Morris Minor Owners Club

Should I send my van-back for sand blasing with kiln dried sand tomorrow ..... or not? Lots of horror stories about panels buckling! The van-back is now on a pallet and due to go to the blasters tomorrow.

They are NOT allowed to use 'sand' !! Silicosis put a stop to that. Most blasting is done with shattered glass beads - or walnut/coconut shells - or 'dry ice' . But whatever - I would say don't do it - remove the paint etc with chemicals - flat panels are easily distorted...........

capnblack wrote:Should I send my van-back for sand blasing with kiln dried sand tomorrow ..... or not? Lots of horror stories about panels buckling! The van-back is now on a pallet and due to go to the blasters tomorrow.

NO definitely not sand. Get them to use walnut shells with aluminium oxide.

Panels can still buckle. If I were you I'd remove all paint with paint stripper then mark off the rusty areas and get them to just blast the rust off.

The company is local to me here in (sunny ) Cornwall. They have just done a spilt screen VW camper van and say that the results are very good. I understand that kiln dried sand is used.

Tell me their name ? I'll check it out with their local HSE Inspector.......... Sand is NOT allowed!

Sounds like you're on your way! I thought you were considering removing the roof, in which case I would have done this first as there will be plenty or rust between the roof/side joint that will still be there if blasted with roof panel on!

If you have the correct facilities and breathing equipment then sand is still allowable. As mentioned there are alternative systems which offer good results though.

Hi from Australia

I have attached a link below on soda blasting, this is the ultimate in paint removal for small panels to large restoration projects. Not too sure if there are companies in Britain for you to access.

http://sodablastgoldcoast.com.au/

Some companies here also offer a mobile service.

Cheers

Rod

Soda blasting is good at removing paint, but will not touch rust.

As for sand, even if legal and safe, I would be worried that it will warp the panels. Walnut shells followed by aluminium oxide grit will do a much better job of first paint, then rust. But I would not let them blast any long flat panels or they might get warped.

I'd agree with that

Spoken with the blasters today and they will not be blasting any of the long panels, only the places which are rather inaccessable by other means.

chickenjohn wrote:Soda blasting is good at removing paint, but will not touch rust.

As for sand, even if legal and safe, I would be worried that it will warp the panels. Walnut shells followed by aluminium oxide grit will do a much better job of first paint, then rust. But I would not let them blast any long flat panels or they might get warped.

Gidday from Aus.

Totally agree, have seen some extreme damage done by careless operators but we have found this is the best foundation for all of our restoration work here in Australia. There are different grades (size) and types of grits available so making sure the operator uses the correct grade for the panel thickness and type of rust removal required should result in a top clean finish for your needs.

Having worked in the repair/refinish industry for over 35 years and also taught in the refinish section for 23 years, also seen all the changes in paint removal methods during this period from dipping to blasting and using soda blasting is the ultimate.

Removing the rust without risking damage to good panel work is a 50/50 chance. The advantage of soda blasting is that no damage to glass, rubber, stainless, etc. so the total removal of all hardware doesn't need to be done and the by product is safe for the user and environment.

Hope this has explained the benefits.

Rod

Just about to collect mine after media blasting. He does aluminium bodied Aston Martins. If he can do that, a Morris ought to be little trouble.
PM me for details (I wouldn't want the guy to get banned)
He is about 5 miles north of RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire.

RobThomas wrote:Just about to collect mine after media blasting. He does aluminium bodied Aston Martins. If he can do that, a Morris ought to be little trouble.
PM me for details (I wouldn't want the guy to get banned)
He is about 5 miles north of RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire.

PM sent, thanks.

RobThomas wrote:Just about to collect mine after media blasting. He does aluminium bodied Aston Martins. If he can do that, a Morris ought to be little trouble.
PM me for details (I wouldn't want the guy to get banned)
He is about 5 miles north of RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire.

Rob if you have had good service from a company there is no problem in mentioning who they are.

JLH were pretty good....Oh, I see what you mean.

Oldfield Blasting, 07788 767 596, Dauntsey, Wilts. £600 for a whole car of metal bits, blasted, etched and primed. Will even collect.[frame][/frame][frame][/frame]

Wow, these are fabulous results. I have never seen a job as clean as this before and 600 pounds is an excellent deal. I had mine dipped, which resulted in all the lead in the joints melting which was replaced with filler later on. The dry method is always the best poviding the blasters can give it a coat of primer pretty quick just to protect against rust forming whilst sitting around.

Did that price include inside the car and underneath too ?

Charles

Rob, I recognise that Moggie !!

Is that the one that sold on ebay a few years back. Its an MM convertible shipped back from Australia or New Zealand ? I recognised the colour which is an unusual aqua blue..

That is going to make one incredible car. Well worth the money and time you are putting into it. Bet you cant wait to get it finished.

Good luck.

Yes, WPR had it for a bit and Rob bought it off him I believe...