more reasons *not* to sandblast your car ... Options

[SirAndy]

getting tired of my rants about sandblasting? yes? well, too bad because here is:

another reason *not* to sandblast your car !!!


pic of the rear wheel bearing from the trailing arms we just took off my car. you can hear the sand crunching inside when you turn it by hand ...
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/icon8.gif)

i HATE sandblasting ...
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/headbang.gif) Andy

[Sammy]

That's a sealed bearing (or least it's supposed to be sealed).
Theoretically if it were in good condition the sand would not hurt it because the seal would keep it out, but sometimes theory and reality are not the same.
Probably the bearing was probably on it's way out already and the sand helped it along in a hurry but i guess it is possible the sand could have eroded the rubber seal causing it to fail.

I agree though, sand gets everywhere and is a PITA to get rid of.

[PRS914-6]

That's a sealed bearing (or least it's supposed to be sealed).
Theoretically if it were in good condition the sand would not hurt it because the seal would keep it out, but sometimes theory and reality are not the same.
Probably the bearing was probably on it's way out already and the sand helped it along in a hurry but i guess it is possible the sand could have eroded the rubber seal causing it to fail.

I agree though, sand gets everywhere and is a PITA to get rid of.

Sand at the velocity that is used will blow past seals and anything else. Same as a high pressure washer. Seals are not designed to take that kind of abuse. Only to keep grease in and dirt out at very low pressure. Sand will blow into your wiring harness looms, connectors, bearings, hidden areas, etc.

Only way to media blast is with a stripped chassis just the same as you acid dipped it. In my case I sent it in with all the 914-4 rolling gear and now that it is blasted, I am installing all the rebuilt 911 stuff so it was never an issue.

Personally, I like blasting despite the extra cleanup work. It leaves a perfect etch for primer in difficult to reach nooks and cranny's and takes a lot of work out of the preparation. If it was a race car, I would re-think that. I have mine media blasted by American Stripping using a patented media process. They use a multi step process. Not cheap. It gets rolled out of the media booth and gets epoxy primed minutes later. No moisture involved, immediate metal sealing! My painter insists on the sealing issue. (he's really anal about this stuff but very good). From start to finish, my painter won't use any liquids. Won't even wet sand!!.

I do understand Andy's grief though, it can be a real mess to deal with. Preperation and plugging any holes with rubber plugs really helps but plan on hours of vacuuming and blowing (you won't get it all) . Rebuilding anything left on the car is a must. No matter how good you mask, it gets blown in.....