Sand Blasting your own truck

[Bobacuda]

For those of you that used a pressure 50 - 100 lb sandblaster (like you can buy from Eastwood or Tractor Supply) and blasted your own truck, how long did it take you (excluding frame)? Any unusual problems I should be aware of?

I'm trying to decide if I want to buy a blaster and do it myself or suck it up and pay to have it done. I have already disassembled the truck body and removed it from the frame.

Thanks.

[austinsailor]

the blaster is the cheap part. You'll need a serious compressor to do it.

I did mine and I'd say you'll use up most of a day, probably more if to include fenders and hood. A lot depends on the blaster size (which has a big effect on the compressor size needed) and what methods you have to manupulate the cab around to get to all sides.

If you're including the bed parts you can add a bunch more time.

You really should prime it as you blast each part, so include that time as well.

If I was doing mine again I'd allow for at least 2 long days.

If you're having someone else do it you also have to worry about them getting too aggressive and distorting panels.

[52b3b Joe]

It took me a day to two evenings to blast my frame, prime and paint. One day to blast the inside and outside of the cab, prime, and paint. One evening for the doors (both sides of each), and one day on the front clip inside and out. As far as i'm concerned, its faster than using a DA or paint stripper, and its cheaper than acid dipping. But you need a HUGE compressor to handle the air probably a minimum of 13 CFM at 90 psi.

[MBF]

We did an antique firetruck years ago. We rented a tow behind industrial compressor and used the Eastwood blaster. It took us about a day to to the frame, cab and body. We used a mild media, and had everything on tarps so that we were able to catch the residue from the blasting. We sifted this and recycled it through the blaster several times, but getting near the end, it was too fine to do any heavy cutting. Made sure you wear a good quality respirator rated for the operation, and of course good eye protection.

[Plymouthy Adams]

do a search on the car side of the forum, tools, material and technique discussed in depth..

[jamesadams]

Be very careful,you can easily warp sheetmetal beyond repair with a sandblaster.

[Plymouthy Adams]

commercial blaster can easily warp a panel...they do not know anything but full pressure full flow...time is money and the less time on an item the more they can blast in any given hour..therefore the damage..quick read on the car foum will bring you up to speed on the process...as a DIY at home with a pressure pot and regulated pressure and flow..you would have to do some pretty stupid things to screw up the job..