Da Sander Or Block Sand ?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 233
Likes: 0
From: greenville sc
Da Sander Or Block Sand ?
Can someone tell me if it is ok to use a DA sander on our cars? Or is it best to block sand when taking off layers of paint? My wife gave me a gift card to Sears and I've always wanted a DA Sander.
Thanks
Thanks
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
If you use a DA, make sure you're very good with it, don't use aggressive grit paper, and stay away from ridges.
It's BEST to block, but it is possible to use a DA on these cars. It's also possible to create a whole lot of extra body work by using one.
It's BEST to block, but it is possible to use a DA on these cars. It's also possible to create a whole lot of extra body work by using one.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 14,379
Likes: 6,390
From: At my Bar drinking and wrenching in Lafayette Colorado
You can never get a straight body panel using a DA. You can use the DA to strip the paint off and work the repairs. But to get a smooth panel, you have to block the car - you can't finish the car using a DA.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,173
Likes: 5
From: Paducah Ky
The DA can save you a lot of work if you are very carefull or you can make yourself a whole lot more work. I stripped my paint and inteded to block the rest of the way but found that I had lots of layers of primer. I used the DA to get down to the lower layers and then started hand blocking. As said before, stay away from edges.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 493
Likes: 1
From: yarmouth ma
I da'd my car down to the glass. After I prime it I will block it by hand. But I know how to use a da, if you don't have experience, you will get into trouble. I cant imagine trying to block paint and primer down you will be an old man by the time you are done. I da'd my car down in 2 days of time, basically 1 weekend.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 163
Likes: 0
From: Sugarland Texas
Layers
When you say taking off layers of paint (How many?). Are you trying to get to the primer? Or, just trying to create a smooth physical surface for the paint to stick.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 952
Likes: 0
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,389
Likes: 9
From: Seabrook Texas
St. Jude Donor '05
I have been using the razor and DA sander in areas where the razor was not working and it has worked fine as long as you do not stay in one space. Just pay attention and keep moving.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 547
Likes: 13
From: Carlstadt NJ
You can use a 3/16 da with 400 grit to prepare the surface for primer, but then I would use a block and guide coat to flatten the surface. If you are experience you can than use a 3/32 da with 1000 grit if you have a lot of trash in the paint and if not, go to 1500, 2000, and so on.
Tape all the edges with autobody painter tape so you don't burn through. You must make sure to keep the paper on the da clean or you will get pigtails in the paint. That were the experience come in. Pressure on the da, speed, grit of paper will all have an affect on the outcome. Don't use an electric da. I don't know what they orbit at but, they are hard to control compared to the air driven type. Yes it can be done, but, key is to start with a flat surface. You are also going to need an interface pad on the da.
Hope this helps,
Danny
Tape all the edges with autobody painter tape so you don't burn through. You must make sure to keep the paper on the da clean or you will get pigtails in the paint. That were the experience come in. Pressure on the da, speed, grit of paper will all have an affect on the outcome. Don't use an electric da. I don't know what they orbit at but, they are hard to control compared to the air driven type. Yes it can be done, but, key is to start with a flat surface. You are also going to need an interface pad on the da.
Hope this helps,
Danny
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,352
Likes: 1
From: Westminster Maryland
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,572
Likes: 51
From: Wichita Kansas
I have used a DA on vettes and you must be carful and keep it mooving. Do not try to force work an area. When you are done you will have to block/longboard
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Just curious.. has anyone ever stripped the hardware, then taken it to a body shop for body paint strip prime and prep, then masked and painted yourself? If the shop is willing to do it, why not? The painting would be easier than strip/prep portion.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Kind of. There is a lot of prep work to be done between coats of both the paint the clear. Doing it that way won't save you all the work, but it'll lighten if some if you don't mind paying the shop to do some of the work.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
From: Dallas Texas
I found an air line sander worked the best when i stripped the 60 and the 66.
here is the one I use ( http://www.oreillyauto.com/EW3/exter...mageViewer.jsp )
here is the one I use ( http://www.oreillyauto.com/EW3/exter...mageViewer.jsp )
Last edited by 66roadster427; Jan 8, 2008 at 01:49 PM. Reason: post script
