Best way to clean a bare frame

[Joseph E.]

I'm at the point in the restoration of my '65 roadster where most of the drivetrain has been rebuilt and is ready for installation. The frame now needs to have the surface rust removed in preparation for refinishing and installation of the rebuilt components. My question to the members is this: What is the preferred way to clean the frame to bare metal-media blast it or have it chemically cleaned by an immersion process?

The last restoration I completed I had the frame media blasted and it came out great but I know the inside of the frame rails were still rusty where the media could not reach. I've seen advertisements in Hemmings Motor News for a place in Allentown, Pennsylvania called Kwik-Strip that has tanks large enough to immerse a complete frame. I talked to the owner about his process and he said they use an acid to clean the frame to bare metal and assured me it would not harm the frame in any way. Redi-Strip also advertises in the same publication and says their process is an alkaline immersion which they too guarantee not to damage the integrity of the frame. Unfortunately, the closest Redi-Strip is several states away from me. Has anyone used the service of Kwik-Strip of Allentown? Input regarding your experience with this company would be most appreciated. Thank you.

Joe

#45420

[Tom L.]

Re: Best way to clean a bare frame

I dropped my frame off at the Allentown Kwik Strip yesterday. It should be ready in two weeks. They charged $450 for the frame, differential crossmember and tank support bracket. Jon, the GM, confirmed that their process will not reduce the thickness of the metal.

Upon completion, it will then go to the powder coating place, where it will first be "swept" with a metal bead media before finishing. The powder coater says that he can get material on the majority of the inside of the frame through the various holes since the powder is charged and will stick to the metal. I was thinking that this would be the best way to make sure that the inside of the frame and the area in the lap joints are clean.

[Bill W.]

Re: Best way to clean a bare frame

I always use Redi Strip in Ind. They do a great job .take as many big parts as you can . I prefer primer & paint over powder coat .If you have any pits or damage they can be repaired before painting.....Bill

[Art A.]

Re: Best way to clean a bare frame

Joe, I had my 65 frame chemically cleaned by an immersion process and it came out excellent. On the way home I stopped at a Zbart (sp?)location and had them put JUST THEIR PART ONE of their normal 2 part process. The part one is honey color that protects and creeps into all the crooks and crevasses of the innards of all the frames tubing's. They told me that the part 2 is the just for show and is applied to make the customer feel like he is getting something. I was done in about 15 minutes and on my way.I don't even know if Zbart is still in business.

Art

[Mark D.]

Re: Best way to clean a bare frame

That sounds like the way to go, Art.

It looks like Ziebart is still alive and kicking.

http://www.ziebart.com/Index.aspx?mid=1&PageID=39