We've got the bare frame of the El Camino now, and have removed all suspension and various components, so it is literally a BARE frame. We want to install an air ride suspension, and do some custom work like cleaning up the frame welds and smoothing them out. Obviously, we want to do any custom work and custom fitting for the suspension before we get the frame all purdy and powder coated.

We're trying to decide whether or not we should sandblast the frame now, before the work starts, or after all of the custom work has been completed.

We will need to clean up the existing welds before we do any additional welding of the seams in order to ensure a solid weld with no rust underneath. I think that we should get the whole frame sandblasted, so we have a clean sheet to work with as we do our welding and custom work.

My father thinks we should clean up the weld seams by hand with a wire brush, weld all the seams and grind them down, and do any custom fitting BEFORE we have the frame sandblasted. His idea is that we can take the frame off to the powder coater and have them sandblast it right beforehand so it is done all in one trip. Obviously, this is more "efficient", but I think its better to start with a clean frame so we can address any issues that may arise after removing old paint and surface rust.

What do you guys think? I'd like your honest opinions... thanks!

I did mine twice, once over all the seams and everywhere that I needed to weld, then I did the whole thing after it was done. This is how I would recommend doing it if possible. Clean metal is important for welding, but don't expect it to weld easily. The factory welds are full of gas-holes, and when heated, those little bubbles come up through your new welds.

Are you going to just do the welds, and leave the other imperfections.

Do you know that frames can warp if you do a lot of welding.

If you use any filler, can the powdercoater guarantee it won't crack.

If I see filler over a weld I am suspicious.

Grinding on an original weld and leaving it because it looks nice is not a good idea.

I would do a search on (welding a frame), and (filler powdercoat).

These frames are not a very thick metal, and there close to fourty years old, and doing a lot of welding on them might not be to good an idea.

If a weld looks good, I would just clean the slag off around it and leave it.

You could probably get away with sandblasting it only one time, why stress it out anymore then you have to.

Now, I sound critical here, but I am trying to help, and it sounds like you and your Father have a really nice project here, but do a little reading, not trying to steer you away from this forum, but I would look at the camaro and hotrodders search on this also.

A couple hours reading about could be very productive, good luck.

Rob

I have friend that totaled his car and was almost killed because of a suspension part that was ground smooth to look good. I agree with clean the slag and leave it. You can get a small blaster from the hardware store to clean up areas for new welds.