Is it worth it to get the body media blasted? Never had it doen before and want to do it right what is the process afterwords to start paint prep etc. appreciate some ideas...Cube

Cube. Media blasting is a great way to get rid of all of the rust assuming you can reach the area you need, both for blasting and painting afterwards. Nor sanding, nor wire brushing will remove the rust as good as blasting.

But beware. Bare metal should be covered within 8 hours. Best way is to use a wash primer (contains phosphoric acid) and top it off with an epoxy primer.

If an area is free of rust, I would not recommend media blasting it. The factory primer, assuming it is still on, is a very good primer and has been holding for over 30 years! I would not recommend media blasting just to remove the old paint.

When in doubt about the old primer being in good order or rust being present media blasting is the way to go.

Hope this helps.

Rob

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www.si.hhs.nl/~rob (http://www.si.hhs.nl/~rob)

Media blast the whole body bare.Its the fastest and safest way to strip it. Forget the thirty year old primer.Whats available today is far superior to thirty year old laquer prime and i wouldn't go out of my way to save it. Prime the body with self-etch,like Duponts 615 variprime,then go with 2k or epoxy depending on your situation.

There's a great article in the new April Car Craft that explores media blasting and body work. They tell you what media they use and how they prepped the body for paint.

[This message has been edited by 70_Malibu (edited 02-20-2003).]

thanks guys, I have the car all the way apart currently working on getting the wonderful undercoating off-basically the car has (68 Chevelle)13-15 coat's of paint first was ermine white and then maroon painted twice and now silver the last paint job is a horror story the guy basically ruined my car oversprayed everything it just breaks my heart(sueing him) and I just went ahead and took it apart to really do it right probably will go back to the stock color so I think I will get it media blasted, so basically after the media blast you use a heavy primer to build it back up and start blocking? not to familiar with the products out there but I wil go to ppg and check out the ones 70isfine recommended I appreciate all your input...Cube

I was told by a guy that does media blasting, that plastic media will not remove rust, but only paint, primer and body filler. He said you need something more abrasive to remove actual rust. Now I'm confused.

Typically most media blasting does not remove rust. Sand blasting can get to most rust pitted areas. Media blasting is excellent for removing paint. It will effect fillers and plastic parts. Usually media blaster will tape off all seams, trim and holes. That will leave a paint edge that must be sanded off.
If caution is not excercised sand blasting can warp and damage panels.
There are several types of medias' used, as there are several types of sand blasting abrasives.
Continue to do your homework with your local vendor.
Agree on old primer--get rid of it! Most refinish products of today are not compatible with the old lacquers.
Each paint manufacturer has it's own process for it's products. Follow them to the letter. Do not mix brands of products. Make sure you understand all the undercoats and their use.
Safety note: Use appropriate safety protection for lungs, skin and eyes.
Karl