'67 Body Off Frame Restoration

[Craig Shepherd]

I have been researching frame stripping and have determined there are two basic methods: sand blasting or chemical dipping. Can someone give me the pros and cons of each method. Are there different types of chemicals that can be used? Is this dangerous for the frame? My serial numbers were not stamped well and I'm concerned with loosing them in the process. Also can anyone recommend a facility in the NJ, PA area where I can get my frame stripped.

[jim hufford]

Re: '67 Body Off Frame Restoration

The Corvette Chassis Restoration Guide by Joseph A. Tripoli gives a good overview for each process. He give some good information for either sandblasting or acid dipping. He talks about a process called Alkaline Electrolyic Immersion from a nationwide chain called Redi-strip. He did mention of a place in Pennsylvania where they have a dipping tank 5x10 though he gave no name.

I guess the main thing is to get some references and talk to some of their customers whereever you go to get the work done. I think there is a nickel sandblast techinque that does not pit as much as normal sand would pit.

[jim hufford]

Re: '67 Body Off Frame Restoration

The Corvette Chassis Restoration Guide by Joseph A. Tripoli gives a good overview for each process. He give some good information for either sandblasting or acid dipping. He talks about a process called Alkaline Electrolyic Immersion from a nationwide chain called Redi-strip. He did mention of a place in Pennsylvania where they have a dipping tank 5x10 though he gave no name.

I guess the main thing is to get some references and talk to some of their customers whereever you go to get the work done. I think there is a nickel sandblast techinque that does not pit as much as normal sand would pit.

[Joe L.]

Re: '67 Body Off Frame Restoration

Craig------

It really depends upon the condition of your frame. If you have a frame that suffers from significant, salt-induced corrosion, your best bet is chemical stripping. Chemical stripping removes the corrosion from the outer AND INNER portions of the frame. If you don't remove the corrosion and coat the frame soon afterwards, the corrosion will proceed inexorably. The "downside" to chemical stripping is that ALL of the chemical has to be well rinsed off of ALL areas of the frame, internal and external, or the solution will, itself, initiate and sustain the propagation of more and severe corrosion. Multiple dippings in water and/or a neutralizing agent are really necessary to ensure the neutralization AND removal of all solution. Even neutralized solution, if it remains anywhere on the frame, will instigate some corrosion due to the high ionic strength of same.

Any solution which removes rust will, pretty much, have to be an acidic solution of some sort. No other type of solution that I am aware of will remove rust. On the other hand, acidic solutions will usually not do a very good job of removing dirt, paint, or grease. Strongly basic (alkaline) solutions will not remove rust, but will do a good job of removing greases and oils.

If your frame is not seriously affected by corrosion, then a plastic, glass bead or sand media blasting may be the best thing for you. This will well-remove all rust, paint, scale, grease, oil, and dirt BUT ONLY from the external portions of the frame. There will be no residuals created to cause future corrosion or which need to be assiduously removed. Plastic or glass bead media will leave the frame in its most natural metal-textured state and should be sufficient to remove everything that needs to be removed. ALWAYS use the LEAST AGGRESSIVE agent that will get the job done.

[Joe L.]

Re: '67 Body Off Frame Restoration

Craig------

It really depends upon the condition of your frame. If you have a frame that suffers from significant, salt-induced corrosion, your best bet is chemical stripping. Chemical stripping removes the corrosion from the outer AND INNER portions of the frame. If you don't remove the corrosion and coat the frame soon afterwards, the corrosion will proceed inexorably. The "downside" to chemical stripping is that ALL of the chemical has to be well rinsed off of ALL areas of the frame, internal and external, or the solution will, itself, initiate and sustain the propagation of more and severe corrosion. Multiple dippings in water and/or a neutralizing agent are really necessary to ensure the neutralization AND removal of all solution. Even neutralized solution, if it remains anywhere on the frame, will instigate some corrosion due to the high ionic strength of same.

Any solution which removes rust will, pretty much, have to be an acidic solution of some sort. No other type of solution that I am aware of will remove rust. On the other hand, acidic solutions will usually not do a very good job of removing dirt, paint, or grease. Strongly basic (alkaline) solutions will not remove rust, but will do a good job of removing greases and oils.

If your frame is not seriously affected by corrosion, then a plastic, glass bead or sand media blasting may be the best thing for you. This will well-remove all rust, paint, scale, grease, oil, and dirt BUT ONLY from the external portions of the frame. There will be no residuals created to cause future corrosion or which need to be assiduously removed. Plastic or glass bead media will leave the frame in its most natural metal-textured state and should be sufficient to remove everything that needs to be removed. ALWAYS use the LEAST AGGRESSIVE agent that will get the job done.

[Wayne C.]

Re: '67 Body Off Frame Restoration

Actually, I'd recommend doing both... a chem dip (and thorough rinse) followed by a very light sandblasting and meticulous prepping to clean the surface to ensure best paint adhesion.

I had the chemical strip method done on mine, then I used self-etching primer plus flattened Imron on the outside, and then used 3m rustproofing with appropriate gun and rods to spray inside the frame.

[Wayne C.]

Re: '67 Body Off Frame Restoration

Actually, I'd recommend doing both... a chem dip (and thorough rinse) followed by a very light sandblasting and meticulous prepping to clean the surface to ensure best paint adhesion.

I had the chemical strip method done on mine, then I used self-etching primer plus flattened Imron on the outside, and then used 3m rustproofing with appropriate gun and rods to spray inside the frame.

[Bill W.]

Re: '67 Body Off Frame Restoration

I use redi-strip then lightly hand sand unless pitted then D.A. sand and fill pitts.use a acid etching primer &the paint of your choice I like Imron with a little flattener .gas ,brake fluid ,etc wont hurt it and it wont chip & peel when you tighten bolts .I dont like powder coating. Bill

[Bill W.]

Re: '67 Body Off Frame Restoration

I use redi-strip then lightly hand sand unless pitted then D.A. sand and fill pitts.use a acid etching primer &the paint of your choice I like Imron with a little flattener .gas ,brake fluid ,etc wont hurt it and it wont chip & peel when you tighten bolts .I dont like powder coating. Bill

[Don Robinson]

Re: '67 Body Off Frame Restoration

The place I had my frame stripped is Redi Strip of Allentown Pennsylvania. Their phone number is 610 437-7878 and it cost me somewhere around $450.00.

[Don Robinson]

Re: '67 Body Off Frame Restoration

The place I had my frame stripped is Redi Strip of Allentown Pennsylvania. Their phone number is 610 437-7878 and it cost me somewhere around $450.00.