Recommendations for a soda blaster source in mid-Michigan

[Jeff H.]

Hello group,
I'm getting ready to repaint my '64 roadster this spring. My painter tells me he needs the body stripped before I bring it to him. He's warned me to NOT use chemical strippers or any kind of abrasive stripping other than soda blasting as it can soak into, or otherwise damage the fiberglass. He tells me he's seen problems with blasters using sand, walnut shells and plastic media eroding the glass surface. Apparently soda media is more forgiving and easier to control damage-wise.
Does anyone know of, and can recommend a blaster in the mid-Michigan area who can do soda blasting? Not all shops do soda. It would be great if you have had a positive, direct experience with the shop. If you would rather not recommend a shop in this forum, please e-mail me directly at wayfastgn@aol.com. Thanks for your help!
Jeff H.
'64 Corvette roadster - frame off resto.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Recommendations for a soda blaster source in mid-Michigan

Jeff,

There is a company in Muskegon that does media blasting though I cannot recall the name. Anyone will tell you that any method has its good and bad, though for blasting it all depends on the experience and skill of the stripper.
So, I would not limit yourself to one method but rather look for the method with the most experienced person who also has good references. You can educate your painter at the same time.

I've seen and heard of cars stripped with all of the methods you describe, and in that seen the good and the bad.

Let me know where in "mid Michigan" you're at and that would help.

Patrick

[Wayne W.]

Re: Recommendations for a soda blaster source in mid-Michigan

I would never soda blast unless the car is totally disassembled. White powder forever, into everything and corrodes wiring, gages, etc. You will never get rid of it.

Actually , I am surprised the painter wouldn't want to do it himself for his protection. How many Corvettes does he do?

[Robert C.]

Re: Recommendations for a soda blaster source in mid-Michigan

Well, I don't know anyone in Michigan - but you need to have a "bare body".

Anyone that tells you they can soda blast it and the baking soda not getting into just about every spot you can think of is BS'n you.

Companies will try to sell you that they "direct the blast" away from the body, but it's alot of air and very fine baking soda - and there are probably a million places it will end up, including you motor.

After soda blasting, the fiberglas is kinda rough, so gel-coating is a must. You also need to clean the body after it's soda blasted with Marine Clean (POR product) since the chemical has a rust retardent in it for sheet metal parts to prevent bare metal from rusting.

After gel coating, let it sit for 6 months to see of any problems crop up.

Good luck !

Bob

[Jim D.]

Re: Recommendations for a soda blaster source in mid-Michigan

To add to what Wayne and Bob said - If you decide to have it done, I never would, don't have it done on your property. Not only is it a giant mess and it will pizz off your neighbors, but the soda will basically kill all living plants it gets on, especially your lawn.