I am preparing for the big one. Frame off restoration of a # matching 1971 LT1. This will be my first frame off so I don't want leave any thing to chance.

I have been doing contemplating sand blasting vs. acid dipping the frame. Based on the effectiveness of dipping I think that is my best option. Does any one have any perspective on this process, Pros vs. Cons? Also, does any one know who dipps frames in the CT/NY area? I want to have very thing lined up before I pull her down.

Thanks for everyones help!

 

I think acid dipping is best because you can get inside the frame and get in all the little nooks and crannies. Sand blasting gets what you can see and misses some. I think it comes down to preference and price. These old frames have held up pretty good so far so its up to you on what you want to spend.

Im by far an expert and have never had either one done on any of my cars, just rambling from memory. There are a lot of talented people here who will chime in and give you the best advice.

 

I have been thinking about this and definitely want to dip the frame. I'm wondering, what methods are available to paint the chassis in a dip-fashion. Or anything that will get everywhere in and out?

-Chris

 

Not real familiar with acid dipping but I would guess one big con would be cost. That and finding a place with a tank big enough to dip an entire frame. Maybe a shop that does hot dip galvanizing would have one big enough...

Seems like it would work well though.

 

I would have it acid dipped and then EDM? coated.The whole process wont be cheap but if you want it done right youve got to spend the money.Ive got a Nova project and the body and all body panels will be stripped and EDM coated when the time comes.

 

The frame on my car was acid dipped and repainted with chassis paint by the previous owner. The rest of the car was in about a million pieces, but the frame sure looked good! And it has held up nicely for the past 8 or so years since I have been rebuilding it.
Bryan

 

anyone know of a place in or around new orleans that does acid dipping?

 

Check for Steel Fab and Galvanizing, there is one in miami that has done some big pieces for me, but I can't remember the name. I'll run them down tomorrow

 

The previous owner told me he used a place in Mississippi. I'll try to contact him to get the name of the place.
Bryan

 

I used Redi-Strip for the first time when I restored my last 1970 LT-1. I'll give you my thoughts on the process.

The good:

As you mentioned, the chemical dipping process does a great job of getting the internal areas of the frame that are not easily reached (or impossible to reach) by sand blasting. Since most rust issues begin on the inside of the frame, the dipping process effectively deals with this problem.

It leaves a light rust preventative coating on the frame that will give some protection until the frame is ready for paint. This is not a rustproofing process... If the frame sees a lot of moisture or humidity it will begin to rust. It buys you a week or two between dipping and painting which should be plenty of time to get the frame prepped and in primer.

The bad:

While chemical dipping addresses rust on the frame itself, it does not eliminate the larger pieces of "junk" floating around inside the frame. Once these rust remnants settle on the bottom of the frame, they trap and collect moisture, and begin the rust process all over again. While sand blasting doesn't solve this problem either, it is worth mentioning because it will eventually undo all the work you're putting into the frame now.

Chemical dipping does not aggressively attack the frame which is a good thing in general, but it has a tendancy to hide thin areas of the frame that sand blasting would knock through. If the frame is thin enough to be perforated by sand blasting, you need to know this to effectively repair the damage. This was one area that I found chemical stripping potentially dangerous.

While the dipping process leaves a somewhat rust preventative coating on the frame, it is not the best surface preparation for filler, primer, or paint. I have seen paint lift on frames that have been dipped with no further prep work.

It's expensive. The chemical dipping process is about four or five times as expensive as sand blasting.

Chemical dipping locations are not that common that you'll find one in every town. I had to have my frame flat bed trailerd to Redi-Strip's nearest location to me... Around 125 miles away. The cost adds up.

The bottom line:

If you have access to a chemical dipping location and you don't mind the additional cost, have it dipped... Then have it sand blasted. My personal opinion is that you are better off doing both as the chemical dipping alone has some shortcomings.

If the cost or location of the dipping is an issue, then sand blasting is the answer.

If (and when) you do sand blast the frame, use only sufficient pressure to knock the rust off the frame. Too much pressure or a very aggressive blast media will pit the frame as badly as the rust itself.

Good luck with your LT-1 restoration!

Regards,

 

Thanks, As soon as I am finished rebuilding my home from Hurricane Katrina, i will be starting the vette, which took on about 30" of water for 1-2 days. Funny thing is we had a shop for snad blasting before the storm which was blown away. In my case, the water was salt water for which I want to make sure to get inside of the frame.

 

Regarding CT ... I know there is a place in Worcester MA.

 

So, how expensive is "expensive"??? I've been toying with the idea of a frame-off, but have no idea what costs are typically involved for blasting or dipping a frame.

 

Tim,

Redi-Strip charged $450.00 to do my frame in 2002.

Regards,

Stan Falenski

 

Thanks. Any idea what the name is? I have a flat bed so getting it there is no issue.

 

I think I found the place in Wocester, MA. Metal Strip of New England. Let me know if that sounds right. Again thanks to all for the great info. on framing dipping. Looks like things are coming together.