When you think of "sandblasting", it sounds very simple. Initially it was, but new technologies have developed such as "plastic media stripping". This new method uses plastic granules instead of silica sand. These granules are harder than paint but softer than the base material, whether it's steel, aluminum or fiberglass. Using a high-volume, low pressure application, the media will cut, shear and lift the paint without affecting the substrate.

Plastic media blasting is a kinder, gentler method of stripping, allowing layers of paint to be removed individually, leaving the primer and/or body filler. If desired, everything can be removed, but this technology allows great control over how much of the paint and primer is removed. That's VERY important to Corvette owners, since the paint can be removed without damaging the gel-coat.

Plastic media stripping is NOT a backyard operation. It requires far different equipment and knowledge than sandblasting. Plastic media stripping offers significant advantages. It's easy to clean the plastic out of body crevices using only an air gun or vacuum cleaner. Also, since it is a dry process, there is no flash rust after stripping. Perhaps most importantly, the plastic won't warp or pit the metal. It's non-corrosive and safe for fiberglass, plastics, aluminum, urethane bumper covers, and anodized metals.

A Kansas City shop charges about $500.00 for a car - depending upon degree of stripping and owner prep.

Big Al

 

Wow!! Big Al. That's pretty impressive info, and reasonable. I'll check into that. May be easier to clean up than soda. Hey Mick, now I know where the name Grey-poop-on (sp.) comes from, (sorry couldn't resist). The interior is black so I can paint her any color I want. Or should I say any color my wife wants. She wants red, I want black. She'll probably end up red (if ya know what I mean).

I know that most reputable high end paint suppiers can match the paint. Ideally you will want to bring the car with you so they can take multiple scans.

They will enter the original formula, scan, and then receive a print out of the revised formula. It will give you a real fine match. Maybe not perfect but a lot cheaper than a paint job!

Some of the older shops will even mix up lacquer if that is what is on your vette.

 Bill

[QUOTE=my7T1] Hey Mick, now I know where the name Grey-poop-on (sp.) comes from, (sorry couldn't resist). The interior is black so I can paint her any color I want. Or should I say any color my wife wants. She wants red, I want black. She'll probably end up red (if ya know what I mean).[/QUOTE]
Ha.....Ha.....Ha, "T" very funny!! Yep, that's where I came up my sign in name. My son is the one that started calling her "The Grey Poupon Mustard Car." What I ment to say above is that I think most people painted over that Riverside Gold. Keep your car BLACK. There's more red ones out there than Black. It's classic!!

EEEOOOWWWWW Big Al - That's some pretty interesting technical information. I'll be looking into that & checking out the price around here in Texas. THANKS!

[QUOTE=apasbigal]

When you think of "sandblasting", it sounds very simple. Initially it was, but new technologies have developed such as "plastic media stripping". This new method uses plastic granules instead of silica sand.

 

big al,,,, is this what they call bead blasting?

Beads are usually plastic , but media blasting can include walnut shells . On the gel coat - the shop has to use the correct material - plastic beads seems to be the best for Vettes - walnut shells are ideal for steel/metal

hopefully the shop is a good one and will use the right "beads"

Big Al

[QUOTE=BLennox]

I know that most reputable high end paint suppiers can match the paint. Ideally you will want to bring the car with you so they can take multiple scans.

They will enter the original formula, scan, and then receive a print out of the revised formula. It will give you a real fine match. Maybe not perfect but a lot cheaper than a paint job!

Some of the older shops will even mix up lacquer if that is what is on your vette.

Bill

[/QUOTE]
Thanks for the info!! Yes, a lot cheaper, while I save and look for a really good vette painter. How can you tell if your vette was painted with lacquer? I had my '65 painted with 15 coats of lacquer, but that was back in the early 80's....

The auto body paint supply stores are the place to go when trying to get touch up paint to match. I took my MGB to one so I could get a good color match. I didn't know what the previous owner used so the store did a perfect match. You can't see any difference in color between the original and the touch-up. One thing about red though, it is the most expensive color to buy. The MG paint is called Lip Stick Red and the touch-up can was not cheap.

[QUOTE=suncountry]

The auto body paint supply stores are the place to go when trying to get touch up paint to match. I took my MGB to one so I could get a good color match. I didn't know what the previous owner used so the store did a perfect match. You can't see any difference in color between the original and the touch-up. One thing about red though, it is the most expensive color to buy. The MG paint is called Lip Stick Red and the touch-up can was not cheap.[/QUOTE]

If you don't mind me askin', how much did they "hit" you for on the touch-up paint?