spindle prep for painting question

[Steven R]

I am now ready to send my frame and front suspension part to the sandblaster and painting, I am not sure if I should send the spindles with ? I don't want the sandblaster to damage the spindles bearing journals.

looking for advise and What other have done in this situation.

I have a small blast cabinet and proper size air compressor at home but don't know on how to insure 100 percent protection to the spindles machined surfaces. I was thinking of getting a rubber hose and clamping it to the spindle capping the other end and then blasting it myself. I am not a painter but will have to learn.
Thoughts...

The sandblast company will also do my painting of the frame and parts. They do a lot of powder coating and I know they have a tape that they use in order to not get powder coat on certain areas. but not sure if this tape would hold up to blasting. but it will hold up in the 400 degree ovens while baking on the powder coat. just thinking out loud here... looking for ideas

[Clavo106]

Im also would like to know this.. I have a portable blaster and a cabinet blaster but im doing the blasting for my suspension and frame . black beauty for media and POR 15 base rust treatment and a top coat of POR 15 UV protector.

[rattle69]

maybe try putting an old part in the place you are concerned about. Just a thought.

[Clavo106]

I know some people have used carpet on delicate areas to absorbe the blow from the blaster media but have not tried it my self to know..

[Steven R]

I assume you're suggesting to press out the good spindle and put a old or damaged on in its place so I don't have to worry about sandblasting, but this is not a option available to me at this time. and the task of pressing in a spindle scare the crap out of me.

[FirstOwner69]

Tape things with a few layers of duct tape and tell the sandblaster to take it easy in that area.

[BMERDOC]

Even regular masking tape will do the job. Just don't blast on the area and everything will be fine.

[rattle69]

Try wrapping a tire inertoob around it. I wouldn't be overly concerned as nothing will get in between the bearing and spindle. The seal should be the only real concern. Unless I'm picturing this all wrong.

[bill3rail]

Originally Posted by BMERDOC

Even regular masking tape will do the job. Just don't blast on the area and everything will be fine.

This works. Just don't blast the tape and you'll be fine.

[wreckedchevy]

I do the tape trick too, just tape up the parts you don't want touched and if it's a good sand blaster he'll know not to touch those areas

[Redline novdog]

I'm with firstowner69 I use duct tape when I sandblast or send it out for blasting. The sticky needs removed when done, no big deal. I have used masking tape maybe I didn't wrap enough, but blaster ate through the tape in spots. Make sure you clean the parts extremely well when back from the blaster. Sand seems to find it's way into every nook and cranny!!!!

[Leftlane]

Like was said, couple rounds of duct tape on the spindle shafts.
For the ball joint and tie rod tapered holes I use rubber stoppers or corks. Just use your head when blasting and you'll be fine.
I use corks to mask those same holes for paint as well.

[chewychevy67]

I used a old top radiator hose. Cut it down and slid it over with a hose clamp when I powder coated mine. Turned out really nice.

[Redline novdog]

don't mean to hijack,but chewychevy67 you actually powder coated with a radiator hose for masking? I didn't think that would take the temperature !!!

[chewychevy67]

It did. I made a cap out of a spindle race and sheet metal for the other side so the sand couldn't get to the spindle. Used a hose clamp on each end. The powder coater wasn't sure either but it worked. Kept the hoses in case I do it again.

[Redline novdog]

The radiator hose did not melt/stick to the spindle??? Rad hose good to use again??

[chewychevy67]

Yes I can use it again. Not sticky at all. If I remember I'll post pic's of it tomorrow from my computer.

[tommys72]

Originally Posted by Redline novdog

The radiator hose did not melt/stick to the spindle??? Rad hose good to use again??

Only guessing, but I assume he means for a powder coating again, not for radiator use

[chewychevy67]

Yes for powder. Would not use for cooling system after this.

[Ruscal]

Sandblasters use tape called "Buttercut" that is rubbery. Media bounces right off. Same idea as radiator hose.
Russ

[Steven R]

thanks for all the good ideas guys.

Would like to see those pics of the rad hose idea, i am not powder coating but I will be blasting mine

[Redline novdog]

Yes sorry for the lack of info.I am always looking for things that are reusable for blasting and powder coating. I like reusables, because if I had the money I would have the parts done professionally.

[chewychevy67]

I looked in the shed but could not find them. I know they are there if I find them I'll post pic' s

[bpatrol]

just use masking tape it works fine. done it many times.
bpatrol

[bpatrol]

oh and I powder coated it myself. just used the gold because it was sitting there and wanted to break up all the black