Plastic blasting ??

[Tropicalcats]

I can get my entire shell ( 70 Challenger) in an alkaline bath for right around $1800.00 Thats with a 15% off coupon. ( must be slow they are offering coupons) This is a very respected metal cleaning and I have had other parts dipped and they have come out great.
  I have debated how to strip the body down for some time and it looks like I finally will have the $$ to do it soon. I have heard that the chemicals can get trapped and have the potential to run out after the paint job. Has anybody had a shell dipped? Any concerns about the trapped acid? I am told by the cleaner they rinse several times after the bath and rotate the car to complete remove any trapped chemicals.
I would prefer to have it dipped but don"t want trouble down the road. The car will not see wet conditions when its done.
How are you finishing the parts you had dipped. E-coating?   

['Cuda Hunter]

Good questions.  Where are you having your car dipped?
What state? 

[sadil340]

I chose blasting over dipping because I heard somewhere that the dipping can disintegrate the body dum-dum and rattles can result. I have no idea if that is a valid concern or not.

[pywell]

Concerns are very valid with dipping. I will share what i have been told after work here tonight.

[Tropicalcats]

Good questions.  Where are you having your car dipped?
What state?

 In Ohio. Its American Metal Cleaning. http://www.americanmetalcleaninginc.com/

check out the site the cars look great and like I said I have had a trunk lid and some other parts done and they came out very nice. Just nervous about having the whole car dipped.  I have also heard that it strips all seam sealer and I wonder how hard it is to put those back in and if you can. 

Concerns are very valid with dipping. I will share what i have been told after work here tonight.

I look forward to your info. What do you know about StarBlast.

['Cuda Hunter]

They say this on their site.  Military Specs even. 


NO METAL LOSS WHATSOEVER



Since our methods are entirely non-destructive, this enables us to process components that also meet with military specifications without fear of hydrogen embrittlement, molecular deviation or altering tolerances in any way.  Our processes are also safe on rubber and plastics.

['Cuda Hunter]

Wow!  I just went through that site and I am impressed.

How much does it cost is my big question?  I know Tropicalcats said it is 1800.00.
But is that all inclusive?  What all does this price include? 

They did not mention wether or not they paint items after they put the anti rust on the car after the strip dip.

Thanks for the link.

[Tropicalcats]

The price includes dipping , several rinses and applying a rust inhibator. They suggest you get it e-coated after and that runs about $2200.00. They do not paint or e-coat. They are strickly metal cleaning.

['Cuda Hunter]

It appears on the site that they do not use an acid. 
Do you know what it is that they are using to strip these metal items?

[Tropicalcats]

They use a warm alkaline bath.

[pywell]

Ok i am trying to do this on my phone. Acid dips get rid of everything that isnt steel. Some metals cannot be dipped. Now when the vehicles are dipped acid gets everywhere removing everything. The car is then washed. Now if it is not washed very good the acid will eat through steel too. A good way to check is to bring a magnet. If the magnet wont stick its nodone being washed. If there is any left in hidden areas it will leach destroying anything it touches including the metals. Now dont let this deter you. Dipping is good if you find a reliable company that dips cars. And remember your magnet.

[Tropicalcats]

So whats the difference between alkaline dip and acid?

['Cuda Hunter]

My thoughts exactly.

Next, how does the magnet not stick on metal?  Is that because there is a coating that stops the magnet from working? 

[pywell]

I will see if i can find out.

[pywell]

Ok.
The magnet deal i missunderstood. Its to be used before hand as anything non ferous wont be magnetic thus you will lose it in an acid bath. And i am assuming here that an alkaline bath will be safer on more types of metals but no clue how well it cleans up. Im not fully sure on that. I will see if i can find out but someone else maybe able to clear it up for us faster.