How to Use Sandblasting to Prepare a Classic Car for Renovation

As car manufacturers consolidate in an attempt to save money or even to survive, they are working together to design their vehicles. Consequently, two or three of these companies may use the same chassis and general design for many models in their range with only cosmetic differences 'on top'. Many long-term car enthusiasts are disappointed by this development, and they may feel that most new cars on the market today look or feel the same, so if you share this view,.then you may be ready to restore an old classic. If you've found a classic car sleeping in a nearby barn but with a body in poor condition, how should you proceed?

Assessing the Challenge

Years of neglect may certainly have done a number on your rediscovered classic. The paintwork may have faded badly under the harsh Australian sun, and there may be a lot of corrosion due to rain and humidity. Before you can do anything else, you need to get rid of all that imperfection, and the best way to do this is to sandblast it.

Down to the Metal

This type of process is particularly good at getting rid of several layers of paint and bringing everything down to the bare metal so that you can deal with the corrosion. Several panels may need to be replaced, but other parts may need to be cut away due to the level of rust, but before you can work out exactly what needs to be done, you've got to see what you're working with.

Clearing the Decks

You should remove the major mechanical components before you proceed with sandblasting, especially those within the engine bay. When the engine and transmission have been taken out, you will be able to get rid of accumulated oil, grease or other contamination quite quickly and can figure out what you're going to do next.

Process in Action

The sandblasting process involves myriads of small beads, walnut shells or pieces of pumice that are propelled at great speed from a specially modified gun. They are blasted against the surface of the vehicle under high pressure and will have no problem in taking off several layers of paint in short order.

Expert Help

You should be able to find a technician locally who has this sandblasting equipment and, importantly, knows how to use it. Take your classic vehicle to them once you have removed the major mechanicals, and they will be able to get rid of the paint and other imperfections for you.

About Me

Restoring my old beauty

I have a gorgeous old car, but the paint work sure let's you know it's old! Unfortunately my uncle had left it outside for many years and even under a tarp the Australian climate is not friendly to auto paint work. I have been trying to get the paint work back as close as possible to the original condition which is harder than it seems as modern paints have a much different finish and texture to genuine vintage paint jobs. This blog is about how to go about finding vintage paints, and faking vintage finishes with modern paints if you can't!

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