Soda Blasting fiberglass

[Ralph A.]

I will be ready to have my 71 painted in a few months and localy we have had several discussions on the merits of soda blasting the body to strip off the original paint. We can not find anyone localy that has tried this. I was wondering if there is some experience with this method on fiberglass.
Thanks
Ralph

[Patrick H.]

Re: Soda Blasting fiberglass

Ralph,

I've seen a couple of cars done this way. Readily identifiable long after restoration by the white powder still coming out of every crack and crevice. I'm not kidding.

I have seen debated media blasting, powder blasting, DA grinding and chemical stripping. I still think chemical stripping is the best. Easy access to materials, wipe it down with a Scotch Brite and liberal amounts of lacquer thinner. No damage to fiberglass if you rinse it enough. I've also heard more horror stories about blasting than about chemical stripping.

Patrick

[Ron Cwiklinski]

Re: Soda Blasting fiberglass

Ralph,
I started chemical stripping my 62. The fumes were getting to me (winter project)! I ended up using soda blast followed by a light sanding it turned out great. I'll continue using this method in the future as for the residual soda liberal amounts of water should take care of it.

[Bill W.]

Re: Soda Blasting fiberglass

I dont know about soda blasting but media blasting is way to agressive to fiberglass. I have always used chemicals. Bill

[Joe Steck]

Re: Soda Blasting fiberglass

I have used chemicals on two vettes 68 and 65. Its tends to be a little grimey and smelly but does a great job. I have some experience using different blast media on industrial projects. Their are a variety of them. For example:

Soda blast - capable of removing one coat at a time. Very Dusty!
Ice pellets - No residue but H20 and special equipment
Sponge Blast - varying abrasive plain sponge, Sponge with abrasive. Great for cleaing greasy areas or parts. Sponge can be cleaned and reused a couple of times. No dust.
Walnut Shells -
Plastic Media - Some people I understand use this on fiberglass.
Metalics (Very agressive) Not recommened for fiberglass!

I hope this helps you out. I believe the best is chemical. Remember you must clean the car with solvent thoroghly and rinse to remove any residue. I would due this repeatedly and let the car sit to flash off remaining solvents.

Joe

[Mike M.]

Re: Soda Blasting fiberglass

Ralph I had mine soda blasted and thats the only way I would go. There is a clean up after but its not that bad. The company that did mine had been doing boats for years and new what they were doing with fiberglass. A friend seen the car just after and did the same with his. It saved me a lot of body work time. I wouldn't take it to someone who had never worked with fiberglass before.

[Tracy C.]

Re: Soda Blasting fiberglass

Chemicals....Gimme Chemicals any day!!

Seriously, Unless you like spending money to pay other people to work on your car. The liquid strippers are the only way to go.

Work at your own pace, one panel at a time or whatever. Put sheet plastic on the floor, turn on a fan while appling the stuff, but shut it off to let it soak 15 to 20 minutes.

Turn the fan back on and come back to scrap the junk away with a plastic bondo spreader. Rinse down with scotch brite and lacquer thinner and move to the next spot.

Piecacake!!

good luck,
tc

[Len Rayca]

Re: Soda Blasting fiberglass

Tracy: Since you have previous experience with chemical strippers, can you recommend a good one? Thanks Len

[William R.]

Re: Soda Blasting fiberglass

Len: I stripped my '62 last year using a stripper carried at a local parts place with good results. It is "CMA FIBERGLASS STRIPPER 520F" from CMA CHEMICALS, Phila, PA. It is a gel like consistancy. Make sure you scrub body good after finishing no matter what stripper you use. Bill

[Tracy C.]

Re: Soda Blasting fiberglass

Sure Len,

I used Captain Lee's Auto Spray Strip. (Corvette Central sell the stuff) The spray bottle is very handy and makes application a breeze.

Good Luck
tc