Outside Frame-On Bead Blast

[Don W.]

Outside Frame-On Bead Blast



The front end underside is a rust garden and that will be one of next projects. My neighbor has a portable air compressor and a portable bead blaster. I want to see if any one has experience with jacking up the front end placing the front on jack stands, removing the wheels and then using a bead blaster in an open outside environment (i.e., driveway) to prep for painting. Is this a workable scenario or will I get beads in bearings and other area where I create more damage than positive results?

Thanks for you input.

Don
69 coupe 427/390HP THM
With the rare and useless K05 Block Heater

[Bob R.]

Re: Outside Frame-On Bead Blast

I'm no expert in this but I would say no to the bead blasting. The obvious possible problem with the media getting everywhere and in everything is the first reason. The undercoating is an asphaltic based material and bead blasting won't work well with that type of material. I have used mineral spirits on a rag. Its messy but it will remove the old undercoating without damaging anything. Then I used a small die grinder with a nylon abrasive pad to clean up the frame.
If you can work on the car out doors it's a big advantage. This is messy work and the die grinder will get off the old rust wear a dust mask.

[Alan S.]

Re: Outside Frame-On Bead Blast

Hi Don,
I did what you're doing before I took my 71's body off the frame.
I used your method and found working on the frame from the cowl forward to be MUCH easier because the frame is so much more accessible in the front as opposed to the rear. You can get to it from above and below and from both sides.
If you take the front suspension and steering gear off ,along with the core support, you can REALLY go to town.
You might find you can carry on as you've been doing.
Regards,
Alan

[Don W.]

Re: Outside Frame-On Bead Blast

Alan,

A few questions:

1. Did you have any issues with beads getting into places where they could do damage such as wheel bearings, brakes, bushings, etc?
2. What type of protection did you wear? Is a dust mast and googles suitable?
3. What air pressure did you use?
4. What did you do to protect the other parts of the car such as the engine area, paint, etc.

Thanks for your input,

Don

[Alan S.]

Re: Outside Frame-On Bead Blast

Hi Don,
I guess I was a little unclear.
I used the scrape, strip, wire brush method, that you used on the rear of your car, on the front of mine. When I got to the rear 1/2, I found the accessibility was so much more limited that it became one of the reasons I decided to take the body off the frame.
Even after I lifted the body, I continued using the same procedure, so I can't answer your 'media' questions.
I'm sorry for the misunderstanding.
Regards,
Alan

[Ned T.]

Re: Outside Frame-On Bead Blast

I would not use the glass beads near the car. I have done alot of sand and bead blasting and the stuff gets in every little spot you can imagine. Ive tried taping off areas and also plastic sheathing, but it still gets in everywhere. Not to mention all the pieces of rust or undercoating that will be in places you dont want them to be in.

[Bert L.]

Re: Outside Frame-On Bead Blast

I would not use the glass beads near the car. I have done alot of sand and bead blasting and the stuff gets in every little spot you can imagine. Ive tried taping off areas and also plastic sheathing, but it still gets in everywhere. Not to mention all the pieces of rust or undercoating that will be in places you dont want them to be in.

Ditto to that!....

[Steven C.]

Re: Outside Frame-On Bead Blast

I would not use the glass beads near the car. I have done alot of sand and bead blasting and the stuff gets in every little spot you can imagine. Ive tried taping off areas and also plastic sheathing, but it still gets in everywhere. Not to mention all the pieces of rust or undercoating that will be in places you dont want them to be in.

Agree also.