The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts sandblasting big bolt sheet metal

I have been poking around in the paint and body forum and have seen people suggest that it is ok to sandblast sheet metal to prep for painting; that the metal is thick enough that it won't warp and that it will really get all the rust. In my view it would be great for things like fenders, hoods and so on, particularly where there is a bit of body cancer. Does anyone have any experience with this on big bolts?

How big a truck do you have. Although 1 1/2 ton and up front ends are larger to accommodate larger tires, they use the same gauge sheet metal as pickups. And of course you risk the same dangers as sand blasting a pickup. It can be done, but it takes an experienced blaster. GMC 450 and larger used heavier gauge steel. I prefer to use one of these. http://www.monti-tools.com/e_video.php The video demonstrates it pretty well. I brought the first one from Germany, but I have bought another one since from a company in New York.

i had my 46 2 ton sandblasted by a guy that knew what he was doing. it turned out great
my truck was rough rusty and nasty when i got it back it was clean and smooth shot it with some etch primer as soon as i got it home and went from there it really jump started my project the door jambs firewall and such i would have been at it for months
with a power tool just my 2 cents philip

You always have to be careful sand blasting sheet metal.

I would use sand blasting on sheet metal as a last resort, and or for the really hard to get to stuff. The big flat areas that are easy to get to are also easy to warp are best sanded with a sander by hand, not sand blasted. If after sanding you have small spots of rust blast them carefully.

I've been really impressed with soda blasting for sheet metal, removes everything but the rust. Faster, better, and easier, but not any cheaper than chemical striper.

Grigg

I have been blasting or sometimes had it blasted since the 70's.
Cars, tractors, gas pumps,wheels,glass for etching, all with great results.
The only thing I don't like about it is where the sand will end up. If there is a crevice or hole or anything within distance of blasting the sand will end up there.
If I was to do my truck still together I would expect to find the sand in the doors, under the dash,in the A pillar pocket unless I take the effort to block where I don't want sand to go.
I've always liked the results but you have to have someplace to do it and it's messy. Now inside a blasting cabinet it's much nicer.
Dan