Chemical stripping or sandblasting hood

[cubby]

Well,I'm moving along to the next thing on my list for Lemon Juice.I need to clean and strip the hood and tank,so i can paint it.I have always used a company that uses a chemical stripper to get the metal ready.The problem is, he took 4 months to get the tank and metal done last time.Im needing to get everything done so i can use the tractor to do my fall plowing.What is the difference if i have it sandblasted? what do i want to use,as far as sand-glass beads,ect-.If i sandblast it,how should i get all of the sand out of the parts.Is there any parts i should not sandblast.I plan on taking all the metal off i can and still have a rolling frame to move around the shop.I do not need to do anything to the engine.I put a clutch in and did the carb.at the Barnyard Bash with a lot of help.Thanks again to all who helped.Rick

[Rob in NH]

i would sandblast it. i rinse the inside out to get the fumes out then plug the openings to keep the sand out. if you do it yourself i would use the fine black beauty. i usually have a sandblast company do the job for me.

[Posco]

I sandblasted mine and also used a wire wheel on it. Came out great. I'm not sure a chemical stripper would touch any corrosion if there were any present. I took pains to do the underside as well, including priming.

[Stanton]

I would suggest a 4-1/2" angle grinder set up with a twisted wire wheel and/or twisted wire cup. I've used those two with great success on two other Cubs and an H. Since I don't have a sandblaster and don't want to mess with chemicals, I've found this to be a great way to get paint (and everything else) off. Just don't let the wire brush bite you!

Wish you success in the method you choose.

[cubby]

Thank you all for the information.I think i will try the sandblaster company and the wire wheels this time.This way i have more control of the time line of getting things done.Rick

[Matt Kirsch]

Only problem with sandblasting sheet metal is that it is too easy to warp things if you blast on a spot a little too long.

You could end up with the summer help doing your hood with no prior experience... An experienced pro will know how far he can push things without warping.

I prefer an angle grinder with a paint stripper wheel.

[Eugene]

I have always used a company that uses a chemical stripper to get the metal ready.The problem is, he took 4 months to get the tank and metal done last time.

Wife had a business stripping finish off of wood furniture. Near the end of the life of the stripper in the tanks, she could strip paint off of car parts.

You didn't want to do car parts until you were ready to replace the stripper because any grease or oil would would be absorbed by the wood.

This might explain the 4 months wait.

[Super A]

Only problem with sandblasting sheet metal is that it is too easy to warp things if you blast on a spot a little too long.

You could end up with the summer help doing your hood with no prior experience... An experienced pro will know how far he can push things without warping.

I prefer an angle grinder with a paint stripper wheel.

Agree. Unless you have someone that is really knowledgable I would not let a sandblaster near it. Even then I would be hesitant. My Super A's gas tank was sandblasted. The guy that did it is very professional and knowledgable, and yet I still had sand in the bottom of the sediment bowl after I ran it a while.....

They're pretty nasty but I would stick with the wire wheel.

Al

[drice]

I like sand blasting on certain things.the tank will be fine to blast and items u can remove easly.use duct tape to cover every opening real good.i don't blast engines and drive train.you will never get a better finish than blasting the metal looks new.

[Rob in NH]

here is mine before and after. i used a threaded plug in the bottom and the old fuel cap and had no sand get inside. sand blasting is the perfect way to start a resto of your tank.