor. You'll be glad you did.

Joe

thanks guys...

didn't get a chance to look for a compressor this weekend. Worked all weekend painting a room for someone. I'll sand the area around the patch down with my DA.

thanks again for all your professional advice




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70 and 72 Chevelle
ACES # 4051 MCC # 448
TC # 1549 81/70 Cruisers

I agree on the two stage compressor as it will help you in the long run (but costs more). Do not pay any attentionto the HP ratings betwen manufacturers. The numbers seem to be arbitrary and mostly made up -- look at the scfm ratings at the given pressures. I like the Ingersoll Rand compressors, but a good two stage with 80 gallon tank runs about $950 around here and around $1050 in the catalogs. One of these days I hope to buy one of those (not so) little jewels.