I went to a reputable sand blaster today in Milford, Ct (American Dry Strip) and got a quote on getting my frame and some other pieces done. I was told $350-$400 for the frame, $40 per inner fender, and $25 for the x-member. Based on what I've seen on the V8 forum, this seems high to me. What do you guys think?? I'm also wondering if I shouldn't just wire wheel it instead. It only has surface rust, no big flaking areas. Any comments on this? Looking to get the frame done so I can put that first bolt back in and officially turn the corner. :TU:
Ken, I had a quote a few years back to do a frame and it was 250.00... 40 per inner fender doesn't sound bad and 25 for a crossmember isn't bad either. The guy that quoted me the 250.00 was in South Windsor, Blasting Technologies Inc 350 Chapel Road Suite B South Windsor, CT 06074 860-528-4717 or 860-289-8328 The owners name is Martin.. real nice guy if you want to lug the frame this far. Who knows if that price is still good. Good luck, sounds like you are doing things right! Bob
It seems in line for prices in our part of the country. The "time" you will save makes it worth it to me.
There is a guy in Meriden CT. that does frames for $150. I was just talking to a guy that had a GTO done, not sure exactly where it is. Jeff
Ken,Phil is right media blasting is better for outside bodypanels because it doesn't warp the metal.Sandblasting frame and inner fenders is better because it will total clean the metal of any rust present.Prices in this area for what you are having done would be cheaper than you qouted.I would think you could get all of it done for $300.00 to $400.00
Ken, You could probably do a little better but take into account transport and convenience. Those prices are within reason for our area.
Thanks Guys! :TU: I feel better knowing that the prices are in range for the NE. This outfit uses both sand and plastic media, depending upon if it's body panels or more structural parts like frames. I saw Corvette panels, Mustang panels, what looked to be an A-Body shell in the back of the shop. I also know several people that have used them for their restoration projects, and the quality is reported to be top notch. It was just the pricing I was looking to calibrate. Thanks again.
A friend of mine with a body shop recommended I rent a sandblaster for a day and do my own - he said "get the big one" (gas powered with compressor etc.) I have also wondered about buying my own from Sears? I haven't actually done this yet but I have run a sandblaster when my grandfather was making grave stones. It is easy to do - did my own family's head stone and corner stones. We are planning on doing our own when we pull the body off my son's 72 Skylark.
I would make sure about the sand he uses. Make sure its not beach sand! A good friend of mine did a rotisserie restoration of a 61 Buick. He had the floors sandblasted by a well known establishment. What he didnt know was that the sandblaster used beach sand. 3 months after the car was painted and partially assembled, the black paint on the floorboards started to bubble. Looked like chicken pox! The salt in the sand got impregnated in the metal. The car had to get taken apart and re-blasted.
Wow that sounds high to me.....are there any do it yourself sandblasters around where they supply the equipment but you do the work?? The one here charges $1.00 per minute, did frame and most of the suspension parts,etc in about 2.5 hours (so 150.00).... later Tim
I agree with Tim. That sounds high. Last month I had my frame, 2 springs, crossmember, upper and lower rear control arms and rear backing plates all sandblasted for $150.00. I have used these guys on several projects and they always do a great job.
