Topic: media blast or chemical stripper?
in Forum: C3 Body
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Former Member
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Mystic, CT - USA
Joined: 1/12/2006
Posts: 69
Vette(s): 1970 350cid/350hp 4 speed Mulsanne Blue/blue interior, convertible/white top, original engine, PS, PB, rally wheels.
Hi everyone, yet another question. We are going to get my husband's 60 vette repainted and are having a disagreement on wither he should have it media blasted or use chemical stripper to remove the old paint. I have read in one of my corvette books that the chemical stripper can compromise the fiberglass. But we have also heard that media blasting can be a bit harsh in other ways. But then again media blasting is less labor intensive and less time consuming. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance!
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I have seen some information on baking soda used as a media and looked pretty good as far as results. Most people elect to sand or razor blade.
There are a few threads on this - but in a nut sheck - I would look hard at media blasing - The technology has come alonnnnng way - Media - can be walnut shecks, baking soda, sand , plastic pellets etc SAand and walnuts aren't friendly to fiberglass
I would definately stay away from chemicals - they can compromise a fiberglass body that over 40 yrs old
My 2 cents - media, the razor - then sanding and last chemicals
Big Al
[QUOTE=apasbigal]
There are a few threads on this - but in a nut sheck - I would look hard at media blasing - The technology has come alonnnnng way - Media - can be walnut shecks, baking soda, sand , plastic pellets etc SAand and walnuts aren't friendly to fiberglass
I would definately stay away from chemicals - they can compromise a fiberglass body that over 40 yrs old
My 2 cents - media, the razor - then sanding and last chemicals
Big Al
[/QUOTE]I am about to strip and repaint mine as well. Can you enlighten the not so knowledgable ones as to how the razor method is used? I have heard it several times but still fogging as to how it is used.
I looked this up & posted around 6 months ago, (baking soda blast). I think it was around $400 to $500 to soda blast the car. They claimed to be able to take 1 layer of paint off at a time. They blasted the window with no damage (just for show).
Post should be in archives with a link with web site vids to look thru
here is one answer "
Go to SEARCH button abive and type in Razor - or paint stripping
| fedexbicman76 Gold Member  Vette(s): 1976 - L-48 Auto, A/C, AM/FM, Power Windows, Tilt Telescopic Wheel, Factory Aluminum Wheels, Silver Exterior Originally with Black Leather Interior. Joined: July 25 2003 Location: HARROD, OH - USA Posts: 182 |
   Posted: July 01 2006 at 10:10pm |
|
Terry, I am stripping my 76 right now. It has been a long winded ride and it aint over yet... I called around in my area out as far as 50 mile radius and NO One would even touch my car with soda or plastic media. They were all concerned with damage to the fiber glass. So, with 5 coats of paint to get through I started with a razor blade knife. What I found that worked best is a flexable spackling knife sharpened to a very thin razor edge. With little effort I was able to get through the top 3 layers of paint back down to the factory paint and primer. I am now in the process of using a D/A sander and 80 then 150 grit sand paper to remove the last of the paint. The Candy Apple Red is long gone. She will be going back into the original Silver. I will be using PPG Silver base/Clear though with an HVLP gun.... |
Big Al
Former Member
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Frederick, MD - USA
Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398
Vette(s): 1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior
I have a fiberglass car in the rebuild shop now...not a Corvette but a 1970 Avanti. What the shop did to strip the body was use chemical stripper on the outer finish (it has several layers of paint over the years from previous owners), then stripped the rest to the bare fiberglass by hand then added new gel-coat.
I asked about it and the reply was they don't like using chemicals all the way down on fiberglass (the shop specializes in Vette work). I have to reply on their expertise, and the car body so far looks great. Once the body goes back on the chassis it will get painted.
I guess every shop has their own way of doing things. Experience is what tells them what works best.
I asked about it and the reply was they don't like using chemicals all the way down on fiberglass (the shop specializes in Vette work). I have to reply on their expertise, and the car body so far looks great. Once the body goes back on the chassis it will get painted.
I guess every shop has their own way of doing things. Experience is what tells them what works best.
Former Member
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Mystic, CT - USA
Joined: 1/12/2006
Posts: 69
Vette(s): 1970 350cid/350hp 4 speed Mulsanne Blue/blue interior, convertible/white top, original engine, PS, PB, rally wheels.
The fact that every shop has their opinion on which way is best makes the decision difficult. But because we have seen this particular guy's work on another car we have decided to give him the car and go with what he suggests.
Lifetime MemberIrving, TX - USA
Joined: 8/21/2004
Posts: 4273
Vette(s): #1 -1969 Corvette Coupe Riverside Gold, black interior,MN,A/C,350/350,PS,PB,window cranks.
#2 -2000 C5, black/black, 6 sp, Bose system & lots of buttons.
I've heard good and I've heard bad on chemicals and the blasting....
....I have to make up my mind too but not to soon. Keep us posted on how the paint job went..........THANKS! 
....I have to make up my mind too but not to soon. Keep us posted on how the paint job went..........THANKS! 
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MICK - C3VR Lifetime Member #113
[QUOTE=Gunslinger]I have a fiberglass car in the rebuild shop now...not a Corvette but a 1970 Avanti.[/QUOTE]
huk_finn 2006-10-16 22:16:39
Theres an avanti for sale in a field off I-90 (illinois). Looks great from 1000 feet (not that its a horrible paint job, just the distance from highway). Didnt catch the price on sign tho, 60 mph
in Forum: C3 Body
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