I need a 16 inch board sander for my resto project. 3M has one that is 2 3\4 inch by 16 using the Hookit system. I am told by supplier that it is not the Hookit II, merely Hookit. He says HookitII paper will fit on it and work, as well as Hookit paper. Is this correct? your views and experience? I am doing only 1 car so the Hookit system appeals to me so I can change grits easy and re-use a piece of abrasive more easily.What grits will I typically need, to sand filler and block sand primers?

Hookit and Hookit II do not interchange.In other words you cant stick Hook it sand paper to a Hook it II block, been there!

Grits I prefer are, a few sheets of 40 for knocking down filler, 80 for blocking filler, 180 for finishing filler,180 also for blocking primer where you have done bodywork,320 for new parts and sanding undamaged panels,400 wet for blocking primer. 600 to 1000 wet for sanding by hand after blocking with 400. Mike

bhawk why not just buy the type of board sander that has spring loaded clamps on the ends. Those boards are cheaper and so is the paper. The paper isnt the glue type or hookit, just a dry backside, you can remove it reattach all day long.

36 for hogging the mud down, 80 for shaping it. Use 180 on filler just on the last coat to rid the 80 grit straches. Block primer(dry) with 180. Wet sand primer, new parts with 500. Wet sand clear with 1000-1500 for reappling more paint. Wet sand 1200 then 2000 for buffing...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

[This message has been edited by sevt_chevelle (edited 01-09-2003).]

I'm going to go with Eric on this one, get a clamp-on style. My experience is the pad holds up longer and the paper is much cheaper.

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'68 SS-396 with a lil' 283 and th350 (for now)
-2 Below Custom Automotive
Fbks, AK.

Come to think of it, why would I spent over 50 bucks on a Hookit board when I can use the clamp style, at half the price. If you body men use the latter, sounds good enough for me. Thanks for the grit recommendations. I guess the Hookit system is best on the DA sander. I have a DA with stickit paper, that's why I was leaning to Hookit. But for the board, plain paper on clamps will likely do me fine.