85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett"

[UKNOWME]

Have you figured out your problem yet?

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by UKNOWME

Are you running a filter/dryer/water trap/etc?

Not at this time. I know I will need one if I start painting, but so far I have been fine with the tools I am using.

Originally Posted by UKNOWME

Have you figured out your problem yet?

Not yet. I'm going to pull the pick up tube and nozzle assembly to see if there's an issue there.

[N2TRUX]

Monday was Monday for sure, but I still managed to get some work done in the shop. Since the starter ahd been recently replaced I opted to clean it up rather than replace it. I came home and cleaned, prepped, and sprayed a coat of color before heading out to the gym.

After my workout and some dinner, I got another couple of coats on the starter. I still had a bit of time before I needed to go in so I cleaned up the crank pulley. Apparently I didn't get it clean enough and the paint crazed on the wet coat. Looks like I will be sanding it down again.

[UKNOWME]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

Not at this time. I know I will need one if I start painting, but so far I have been fine with the tools I am using.

So you're running straight from the compressor to the blast cabinet?

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by UKNOWME

So you're running straight from the compressor to the blast cabinet?

Yes sir. I have a small drier/regulator that I can use but I really want to add a bigger compressor and plumb the entire shop. Nothing is going to happen till after LST.

[UKNOWME]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

Yes sir. I have a small drier/regulator that I can use but I really want to add a bigger compressor and plumb the entire shop. Nothing is going to happen till after LST.

Cool good to know.

[GAc10boy]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

Cabinet-


Blast Cabinet Reclaimer Kit

Thank you! Very helpful.

[87max]

moisture will create clogging of media, the dust turns to mud. I run a coil of pex on the wall to cool the air after the compressor then a water separator it reduces moisture greatly. Again my cheapness.

[87max]

What PSI are you running? Possible that your new media is to heavy with not enough PSI to create a vacuum to pick it up? To aid in air consumption I swapped out the air nozzle to an 1/8npt to 1/8 barb fitting with tubing over the barb fitting to protect it. The nozzle was roughly 3/16. I didn't notice any loss of power blasting and compressor maintains higher pressure.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by 87max

What PSI are you running? Possible that your new media is to heavy with not enough PSI to create a vacuum to pick it up? To aid in air consumption I swapped out the air nozzle to an 1/8npt to 1/8 barb fitting with tubing over the barb fitting to protect it. The nozzle was roughly 3/16. I didn't notice any loss of power blasting and compressor maintains higher pressure.

I'm at 140 psi on the gauge. I do suspect the media is to heavy, but the reviews I read have said good things. I tried going larger and smaller on the tip with no real change.

[N2TRUX]

I went by Auto Zone today looking for starter bolts. I struck out there so I'm going to have order them.

I did pick up a new HD water pump. I'm a firm believer in replacing them when the motor is stripped bare.

This evening I prepped and painted the water pump while working on cleaning the motor.
The intake was bolted down with oversized washers so I pulled them. With the intake and front of the block clean, I laid down a few coats of color. I like what I see so far.

[UKNOWME]

Originally Posted by n2trux

i went by auto zone today.....

I did pick up a new hd water pump.

no no no!

[Jaysonb]

I have a pretty nice snap on blast cabinet, I usually keep glass beads in it, but I had to blast some very rusty steel so I tried the medium grit black diamond, it didn't flow very well at all. I bought a bag of the fine grit and it was much better. The glass beads are not as aggressive, but they sure flow nice.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by UKNOWME

no no no!

?

Originally Posted by Jaysonb

I have a pretty nice snap on blast cabinet, I usually keep glass beads in it, but I had to blast some very rusty steel so I tried the medium grit black diamond, it didn't flow very well at all. I bought a bag of the fine grit and it was much better. The glass beads are not as aggressive, but they sure flow nice.

I had glass beads originally and it worked very well. They were worn out so I changed. Same as you I went with medium first, then tried fine. I'm not getting good media flow with either so I have to find time to look deeper.

[UKNOWME]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

?

Don't you know the only thing you buy at autozone is oil and air fresheners?

[moregrip]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

?

I had glass beads originally and it worked very well. They were worn out so I changed. Same as you I went with medium first, then tried fine. I'm not getting good media flow with either so I have to find time to look deeper.

question: for general cleanup and paint prep what do you prefer?

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by UKNOWME

Don't you know the only thing you buy at autozone is oil and air fresheners?

Actually I buy almost everything from Autozone when I buy locally. I have one very close to me thats well stocked and ordered parts or there same day if I call early, next day if I call late.

Originally Posted by moregrip

question: for general cleanup and paint prep what do you prefer?

I buy cheap paper towels from Sams and they are fairly lint free. I use Brake Cleaner for everything. I buy the cheap Wal-Mart brand and use it extensively. Its much cheaper than anything I have used in the past and dries quickly.

[Low Elco]

I did not have good luck with black beauty in my blaster. Have you tried garnet? Works pretty good.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by Low Elco

I did not have good luck with black beauty in my blaster. Have you tried garnet? Works pretty good.

I plan to inspect the supply system this weekend. If there are no restrictions then I will consider my options for a different media.

[N2TRUX]

Last night was family night. My daughter and son in law came over for dinner. We had a nice visit, but they left early to get home and ready for work. Good visit, but my shop was calling me.
I prepped the drivers side of the block for paint. Fortunately it's fairly accessible with the headers off, so it didn't take long. I masked the frame and motor mount, then blasted some color on. It layed out nicely so I left it to dry.

In the interim I decided to add some sparkle to the motor. I had ordered a polished stainless button head set from Alloy Bolts and couldn't resist any longer. I removed the timing cover bolts one at a time, and touched up behind them. As it dried I added a polished button head in place of the hex head. They add a nice bit of bling, and I love this part of my builds.

Shiny objects are a distraction when your ADD. Combine that with OCD and they become an obsession. I had to have more so I installed the intake bolts as well. I used the same procedure here. By taking the bolts out one at a time and touching up as you go, it reduces the chance of gasket leaks. The end results are a bit of sparkle that's maintenance free.

[lolife99]

You are a "masking machine", Ken.
I don't envy all the work you are doing.

[GAc10boy]

Looks great, Ken. I like the 'one bolt at a time' idea. Very smart and efficient.

[87max]

I don't mean the media nozzle to reduce down, the air nozzle inside the gun. I wouldn't recommend the slag in cabinet, I use aluminum oxide.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by lolife99

You are a "masking machine", Ken.
I don't envy all the work you are doing.

Keith its actually therapeutic for my OCD. I have found when I take on a small task thats achievable, and accomplish that task I sleep much better.

Originally Posted by GAc10boy

Looks great, Ken. I like the 'one bolt at a time' idea. Very smart and efficient.

Thanks. I dont want to risk loosing the gasket seal, so I take one out and replace it. So far its been effective.

Originally Posted by 87max

I don't mean the media nozzle to reduce down, the air nozzle inside the gun. I wouldn't recommend the slag in cabinet, I use aluminum oxide.

I researched the black diamond slag media and it had good reviews. I realize that doesnt account for the equipment they were using. Im going to pull the entire supply line and inspect it. If there no issue there, I will try another media. I'm at the mercy of whats available local since I am at the point of really needing the cabinet now.

[87max]

I like slag for outdoor use, its aggressive but it does break down a bit more so its a little dusty for in the cabinet.