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Body sanding

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4.1K views 34 replies 15 participants last post by  Hanapi  
H
#1 ·
Hello,
I am in the process of refreshing a 1972 Chevelle and need some advise.
I'm tackling this my self so any input is greatly appreciated.
When standing behind the car to get a good look at the lines of the body, I notice that the contour is not crisp or sharp. Obviously this needs to be re sanded and filled. I tried sanding this to see how it would go but quickly realized that I only create more valleys or uneven areas.
What should I use to sand these large areas or rear side panels. That small sanding block is not working. Any of you have the same headache?
What did you end up using as a sanding block?
Thanks,
JR
 

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R
#3 ·
YaDude said:
You can get pretty much everything you need from this website.
http://www.eastwood.com/7-piece-sanding-block-kit.html
Click to expand...
Yes, if you want to get ripped off. Eastwood targets the naivety of the hobbiest.There are other on line suppliers besides them. I never bought one thing there in 20 years.

To the OP: Your photo does not show anything. What is the car's overall condition and have any areas been butchered by the previous owner? Did someone throw a quickie on it to sell it? Are you attempting to block the paint that is on this car to obtain straightness? You need to investigate proper procedures. There are numerous threads here addressing them. Panel straightening and block sanding requires correct product usage, patience and being methodical.
 
#8 ·
I used the flexible sanders, similar to these

I've never really done any major bodywork before attempting what I did, do maybe there weren't the correct tools, but my body is near perfect. Of course they weren't the only sanding tools I used. I also used some round conduit and paint stir sticks, but for big areas, you need something long to help eliminate waves in your sanding

As for Eastwood, I have certainly bought from them, but only if I can use a free shipping code. The post above made me chuckle a bit. I didn't look at who posted it, but as soon as I read it, I knew who it was, and I was correct
 
B
#9 ·
I'd suggest you Google block sanding. There's tons of info on body work/block sanding etc. Probably more than you can read in a lifetime.

As far as blocks. I got a set of these, and I highly recommend them. If you don't want to spend this much, by 2 or 3 of them, not the whole set. They are adjustable, by removing the rods, so you can make them more flexible, depending on what you're sanding. These will really make the job go smoother for the beginner.
 
G
#10 ·
Im in just learning too, i started out with a bunch of durablocks i bought from the paint store and they work good and have there place but after researching more and getting suggestions from the members here ive made several of my own blocks out of plexiglass, steal, paint sticks etc etc... These guys are pretty sharp an can guide you but like already posted you need to give up more information about your car...if its already in paint i dont think theres much you can do unless your ready to refinish it.
 
6
#16 ·
Keeping the body lines crisp or sharp requires some correct sanding. If you sand right on top of the line you will dull it or flatten it out. You sand with your block on either the top panel or the bottom panel but not on top of the line. You can tape one side of the line with maskng tape and sand to it. Then move the tape to the bottom and sand to it from the top panel. If you see a low in the line, you will need to add filler or tap the metal back out to get it correct. You have to use long sanding blocks when sanding these panels or you'll create little dips and gouges.
 
G
#18 ·
That tape you have on your car looks more like some home use stuff, i would go to a paint store and buy some 3m or scotch green tape as it will hold up to the sand papper better... One thing you will learn fast is to use good materials.. The guy at my local paint shop was trying to help me out selling me cheap everything, im greatfull hes not out to rip me off but at the same time it cost me more becouse i ended up buying better stuff anyways. Im a noob at this also so i need every advantage i can get :) even the pros id imagine would struggle with cheap bondo, tape, sand papper etc!
 
C
#23 ·
H
#24 ·
Just went by the 3M agent on the Island. Amazingly he had the 3M sanding block in an old dusty box. when I asked for the price I was shocked. He wanted 60.00 bucks for it and 80.00 for a pack of 10 pieces sanding paper.LMAO...No wonder I don't see that stuff anywhere on the Island. I quess I'll go a different route. Picked up some green automotive tape just incase. I'm sure the one I got from the PPg guys is good, cause it's not the same as the normal masking tape you get everywhere.
Thanks for the advise guys. You can take a peek at what I'm doing at http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=115125&id=1216093402&l=ef0fd3c00d
 
D
#31 ·
Teaching will never be this guy's strong point, abusing the help that way...

Good process for the lines - we decimated our quarters awhile back and arrived at this method quite by accident. Sprayed the panel, taped, sanded, filled, sanded and sprayed some more. Ultimately, the the lines came out awesome.

But I never abused the help - she would have had my azz! :D
 
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S
#34 ·
I got about 3 minutes into the video and had enough. The guy shows his professionalism with his language. Why would you want your company name associated like that?

If you are using a guide coat and I hope you are, throw away the spray can of lacquer paint and get some 3M dry guide coat. It's such a better product and really helps define body lines.
 
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