To blast or not to blast

[WETOWM]

Getting ready to restore my cab should i sand blast or soda blast or do some thing compleaty differant ??

[Lee H]

I recently did this. According to my blaster sand will heat up and distort the panels. My cab and body panels were walnut blasted and then only the rusty areas were sand blasted to make sure the rust was gone.

[jocko]

Don't blast "large" panels as they will sag for the reasons Lee mentioned. When it distorts due to heat, there's no place to go but sag.

Soda blast better for paint/body panels. Sand blast better for smaller, more sturdy items. Might need sand for small rust areas, but I'd avoid it if possible (on the body). But it sounds like you're talkin about doing the whole thing - so soda probably a better plan.

[RPBurris]

Take a look in the body and paint forum as well. There is additional prep work after soda blasting to make sure you have good paint adhesion.

[hot trux]

I bought the bigger sand blaster from harbor freight blasted cab, doors,fenders with no issues BUT,the key is to hold the nozzle back away from the panel. you can warp the metal for sure, but if you don't build the heat or hold to close you can achieve good results. Soda blasting gets in seams and if not treated right can blister up.there is a shop in Wentzville that does media blasting (my choice) the name of the co. is Blastco, also THE GATEWAY CO. does it as well. just my 2 cents.