Body sanding question
Thread Starter
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,175
Likes: 3,986
From: Connecticut, USA
Body sanding question
I believe I read here that it wasn't wise to use a DA sander when sanding the old paint off geting it ready for prime? I have been board sanding with 100 then 150 or 180 to the glass. It works but takes a while. For a test I used a DA with 100 grit on a small section and it seems to work pretty good. It left a much smoother finish then the 180 or even 220 wet I tried. So what's the problem with a DA?
Thanks,
Gary
Thanks,
Gary
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,029
Likes: 94
From: meraux LA
Re: Body sanding question (gtr1999)
gtr1999, one of the problems using a DA on the vettes are all of the curves of the body. I just finished my car today and I blocked the car. When you use a DA it is very easy to sand flat spots on the car and also screw up the edges. My vette had 6 paint jobs that I had to remove before painting. I used a razor blade to strip the car first, then a HAND sanded the rest. It was a LONG process but the out come was well worth it. Good luck
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
From: tyler tx
Re: Body sanding question (NHvette)
the worst thing about using a da is that it sands uneven & like mentioned before will sand you edges flat but if your going to prime & block it will be ok if your careful
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 3,280
Likes: 0
From: Virginia Beach Virginia
Re: Body sanding question (gtr1999)
As already stated, the DA can diminish the curves. Also, the large file board used in a cross-hatching motion ensure flatness and accentuates the creases and transitions between the curves. The more flat your panels, the more mirrorlike your final results. I just completed my paint job and my fenders are so flat from using my large file board, I can read the wattage off my bulbs hanging from the ceiling off the orange paint.
The DA can certainly speed up the process, but stick the file board, you'll be glad you did. Consider the RPM's of the DA and how quickly damage can be done. I advise you to take the time and sand by hand.
Stephen
The DA can certainly speed up the process, but stick the file board, you'll be glad you did. Consider the RPM's of the DA and how quickly damage can be done. I advise you to take the time and sand by hand.
Stephen
Thread Starter
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,175
Likes: 3,986
From: Connecticut, USA
Re: Body sanding question (VolVette)
Thanks guys. I did this as a test but was interested to see if others used a DA. I already stripped the paint off with a heat gun and razor blades. The razor stripped the paint off and then I was able to back over and remove the top coat of primer with the same process. I then sanded to the glass with a 17" board with 100 then 150. I DA'd the right lower fender away from the curves and the finish was pretty good. I realize it will remove a lot of material very quickly and the potential of grinding away too much. I plan on using the boards for the primer blocking.
Thanks again for the input.
Gary
Thanks again for the input.
Gary
Pro
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 660
Likes: 0
From: Pleasant Valley MO
Re: Body sanding question (gtr1999)
I used a hutchin's da on mine. I hand sand all the edges and curves. it looks very good. but I also do this for a livin. I hand blocked when I wetsanded, then polished. looks like glass.
:cheers: Larry
:cheers: Larry
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 43,136
Likes: 155
From: Thomson Georgia
Re: Body sanding question (69vette66)
I used a hutchin's da on mine. I hand sand all the edges and curves. it looks very good. but I also do this for a livin. I hand blocked when I wetsanded, then polished. looks like glass.
:cheers: Larry
:cheers: Larry
[Modified by Alwyn678, 12:08 PM 5/18/2003]
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,721
Likes: 108
From: Canada
Re: Body sanding question (gtr1999)
Come fall I will have a lot of questions, as I am going the media blasting route then doing the bodywork, which I have never done. Hopefully you all will walk me through it, I also want to try my hand at the paint process. So I understand that I will get very good at block sanding and then wet sanding btn guide coats.
