So, I am in the process of shaving/tucking my bay. I will be soon removing the studs from the fire wall and welding all bolt holes closed, then grinding them smooth. Then I will be sandblasting everything forward of the windshield and doors before any filler.. and I have a few questions.

Does anyone have any suggestions for a media?

Should I remove the wheel well under coating and seam sealer in the bay?
If so how? wire wheel? heat and scrape?

How can I protect the windshield and plug the holes in the firewall while blasting?

Heres some pics of where im at.







thanks in advance..

-kidfrost

 

find small cork plugs to put in all the holes int he firewall, make sure you have any palstics masked off and anyuwhere you dont want sand/glass/media to be maske doff very well. Make sure when you get done to blow the whoe lthign out really really well with compressed air that comes froma line with a drier on it, this way it will blow the dust off rather than make it into a sticky mess.

 

as for media i like walnut or soda.


as for seam sealer, FLAT wire wheel on a small electric grinder. make sure your rpm's match tool to wheel. you dont want a grinder that does 20,000 rpm and a wheel on good for 10,000 rpm's. MAKE sure to wear safety glasses. i have been stabbed bad enough by those to warrant an ER. trip to remove from lip, belly so on.

 

Duck tape, plugs, tape really well... Anything will work.... Heat, wire wheel, roll lock, anything will really work to remove the seam sealer. I wouldnt really mess with the seam sealer unless you plan to weld and grind down the welds to seal them. You can use sand to blast it but make sure you use very good ventilation and and a very good resportator.

 

X2

 

To add to that, a full face shield is the appropriate PPE for the wire wheel and grinder. Those little bastards will find their way behind glasses.

Soda would probably be the best to avoid compromising the zinc layer.

 

also welding blanket work great on windshield. I just got done sandblasting my car and wire tuck too. fun stuff.