Sand blasting with a soda product?

[Lothlorian]

I plan on sand blasting my 1960 Overlander running gear so I can paint POR15. Since I was renting this blaster I was wondering if I could use Soda (sodium Bicarbonate) to blast the belly pan. I was reading the Soda product was made for sheet metal and soft metals. My belly pan needs some serious cleaing, because of heavy oxidation.

Brian

[Aviator]

Brian,

It should work well. One of the great things about using soda vs other grit media is that it doesn't heat up the metal much. Other media can get quite hot.

[perryg114]

POR15 works fine on unpreped rusted metal. If you are going to sand blast you should use conventional painting techniques. By belly pan, you mean the aluminum parts? I have never heard of using soda to sand blast. I am not sure how the remaining soda would effect corrosion. It will attract water and it is a mild base. I have heard of using CO2 pellets to sand blast which leaves no residue. POR 15 is good stuff but it is messy and anything it touches you pretty much have to throw away. Rust particles mixed with POR15 actually make it stronger than just the paint.

Perry

[markdoane]

On the belly pan, it will leave a matt finish, not shiny.
Of course the current belly is both dull and corroded so you won't be any worse off.

[perryg114]

Coat the belly with gray POR15.

Perry

[Lothlorian]

Thanks guys! I think I will try the Soda on the belly pan. What do I have to lose? The belly pan is 50 years of oxidation. I am not at that stage but I am going to try it when I get to the running gear.

I will use another abrasive on the running gear and Soda on the belly pan

Brian

[overlander64]

Greetings Brian!

Originally Posted by Lothlorian

Thanks guys! I think I will try the Soda on the belly pan. What do I have to lose? The belly pan is 50 years of oxidation. I am not at that stage but I am going to try it when I get to the running gear.

I will use another abrasive on the running gear and Soda on the belly pan

Brian

I know of at least two Argosy trailer owners who have used soda blasting to prepare their coaches for new paint. Neither of those owners reported any problems with damage to the aluminum, and in fact the resulting paint jobs turned out beautifully. I can't imagine that soda blasting would prove detrimental to the bellypan. There was a discussion on the Forums several years ago about using soda blasting to remove Plasticoat prior to polishing, but I don't know what the outcome of that discussion was or whether anyone actually tried the process prior to polishing an Airstream.

Good luck with your investigation!

Kevin

[Lothlorian]

Kevin:

The best way for me is to give it a try. It might work out to be good thing other airstreamer's might use in the future. I will be the person who trys it on the belly pan.

I need to pay my contribution fee so I can post more pics.

My son and I are heading to Anna in several days for a short trip. I need to do some work up there.

Brian

[jm2]

Brian,

"Dacks" has some recent hands-on experience with soda blasting, and more, and may be able to help you out with advice or info.

Check out his post here - http://www.airforums.com/forums/f109...tml#post888943

best,

[Jim Foster]

Soda blasting is used extensively for old cars and car parts as it does the job with minimal damage to the object being cleaned.

[Lothlorian]

I noticed the matted finish on the interior when I was checking out Dack's work. For the belly pan that will be fine. I want a shine on my belly pan. I just want the crud off of it. I am liking what I am seeing.

Brian