The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Sandblasting Panels: Yes or No?

Hello all, I am restoring a 65 C10 long bed, and I was curious what folks thought about sandblasting the panels as a means for removing the old paint and rust. I have heard of sandblasting (possibly improper sandblast technique, not sure) causing the metal to warp. I really don't have any objections towards tackling the whole frame and body with a grinder and paint/rust attachment, but I wanted to get some broad opinions. Any and all opinions and suggestions are welcomed.

Also, in the coming week I'll be on spring break and will gather some pictures to post.

My opinion: The best method for us lazys is chemical dip. Just make sure the chem is rinsed off well.

If you use a medium such as glass beads or crushed walnut shells in lieu of sand then less warpage, if any will occur.

on ,y 49 i did it all by grinder, on my 63 i payed and had it sand blasted. that was 10 times nice, but when you have things blasted, it makes holes wherever the metals is tin, so you will mostly likely put patch panels in places you did't think you would have to.

Do not use sand.
http://www.labour.gov.sk.ca/Default.aspx?DN=d5626a6a-a419-44eb-a5fb-64023263a009
Like olblue posted, use somthing soft for the main strip.
Then load a more agressive mix and go after the problem areas.
http://www.hotrodscustomstuff.com/prostrip.html

Also the glass beads, walnut shells, etc. will leave some rust where sand and chemicals won't.

Nothing wrong with using the blasting method. Just remember to clean it up as soon as you're finished, and get some primer on it as soon as possible to keep the rust issues to a minimum.

Actually , this is no Bull ...i had my panels sand blasted in mid summer ...just got all of em back from paint ..except the tailgate ...my tailgate has been RAW since mid summer here in the shop ...an has NO SURFACE rust at all ..but my shop is only 3 yrs old ..an well insulated / heated .

Probably for the same reason our crackers stay fresh at home longer than they did before central air, less moisture in the air.

We had a 66 Lincoln that instead of sandblasting or bead blasting we had soda blasted.

Worked really well and we didnt have to worry at all about warping any panels. That was a HUGE car and I think it cost about $600 in NY to get the whole car done.

I blasted my 50 using a small pressure pot blaster and black beauty for the media. it came out great, just keep your pressure down and dont get to close with the nozzle