sand blasting swaybars

[burdar]

Can the front sway bar be sand blasted to clean it up or will it weaken the bar?  My original one is a rusty mess.

[MEK-Dangerfield]

I don't think you will weaken it any by sand blasting it. It's over an inch in diameter, right?

[burdar]

I just didn't know if the sand hitting it would cause any stress...then when it starts twisting it would snap.  I know torsion bars are sensitive to any nicks.  Just wanted some opinions before I have the swaybar blasted.  I'd rather ask now then have to buy another one because I didn't ask.

[Topcat]

What about making a tray to put it in and cover with either Evaporust of diluted Molasses?

[burdar]

I thought about that.  The front bar would be a lot easier then the rear bar that's for sure. 

[Topcat]

Molasses works good. I tried it before. About 1 part Molasses to 3 parts water. Takes longer but does the same as evaporust. Alot cheaper. Rear sway bar...eh, that would be tricky to soak.

[Chryco Psycho]

glass bead would harden the bar without nicking the surface , I just wire wheeled mine on a bench grinder & hit ti with Eastwood Rust encapsulator

[Skunkworks Challenger]

Sandblasting will definitely "case harden" metal objects.  I had my blast cabinet loaded with glass beads and turned the pressure down.  I really doubt that either sand or bead blasting would harden the surface anymore than it already is----but why chance it! PK

[PlumCraZRT]

Sandblasting will definitely "case harden" metal objects.  I had my blast cabinet loaded with glass beads and turned the pressure down.  I really doubt that either sand or bead blasting would harden the surface anymore than it already is----but why chance it! PK

You mean "work harden", not case harden.  Peening will work harden a surface to improve its resistance to fatigue (by creating local compression in the material)... not sure sand blasting will do a whole lot.

EDIT:  Meant to say that I'm not sure sand blasting will do much to the existing steel (it should have no problem removing the rust).

[brads70]

I just wire wheeled mine on a bench grinder & hit ti with Eastwood Rust encapsulator

   I did the same, except I got a wire wheel for my disc grinder. Works really well, did lots of parts with it. K-frame, LCA's , rear end housing etc......