16 replies to this topic

[Stu]

So I keep finding more rust on my mini and i want to start from fresh so I know the mini will be 99% rust free!

I thought about getting the shell sand blasted, anyone had any experiences with this?

[drewsargent1980]

Yeah had my shell completely sand blasted for my full restoration, Some one on here did point out that just make sure If you do have it sand blasted have a good look at the rear quarters and roof to make sure there is no distortion caused by the sand blaster. If its kept in one spot for too long it can cause panel distortion. Not the end of the world by any means it will just need filling.


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More pictures here for you

http://www.theminifo...x...186615&st=0

[miniQ]

Media Blasting is best.

[sonikk4]

Media blasting is the best way forward especially if soda blasted.

This is not as harsh as sand and as such does not generate as much heat so minimizing distortion. It also leaves a coating which will help to keep the nasties away for a few weeks.

[PaulColeman]

It's just a shame how much money they want to blast shells. I got a quote the other day to have mine blasted and he wanted £500 cash (nearly as much as the car cost). That wasn't soda though it was using garnet.

Paul.

[minikidx14]

It's just a shame how much money they want to blast shells. I got a quote the other day to have mine blasted and he wanted £500 cash (nearly as much as the car cost). That wasn't soda though it was using garnet.

Paul.

I could beat that price for quite abit if you could get your shell too me

[peter-b]

When we are getting shells done we use paint stripper on some panels, i.e. rear 1/4's ,door outers, turret, bonnet etc. Doesn't have to be good job, it's just to get the bulk of the paint off before blasting. Also make sure the guys doing it know what they're doing, an ameture back yarder can easily trash a good body shell!

[oliver122]

i know a bloke that does it for a living has done for quite a few years 10+ , he did someones mini once , came out well no distortion on it , i intend on getting mine done by him in the future

[TopCatCustom]

After seeing a skyline which got blasted, the distortion on the panels was so bad it was almost scrap. I know the panels are probably thinner than a mini but I never get the big flat areas done, just everything else, so basically a whole shell but I'd use paint stripper or sand the roof and rear quarters (and door skins, bonnet etc.

Just my experience.

[midridge2]

i thought SAND blasting was now illegal and you have to use a different media.

this link might be usefull. http://www.ctc-powde...hotblasting.htm

Edited by midridge2, 29 July 2011 - 06:22 PM.

[Sam14]

Ask them to only sand blast the rusted areas, getting the whole car sand blasted is just making more work for yourselves

Not only doesnt it pit the metal work

It also removes a good surface to re paint on, old paint is better than sanding and primering and sanding again.

[minikidx14]

Although blasting with sand is illigal it is still known as sandblasting as its what most people know

[Juju]

I've had my GT's shell blasted TWICE due to the first "expert" leaving it outside for over a year. It's amazing how the rust can pit the surface when it has already been blasted once, and it requires a hell of a lot of manual work afterwards.

No distortion in the shell, though, still quite solid panels underneath.


PS All the stuff collected in the nooks & crannies certainly looks like sand to me.....

[Frog]

Yeah I have had several shells "sand blasted". If you want to take the car right back & get rid of the rust then it's the best way, it shows everything up. Make sure you get a coat of primer on it as the shell will start to rust almost instantly if there is any moisture in the air. The blasters I use always put a quick coat on even if I am going to replace panels.

[jack_marshall]

Nothing wrong with sandblasting. We always have it done and strip the centres of the large panels with DA's.

We've had cars acid dipped and media blasted too. Media blasting doesn't remove deep rust pits like sand does and acid dipping caused other issues. Others will disagree but this is just my experience.

It is also cheaper.

We pay around £300 for a bare shell inside and out.