sand/media blasters

[ShelbyDogg]

I use the cheaper $12 blast gun with a gravity feed hopper that holds 2 bags of sand.
Cruizin, if you're only doing the bottom I wouldn't blast at all unless the car is completely apart AND I would NOT blast inside the garage, unless it's EMPTY.  Sand will get to the farthest corner and get into tvs, radios, furnaces, intakes etc.

Under the car, if not apart, will get into every crack and crevice in the body,frame, k-frame, suspension, steering, shocks, etc. You get my drift?

I blasted just the engine compartment about '84 and still find sand here and there.
For underneath, if undercoated, use a propane torch and scraper if the interior is out. If still in, spray it with Tar and bug remover (somebody suggested here) to soften, then scrape. Then use a wire wheel or grinder before using Rust-Mort to kill any rust. SEM product
Rob

[70Cuda]

The problem I had with the Harbor Freight unit was that I didn't open the valve all the way so the sand moving through it ate it up so either full on or full off or you'll ruin it too.

Yes, don't get the silica based media either.  I used some black slag stuff the Menards sells.

Full face shield, gloves, respirator are recommended and outside works fine too if you can sweep up and recycle and keeps your garage clean.  Put a tent up outside if you have to...

If you are doing a lot, the bigger one might be worth it since you have to stop and start less too.

FYI on silicosis: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000134.htm (follow up from looking at what Barry posted)

[Krazed]

This may seem like a bit much, however sand blasting can be bad news!

When sand blasting, painting, or around alot of dust and dirt.. I'd highly recommend a good respirator. However, even that has its limitations.

For sand blasting indoors, and such, I've used a fresh-air system. This is basically a mask, 150ft long hose, and a constant air source supplied to you via a pump. I've used it over and over again and I highly recommend using one !

Though I must warn you, they're not cheap! But you can't go wrong, and there's no filters to change out either. Just put it outside or in another room!

Anyway, here's the link to what i'm talking about.
http://www.safetyemporium.com/ILPI_Site/WebPagesUS/detail.htm&&2eiBpe0obDuox2NvxMpoLGxolobo24_aXX_aWlkal_a?NT-MC1-61


Remember, this is just my recommendation. Especially when dealing with sandblasting.

[73EStroker]

Don't do what happened to me - that was my body guy got my front fenders sandblasted with them hanging on the wall. They came back stretched to hell. He spent 24 hours of his time fixing them.