Dear Guys, I am contemplating a ground up resto on my '69 SS. I have done a search and seen some excellent ideas, plus other guys who found it a bit intimidating. What I would like to know is how to get the grease and accumulated road dirt from the frame. One fellow said he powerwashed. I'm not sure what that is. Do you have to have your own machine, rent one, take it to a car wash or what? There is a lot of grease and I have started with a degreaser in a small can and some paper towels, but I can see this method isn't going to be satisfactory, too big a job. What do you suggest for the do-it-youself guy? So far I have the front clip apart and the engine out, so have started experimenting on that part...but would like a body off when I have more understanding. Question "How do you get a lot of grease off your frame at home?" Thanks. R.B.

A powerwasher is a gas powered machine that connects to a water line and pressurizes the water. They are used for cleaning equipment, concrete, brick, sometimes they are used for stripping paint off structures by painters. Mine cost about $400.00. You might be able to rent one from a local equipment rental place.

I used a heavy duty degreaser, let it sit for a 1/2 hour or so then went after it with the pressure washer. works great. You get soaked however. Be careful to wear eye protection and don't point the thing at anyone, it can do some serious damage.

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

Thanks Professor SS...I will look into the possibilty of renting one at a local rental dealer. I do not have the shell off yet, but expect to do so before long as the car is half apart now...might as well finish the job. R.B.

Another suggestion is a local contractor or if you know anyone that is in the trucking business, sometimes farmers have them for cleaning the milk house and equipment. You might know someone that already owns one if you ask around.

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

If you really want to do it right have it
sandblasted.. My father does complete restorations on 55-57 chevys. He has a guy to
do his frames for about $150.
http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=792104&uid=525201&members=1
http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=776197&uid=525201&members=1

You can spray oven degreaser on the heavy grimy spots .....wait awhile and hose it off.
Will usually take the paint also. You can clean it all yourself with wire wheels, scrapers, and sand paper but bringing it to a sandblaster place that also primes and paints is so much faster & better.

I start by power washing it, I have one at home but the standard car washer will work fine. Just get all the loose grease and grime off and it helps break up the tougher spots too. Then I use spray on a oven cleaner of even mix together some tiolet bowl cleaner, the brand I use is called Red Devil. This is more potent then any cleaner Ive found so be careful. Once Iam done with that any remain bits of grease I hit with a putty knife or scraper. The only way to restore a frame is too sand blast it, but you need the frame to be free of grease and road grime. It doesnt have to be spotless just some what free of grease. Sand just cant get through grease so get it clean...Eric


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1970 chevelle
1970 chevelle SS455 not a typo its a buick baby
1949 and 1972 chevy trucks
http://briefcase.yahoo.com/bc/sevt_chevelles

RB I also am about to finsh cleaning my frame I'll also will be sandblasting it too.All I've done is use a indrustral strength degresser and some wire wheels.so far so good. I do have the body off the frame tho,I just roll it out of the garage to work on it.I hope to have it all done in a few weeks.By the way I got my sandblaster from lowes for $20.00 works with a bucket.very well i might add.

Pressure washed,and had sand blasted, excellent result. CHECK with sand blaster to verify abrasive material they use, there is at least one out there (black diamond I think) that leaves a VERY coarse finish. I think they use it for environmental/safety reasons. Don't want to sound like an environmental activist, but remember most materials that you wash out your garage and driveway into street end up in lakes, rivers & ponds, etc, without being treated. If you are In a major metropolitan area the self serve car wash would normally have a sump and be on a treated sewer system. NOTE; Recently had some parts stripped by a local company that uses a food based product, Media blast first, then placed in an electrically charged tank, INCREDIBLE, paint gone, rust cleaned, just wash with prep sol and paint. No coarsness from sand blast no acids to neutralize. When there, inspected other parts, including vette frame, and body shell on Camaro, works with heavy & light gauge parts. If I ever do another frame off resto or have parts for stripping THAT'S my plan, even though NOT cheap. Karl