Blasting components in situ
Discussion
Guys, your help. In the past, I’ve done the strip bits off (suspension/steering/brakes mostly), removed all the bushes, blasted and painted/powder coated, re assembled. Back to new. Now, I need to do again, this time with the bits in situ. I’m not intending to go down to bare metal, more like remove all dirt and grime, sufficient that the new paint gets a good surface attachment. Not so good I know, but…………! The internet is full of info regarding various media for my blast gun, but I’m wondering if any of you have been along the same path, and any useful info you can divulge. It’s been suggested that my pressure washer would do the trick, but not happy about water getting where it shouldn’t though.
robinessex said:
Guys, your help. In the past, I’ve done the strip bits off (suspension/steering/brakes mostly), removed all the bushes, blasted and painted/powder coated, re assembled. Back to new. Now, I need to do again, this time with the bits in situ. I’m not intending to go down to bare metal, more like remove all dirt and grime, sufficient that the new paint gets a good surface attachment. Not so good I know, but…………! The internet is full of info regarding various media for my blast gun, but I’m wondering if any of you have been along the same path, and any useful info you can divulge. It’s been suggested that my pressure washer would do the trick, but not happy about water getting where it shouldn’t though.
Dont Ponce around,just spray it all with oil and forget about itrobinessex said:
Guys, your help. In the past, I’ve done the strip bits off (suspension/steering/brakes mostly), removed all the bushes, blasted and painted/powder coated, re assembled. Back to new. Now, I need to do again, this time with the bits in situ. I’m not intending to go down to bare metal, more like remove all dirt and grime, sufficient that the new paint gets a good surface attachment. Not so good I know, but…………! The internet is full of info regarding various media for my blast gun, but I’m wondering if any of you have been along the same path, and any useful info you can divulge. It’s been suggested that my pressure washer would do the trick, but not happy about water getting where it shouldn’t though.
Just my opinion and thoughts, but.....I have used a pressure washer on in situ suspension and similar parts. With a little care and masking off with plastic bags etc I see no problem. Use a degreaser in one of those hand sprayers to soak everything first, then rinse off with a pressure washer on a gentle setting. After all, these components are subjected to road grim and water all the time and were somewhat designed to cope with it in the first place. A thorough lubrication afterward should be fine on ball joints and swivels etc.
Painting in situ is always something of a compromise, but it depends on your expectations and the overall condition of the car too I guess. With some careful masking I am sure it will come up well enough. Perhaps after cleaning, a scuff of the parts with a Scotch Brite pad would provide a good 'key' for the paint without going down to the metal.
geeman237 said:
robinessex said:
Guys, your help. In the past, I’ve done the strip bits off (suspension/steering/brakes mostly), removed all the bushes, blasted and painted/powder coated, re assembled. Back to new. Now, I need to do again, this time with the bits in situ. I’m not intending to go down to bare metal, more like remove all dirt and grime, sufficient that the new paint gets a good surface attachment. Not so good I know, but…………! The internet is full of info regarding various media for my blast gun, but I’m wondering if any of you have been along the same path, and any useful info you can divulge. It’s been suggested that my pressure washer would do the trick, but not happy about water getting where it shouldn’t though.
Just my opinion and thoughts, but.....I have used a pressure washer on in situ suspension and similar parts. With a little care and masking off with plastic bags etc I see no problem. Use a degreaser in one of those hand sprayers to soak everything first, then rinse off with a pressure washer on a gentle setting. After all, these components are subjected to road grim and water all the time and were somewhat designed to cope with it in the first place. A thorough lubrication afterward should be fine on ball joints and swivels etc.
Painting in situ is always something of a compromise, but it depends on your expectations and the overall condition of the car too I guess. With some careful masking I am sure it will come up well enough. Perhaps after cleaning, a scuff of the parts with a Scotch Brite pad would provide a good 'key' for the paint without going down to the metal.
robinessex said:
It’s been suggested that my pressure washer would do the trick, but not happy about water getting where it shouldn’t though.
...yet blasting media won't?If you just want to clean it all up, get a steam cleaner in there. MUCH more effective than a normal cold pressurewasher, especially on oil and grease. Ever tried doing the washing-up in cold water? You can use much lower pressure, and not be as direct for as long, giving everything a better chance.
Anything will take unsound paint off, but it's probably better off being removed anyway. Blasting is going to take sound paint off the bits near to what you're trying to clean.
Or there's always a paintbrush and jizer.
Gassing Station | Classic Cars and Yesterday's Heroes | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff