Thread: No media blasting in CA??

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What gives guys, my uncle called to check about sandblasting the truck and chassis and they said they can't use sand here any more. there was something else they could do but it was gonna be 500 bucks, does that sound right?

at this point he wants to just do it like they did on muscle car, with the adapter for the pressure washer. they said on the show that was too aggressive for the body so I guess the body won't get blasted.

Red

Nevermind, I found a place. had to call a local custom shop that then pointed me in the right direction. If one of the admin would like to close this thread that would be fine with me, sorry everybody for not exhausting my options before bugging you.

Red

No problem. Why aren't they allowed to blast over there in CA? Is that a new law they are trying to pass now? How about soda blasting? I understand you found a place already but I am just trying to understand it that's all.

Dago,
There are mobile blasters in the phone book, but I use a company called Blast tech, they do a perfect job. My body, fenders and frame where 625, but I'm a repeat customer. they powder coat and ceramic also...very good people to deal with..

It's not that they can't blast. They just can't use plain sand because of the silica content. Silica in crystalline form is very toxic to the lungs. Silicosis - scarring of the lung tissue - often happens over a period of time, but can happen very quickly if there is heavy exposure to silica dust.

Very few blasters (if any) use sand anymore.

From what I have seen, soda blasting is the way to go. Gentle on the metal, very easy clean up and according to the guy I talked with, you can leave it for quite a while after blasting without danger of rusting.

Pat

Originally Posted by Stu Cool

From what I have seen, soda blasting is the way to go. Gentle on the metal, very easy clean up and according to the guy I talked with, you can leave it for quite a while after blasting without danger of rusting.

Pat

A problem with soda blasting is that someprimers will not adhere properly to the cleaned 'bare' steel without a LOT of additional prep - sand paper and lots of elbow grease to clean any remaining soda residue. Before you do this kind of blasting, check the primer tech sheets for cautions.

PPG Expoxy primers will stick to it just fine. Go over the car with 180-80 grit sandpaper on a DA (should do that anyways) pre clean with solvent based W&G remover and then water based W&G remover and that should be all that's needed. That is how I have done it anytime we had a car soda blasted. Came out nice and you could see where previous owners ground the metal and added filler for dents, seen original leading around the roof and quarter seem on a 66 malibu, etc.

Thanks guys, I am understanding it a lot better now.

68rat good to see somebody local on here. I called blast tech, gave the information to my uncle to decide. We'll probably handle the frame ourselves and have them do the body for us. depending on money of course. gotta sit down tomorrow and do an accounting, find out just where he's at.

I hear there is a show coming up next weekend, you going?

Red

Where at? Greek festival also, good food and good sights...I heard Turlock was a small turnout, too bad...I used the PPG Epoxy, it covered nice..

Hey Dago and 68, I'm here in Fresno working on a 55 Chevy Gasser. I have used Capps down the 99 south of town. They have done lots of work for me and I am very satisfied. They did my 55 body inside out with soda and primered it as well. They also do great ceramic coating work.

Thanks man, I'll check with them too.

I'm not sure where the show is this weekend, I'll ask my uncle and get back to you guys. I know it is in town somewhere.

Red

Very cool, another central valley...Dago, your uncle may be talking about Madera...

He said he'll find out tomorrow (he bought a nut and bolt set he is picking up tomorrow and the company owner turns out is into hotrods and told him about this show) He thinks it is Friday night somewhere on Blackstone.

Red

starblast will work better than anything i've found. it is a very fine media and leaves a good anchor pattern. it is fine enough to use with a home unit . it cleans rust pits out great. only around 6 bucks a 50 lb bag and can be reused several times. i use acrylic and starblast mix on some things. very forgiving and will not warp unless you get 90 degrees and stay on it. soda blasting just bothers me. it is after all sodium bicarbonate ( salt ) many paint co's will not warranty over it.