Deve,
I have bead blasted most of my smaller parts from inner fenders down to the
headlights rings without any problems SO FAR. I have not started putting any
of these parts back onto the truck and have not noticed any cracks as of
now. But bead blasting is just like sand blasting in the fact that you can
very easily warp the metal due to the heat. Lost a headlight ring from this.
However, I have been told this will/may harden the metal as Perry Smith was
referring too. I had looked into having my stuff media blasted with the
crushed walnut shells but that is not an option here in this town.
Soda blasting that Gordon was referring to is an option but is rather
worthless in my opinion. It will not remove much more than paint and flaky
rust. It will no even harm any rubber molding. I was told by the shop that I
was dealing with that after everything is blasted I should take it through a
car wash to help remove some of the baking soda that is still on the metal
and in the cracks. I would then have to sand everything by hand to help
remove the residue from the soda and also to remove the rust that would be
left before painting the truck. This just seemed to be a waste of time and
money if I pay 600 bucks to have the truck blasted and still have to do all
this additional stuff and have to worry later about rust forming in the
cracks and the whole car wash deal. If it were an option I would certainly
choose to have things media blasted and pay the little extra. Just my 2
cents worth.
Christian
59 GMC Stepside
Napco
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