Dip or Blast?

[e21Mark]

I am about to start a long term project, building a LHD pre facelift e30 BMW for track use. Being 26 years old the shell needs a bit of work before fitting a custom welded cage.

Obviously I wish to remove any sound deadening and old paint but would I be better to have the shell chemically dipped or blasted?

Is there much difference in price? Is either harder on the shell?

[pikeyboy]

Dipped and E coated is the best method, you'll wince when you see the cost though.

[Chunkychucky]

I would reccomend looking into soda blasting and would shy away from the acid dipping due to some of the horrors i've seen, worst of which was probably some guy's P&J 1960s Porsche 911 road car that he'd had restored that was rusting from the inside out due to there still being acid in the body..

[wackojacko]

boy said:

Dipped and E coated is the best method, you'll wince when you see the cost though.

Best method and most affective rust protection coverage.


Do it properly or not at all

[VARLEYHYD]

boy said:

Dipped and E coated is the best method, you'll wince when you see the cost though.

Any recomendations as to where best to get this done?


Graham

[1954etype]

Chunkychucky said:

I would reccomend looking into soda blasting and would shy away from the acid dipping due to some of the horrors i've seen, worst of which was probably some guy's P&J 1960s Porsche 911 road car that he'd had restored that was rusting from the inside out due to there still being acid in the body..

+1. Saw an E Type that was dipped - couldn't stop it rusting where panels were spot welded. I think it will just fall apart in a very short space of time.

[e21Mark]

boy said:

Dipped and E coated is the best method, you'll wince when you see the cost though.

Had a call from well known company today. Even with kind offer of discount I still felt myself wince.

£795 plus VAT. Ouch!

I'm checking alternatives.

[pikeyboy]

Pro-drive use these guys -

http://www.surfaceprocessing.co.uk/technical-proce...

Chap on the E30 M3 race car thread on PH had his shell dipped and e coated somewhere else for much more reasonable price.

[e21Mark]

boy said:

Pro-drive use these guys -

http://www.surfaceprocessing.co.uk/technical-proce...

Chap on the E30 M3 race car thread on PH had his shell dipped and e coated somewhere else for much more reasonable price.

They were the guys that called. I'm sure they're very good. Just out of my budget.

[e21Mark]

Anything to do with Ark?

[e21Mark]

frogisland said:

may have a shell/bits.

Most certainly has parts - mine. Just failed to pay for them.

Edited by e21Mark on Wednesday 11th July 22:58