The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Sandblasting

Is this a good method for a truck that wont be being restored? I heard it gets into berings and such...It is suposed to mess alot of things up..I dont have much pitted rust except for in the bed on the side under the part that hangs over on the top of the bed....everything else isnt to bad...should I have them sandblast it or sand everything or sand blast just the pitted part and sand everything else...

Tell me everything there is to know about sandblasting would be great!! thanks

Sandblasting IS a mess. I only do it on bare shells and panels that have been removed. The sand gets everywhere and really has to be blown out of all the crevices prior to painting. Sandblasting is great for removing surface rust.

I think if you're not doing a resto, then pull parts off and have them blasted in a cabinet. You may be able to find some place that will allow you to use their cabinet. Can't hurt to ask. They'll charge you but, it won't be as much if they're not doing the work. Plus, they're attention to detail probably won't be as great as yours.
There are various types of blasting media depending on the metal that's getting cleaned and/or how bad the corrosion is. Some media is very abrasive, some very mild and some right in the middle. As far as corrosion goes, I've been taught working on airplanes in the Navy, that at first, you always use the mildest means possible.

i am not planning on taking the truck apart...I want to have something done while it is together...would anyopne recomend sandblasting..if so why...if not why not...anyone know a good body shop in the East Bay California?

I would not recommend blasting if you are not going to dissasemble the truck because you will not be able to keep the sand out of the engine and drivetrain bearings. You can strip rust with a grinder and some elbow grease.