Click for hi-res image
Sand blasting is process where a certain media is blasted onto metal parts, which in this case can be just a sheet metal, a door, or even an entire car. The outer layer of paint, primer and body cement is removed as a result of the specified media cutting its way through, revealing the bare metal on the inside.
Generally, most body parts on classic cars are made of steel; which is an alloy of iron (some classics are made of aluminum; which corrodes very slowly) and most of us classic car enthusiasts out there would agree that restoring a classic with a bad body condition isn’t the best of ideas.
Who you gonna call… rust busters!
You have to spend more money if your potential restoration project is mostly coated with rust, and to make it worse, if these rusty areas are not treated properly, they will come back and haunt you in a matter of months, mostly in a form of “bubbles” on your brand new paintwork.
Now with the help of two local entrepreneurs Ramesh Subrayan and Paramjit Singh, you can kiss removing paint, primer and cement by hand scrapper good bye as these two have paired up and established one of Malaysia’s first complete sand blasting facilities for classic cars. Yes, I am talking about sand blasting an entire car, just like what you see on shows such as Overhaulin’ or American Hot Rod.
Before and after – Click for hi-res image
According to Ramesh, Garnet is used as the sand blasting media and after the sand blasting is performed, you can see a smooth bare metal finish and visible holes as result of previous rust or oxidation. Here is a brief breakdown of the entire process:
- Bare car shell arrives (completely de-constructed)
- Car is mounted on the “Rotisserie”. (Some welded, some screwed)
- Blasting begins using Garnet (different & mixed sizes) for external body, underneath floor board etc. Garnet is used as it permits the body shell to have a minimum 5 days period before oxidation occurs even without any treatment (Rust Inhibitor, Epoxy Primer etc)
- Blasting performed according to SA 2.5 Charts (where it leaves behind 5% of existing sheet condition as it is preferred by most rust inhibitor products). Blasting equipment & Compressor used are of high end “all in one” (Built-in dryer, regulator, remote control system etc)
- Special equipment are used to measure metal profile
- Client’s inspection
Harvey Dent car, one half blasted – Click for hi-res image
Before the car or specific body parts are sent for welding, it will be treated with a layer of Epoxy Primer that would protect the bare metal from potential rust.
Sand blasting your rusty classic is so far the best thing to do if you are looking to a have body condition which is almost as good as new. The paintwork finish of a sand blasted shell is likely to stand out even more, outlining the beautiful lines of your evergreen and unique classic.
It is definitely worth thinking about even for low budget restoration projects as the cost of sand blasting an entire body shell is about RM3,500.00.
For more information, please feel free to contact Ramesh from CADBiz Sdn. Bhd. (based in Subang Industrial Park, Selangor) at 016-3663160.
Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.
thanks bro….ill consider to blast my classic eg6
unfortunately my grandfather’s old rusty MG has been sold….
Soda blasting is a better alternative as they are cheaper, and washable, and the water soluble quality is environment friendly too. Even aircraft industries are switching to Soda blasting before repainting jobs.
Grit blasting is can be leave residue at cracks, and maybe more harmful for a car in restoration. At least this is what I have read over some car resto forums.
For typical Malaysia workshop, paint remover is still widely use. 2 can of paint removers cost RM20, enuf to strip 1 car door. The rest, just do the maths.
RM3500 cold be a bit expansive for average motor enthusiasts for resto work, unless money is no object.
I ve heard about Soda blasting? Do you where can I send my classic volvo 122 for the blasting technique,
Hai,
Can you please tell me where I can do soda blasting in malaysia. Please sms to me or what’s app.My number is 0195774255. Thanks alot.
Anyway, sandblasting is common at my workplace, oil & gas plant which uses the same sandblasting technique to blast pipeline for new paintjob
Would be one of their customers if I got a Mini resto project.
Paul,
the first picture i saw I thought it was some promotion of some movie abt cars and chicks…..
Then I realised it was about sandblasting. hahahahah
wow, then we’ll have loads of beattle and mini on the road with new skin^^..
Kinda looking forward on this..
Provided it’s not exp?
Was thinking my 12 yo Satria..lol
Interesting!! Now i can sand blasting my car n finally we can use rebuild Ol’Skool car….
Soda blasting is a better alternative as they are cheaper, and washable,
and the water soluble quality is environment friendly too. Even aircraft
industries are switching to Soda blasting before repainting jobs.
Grit blasting is can be leave residue at cracks, and maybe more harmful
for a car in restoration. At least this is what I have read over some car resto forums.
For typical Malaysia workshop, paint remover is still widely use.
2 can of paint removers cost RM20, enuf to strip 1 car door.
The rest, just do the maths.
RM3500 cold be a bit expansive for average motor enthusiasts for resto work,
unless money is no object.
Dear Readers,
Thank you for the comments, good or bad as I believe only through forums, discussion etc one could improve.
FYI I even offer cash rewards to participant during my advance softwares
training simply to get people to participate and every positive comments makes me better myself.
Let me share some of my experience which goes back about a year.
After watching shows like Overhaulin, American Hotrods etc and being a tecnically incline person I decided there’s no better way to do a resto besides sandblasting.
After visiting some paints shops, some of it run shoddly but has rows of Rolls, Jag, Porsh etc.
some have grown to become very big (call for info).
I was mention that sand blasting is not good cos paint does not adhere etc besides starting at RM6,500 to 10K.
My car is my car and I want the best for it even though it’s not a Rolls etc, but still no one could recommend me a sand blasting people back then.
Having no choice I went to my first painter, who asked RM4.5K for the overall and RM800 for deposit. It was 4 months later and the car was not been fully scraped. Then I went another guy whom mention very techincal tools he used to grind etc. Please do pay me a visit for me to show explain to you guys
why I asked him to stop working after he has done his de-rustig and first stage of cementing.
Sand blasting was first introduced by an inventor whom was sitting outside his varendah, when sudden gush of wind+sand+snow flew pass him and hit againts his house window panel that left a streak of etch. Ever since that it has evolve into Soda, Ice, Sponge etc Blasting.
On soda Blasting being cheaper, My initial survey indicates for a decent unit (45min continuous blasting capacity minimum) cost 4 times more than the conventional blasting pot. An increment in overall investmant would then make me charge more. Any businessman would want ROI ASAP, not in 2 to 3 years.
Enviromental friendly?, when paint is considered as a schedue waste under DOE how is the mixture of disintergrated Soda and paint waste in sludge form going to save the enviroment. If one decides to have the reclaiming and recycling unit believe me no one would accept the cost
During blasting the air is a mixture of soda and paint dust. How is this safe to the enviroment.
You save the enviroment by having 2 stage filteration of directional fiter, Bag Filter and a agreement with waste disposal people (1 ton RM2.7K).
Aircraft industri also uses plastic media with conventional Balsting to do blasting, ask AIROD in subang. It should be peanuts for them to do Soda Blasting. The People there should be intelligent enough I think if not we would have aeroplanes dropping from skys.
Maybe I would not be able to remove 100% grit, but with the long nozzle and 1 hour of compressed air blowing min I should be able to remove more the 98% of grits if not 100%. This client would be able to inspect upon collection.
As for Soda the first stage would be similar to above (blowing) then I asked you what are the chances of Soda + Paint Dust + Rust Dust being trapped in labour intensive area to still remain. And would you want to convert it into sludge if you decide to wash down and later worry the sluge in microns to haunt you where it matter most.
Residue in Cracks? (will be welded if there’s a crack) – No
Residue in tight places – Yes,
Residue of grit – Yes,
Residue of sludge – Yes
Before you do the maths on paint remover please again do view my demo car which is only half blasted and half as how it’s done after spending RM4.3K. Obviously I was taken for a ride and there are many more people who wil experience the same.
Before you do your maths think of how you are going to tackle the labour intensive areas and how long it will take.
Before you do your maths is all the painter outside there thinking of saving your cost or his.
Before you do your maths……
Finally to share an experience with you I have decide to not restore my Fiat 124 1800 Sports Coupe cos it has major structural damages besides the need to have a demo unit. Since going bare metal is fundamental only sand
blasting could reveal the true condition of the car before embarking on other part of the resto that could be more than 80% of the expenditure
I cant imagine driving my car with a the absorber structural support rotting away and the car swaying if not having it done properly by a panel beater. This was never reveal by both earlier painter.
I hope I have not bored you and please do educate me if you have any comments. Since I’m doing this business specifically for cars I think by simply promoting another method is not the way but the approach towards sand blasting is what that counts.
As for the cost try calculating the electricity used for high CFM Compressor, High Static Ventilation System, in 4 person to mount and dismount car on jig, Media Cost, Rust Inhibitor Apllication to avoid flash rust until reaching
painter place or more time, Skill Labour, Intergrated High End Compressor, Basting Pot, Respirator Maintenance cost…..
I believe the cost would increase soon so I suggest those whom are interested in serious resto to grab the opportunity asap.
Best & warm Regards
Ramesh
how many days needed by you for entire sedan sand blast?
can you recommend painter after that?
my chassis is havoc, need to be straigthen, should it be done before or after?
Hi Ramesh, i have an old moris minor which is sitting in my garage for some years. Do you do complete restoration including mechanical and body,or just sand blasting.if just the latter ,can you estimate the cost of sand blasting the moris minor n kindly recommend someone for the restoration. Thanks
Sorry for the late reply. Only automotive blastig. Blasted a morris minor before and charged RM3,500. Have someone who is quite meticoulous and charge accordingly
Sorry for the delay in reply. It takes about 7 to 10 days to blast common sedans. Major body works should be done prior to blasting is adviseable.
How about using Copper Grit Ramesh? Its a byproduct from a Copper Smelter plant. We still use it to strip down the paint on a ship. I know Garnet provides a much finer finish, would Copper Grit be too hard?
Dear Bob,
Sorry for the delay in replying. I have never tried using Copper Grit before but
If I’m not wrong copper is used in shipping industry in order to Peen the Cooper with Metal (provide some level of protection against corrosion resistant before coating) besides it having more solid properties.
On the grit being too hard this can be solved by regulating the pressure but why take risk using grits which has more unsuitable properties. I would prefer
to use walnut or Plastic Media but .
I have tried some other grits which is actually cheaper than garnet, but simply choose garnet cos the easiness in acheiveing the right profile for first coating.
If this is true then we use Rust Inhibitor to to do the same against flash rust.
What worries me is the heat generated when propelled against sheet metal.
Garnet desintragates (proper size selected) upon impact which inreturn causes warping etc.
Bob please do inform more info about copper grit which I would very much llike to know
Thank you
Regards
Ramesh
Nice example of a proper use of the powerful sandblasting technique. I consider myself a sandblasting expert and I really enjoyed your article.
Thanks.
Hi, You are correct Mr.Ramesh, every classic cars should be sandblasted due to rust which is awaiting to pop-up on unseen part of the body which normallly left unseen even after a bare metal scrapping(normally done on outer body only not chassis, floor board, suspension mounting area nor firewall). I won't tell the painters to be cheathers but having limited knowledge on vehicle body preparations. For a loooong time barebody scrapping is the only option…..
So I would definately recommend for anyone who is thinking of a restoration, understand your sandblasting cost is abit too high maybe you can explaine what you can provide for RM3500.
Regards,
I like sanblasting or soda blast in the sense that they can deliver speed and efficiency. Using paint stripper is the other option. Currently in our garage we used hot air blower and scrapper. This method can pratically avoid mess and easy control. In the future we'll be using sand balasthing though!
Mus/Maya,
Thank you for participating in this forum. I honestly appreciate your comments and feedback.
I have tried all of the traditional method and believe me nothing works. Even when you sandblast/soda/softjet/ice… it's not 100% rust free but never the less nothing is second to it. Please pay me a visit and view my demo car and you will agree with me a restoration project should never undergo the traditional method way I bet. What the point of restoring when six months down the line rust pops out. I was recently at an Antique Car show in Titiwangsa distributing leaflets and was approach by an exhibitor to have a look at his almost 100% MG except for the rust popping on the roof and door. These are the least labour intensive area and it screw up. Imagine the labour intensive area. It took me almost a year before I setup this business simply because I wanted to avoid business competition at initial stage. My setup is in-door and all blasting is done in a custom blast chamber so the mess issue is actually controlled. Lately it I realize there are competition but I must highlight my process, material etc are different. Firstly I do indoor not open blasting. I used fine grade of Garnet that is almost impossible to recycle after first blasting due to it being disintegrated. I choose it because it gives the ideal profile for most primer application. I have a Rotisserie, I use rust inhibitor though many would debate but logically it's better to surface prep before using a primer over blasted profile. When a body is blasted according to Swedish Standards (SA2.5) it leaves 5% of existing metal condition that is actually invisible to naked eye. This 5% could be rust, primers etc. Rust Inhibitor cost more than primer. My process again is based on the forums I have read, CD purchased and its very industry specific. I'm charging premium but I also provide premium service up to my level best and allow client to dictate if I can’t explain otherwise.
Thank you guys
Regards
Ramesh
Dear friends,
Have you ever heard of sand blasting steel structural components of buildings, using dry sea sand. Can it be allowed or is it commonly practiced. My view is that sea sand should never be used for sand blasting of steel surfaces, as it will concentrate the blast surface with chloride ions which shall promote corrosion heavily. Your comments are highly appreciated.
Regards,
A.De Vas Gunawardena
Sea Sand (Seaved Sand) when used for Blasting would have normally gone through the process of washing down of the salt content to a so call allowable level. For me I have always used River Garnet (>10 x cost of Sand) and I do not have any complains of oxidations if kept indoor. Having said that there was once I was supplied with Sea Garnet accidently and the results was a nightmare. Oxidation with hours. I agree with you if sea sand is used it could will sort of embed a layer of chloride ions but my experience with some oil and gas companies this can be solve with the application of chemical/coating etc. Anyway most engineering requirement these days are River Garnet instead of Sea Sand for Blasting Purpose. Long Story short never used any Sea Based Products though I have been inform it's ok etc.
Ramesh,
I have a used 150psi clemco sandblastin machine for sale. With its oxygen tank complete with all hoses, nozzle and 'spaceman suit' for sale.
Was running on 25hp compressors, walnut shells and alu oxide.
Kindly email me if you are interested.
Sorry I must decline. I think what you have is a Blasting Pot and a Respirator Unit. By the way are you the guys from Sunway?.
any sandblaster available at Kota Kinabalu?
Sorry Solomon, we don't have, but what you can do is approach local co. doing it for heavy industry/shipping etc which I'm sure is available in Kota. I know one of my competitor are from this industry. Call me if you manage to get someone and would advice you further if required especially with regards to media selection etc.
Thank you for the inquiry.
bro,do you have any idea of sand blasting centre in the northern region namely penang . TQ.
Firstly at CADBiz, we are all for the classic automotive industry. There have been many similar inquiries either from the north or south and my answer would still be the same, I guess no. Till today the other people I'm aware of doing this are in Klang and Sunway (Central). My only advice is pay us a visit and do a comparision before embarking on any restoration project. Don't be penny wise pounds foolish. Look at it as an investment. By the way which part of Penang are you from?. Are you inquiring as a classic car lover or workshop?
Thanks anyway.
sir..can u tell me how much around the price for blasting my old scooter body parts lambretta..thanks
Kuchai, I think it would cost around 700 to 900. Though it seems not much to be blasted, the basic cost for initiating a blasting process itself is high for us and it's directly tranfered to the clients.
Also since it's done at SA 2.5 (95%) standards the remaining 5% (Invisible) metal condition will be treated with USA product rust Killer/Converter/Inhibitor (all in one).
how much will a valiant charger cost to sand blasted and patched
It would cost RM4000 inclusive of Rust Treatment. Normally would suggest clients to get themselfs preferred Primer and pay neighbouring paint shops labour charge to have the bare body coated after my processs. The Rust Treatment is meant to give indoor protection only. As for the Pathching (body works I assume), If interested will recommend someone else to get it done. Don't do it. Nice Car – Thank you.
interesting..
how much will it cost to sand blast a honda crx.
chassis only without other bodyparts (doors,hoods,fenders,etc..)
thanx
Interesting.. – It works actually and would cost you about RM2,300. This is only for the outer surface cos that is what I would recommend. On the interior it would be something like a fly by blast. Thank you
hi ramesh,
how much would it cost to sandblast a classic mini, as the car is small compared to other cars… ;)
The size of the cars do effect the charges actually. But I need to view the car before giving any discount as it could have many layers of cement & paint.
Hey guys,
If anybody wants to restore classics, olskool or any other cars you can contact me at 0102187238 / 0176551634. We do restore all of them back to great condition. We’re in USJ 1 area.
Hi Ramesh.
how much do you think it would cost if I want to sandblast my motorcycle rims, it’s a forged aluminium wheel front and rear(17 inch diameter). since it is aluminium I guess it doesn’t need rust inhibitor.
Hi Redzuan,
For us to initiate a blasting seesion would be minimum RM400. Even though the rim seems has little surface but it’s the process of paying 2 guys, Utiities, operations, ROI etc..
Our operation is by appointment only. When we are not blasting my workers are busy doing other works and in fact the front of the shop is always closed except for receiving purpose. It’s been like that since 2008.
I’, sorry I can’t extend any better pricing but just doing it for automotive industry is
Thank you for your inquiries
Ramesh
Hi everyone,
So sorry for not replying you guys as I was very busy restructuring my Blasting Business. I have a new Business Partner who is incharge of Sales and Marketing now and he can be contacted at 018-2339314 (Wong) for any enquiries.
Thank You
Hi Redzuan,
Currently we can Blast your Bike Rims for RM150.00 as we have invested into a new Low Pressure Machine with a Blasting Cabinet.
If you are still interested, please call me at 018.233.9314 (Wong)
Thank You,
Wong
Ramesh,
I have recently purchased an old MGB and will be restoring it. How much would it cost and what does would the cost include. You may email me.
Thanks,
MW
Hi MW,
Sorry for the extreamely late reply.
My name is Wong and I’ve taken over the Sales and would be looking into this business now…
As for your MGB, it would cost you RM3,500.00 for the whole car which includes a layer of rust converter solution after it is blasted.
For any enquiries please call me at,
018.233.9314
(Wong)
Hello Ramesh..
How much do you charge for a 75 Alfa Romeo GTV 2000 for sandblasting?..
Are u available on Sunday and do you have any contact about CLASSIC engine and performance work?..
Thanx
Hi Ammirul,
Sorry for the extreamely late reply.
My name is Wong and I’ve taken over the Sales and would be looking into this business now…
As for your Alfa Romeo, it would cost you RM4,000.00 for the whole car which includes a layer of rust converter solution after it is blasted and Yes, I do have the contact for any sort of engine works or parts you may need to fix or replace.
For any enquiries please call me at,
018.233.9314
(Wong)
Hi Ramesh
How much do you charge sandblasting a 1970 VW Beetle?
BTW, do you do Zinc Spray too?
Thank you
Hi Mal,
Sorry for the extreamely late reply.
My name is Wong and I’ve taken over the Sales and would be looking into this business now…
As for your VW, it would cost you RM3,500.00 for the whole car which includes a layer of rust converter solution after it is blasted and no, we do not do zinc spray.
For any enquiries please call me at,
018.233.9314
(Wong)
Hi Ramesh
How much do you charge for sandblasting a VW Beetle 1970? BTW, do you do Zinc Spray too?
Thank you
hi Ramesh. do u have any branch or any contact for car sandblasting in Johor or nearer?
Thank You.
Hi Markis,
so sorry for the late reply,
My name is Wong and Ive just taken over the Sales for this particular Business.
Im sorry but I dont have any contact in Johor. Maybe you could arrange for the car to be sent here.
I have cars coming from all over Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand.
Please call me for more information,
Thank you,
Wong
(018.233.9314)
Hi everybody. My new contact no is 010-2263160 – Ramesh
hi wong.. how much for 240z complete body blasting? tq
how much costing for datsun 240z complete blasting?
hi there.. can u quote me costing sand blasting for datsun 240z
hi wong and ramesh..
cn i noe how much is it 2 sand blast my toyota celica ta22.. its the 1st generation of celica..
thxx cheerss
hi wong n ramesh..can give me ur shop address…
Hi Ramesh…I got and e28…how must does it cost for sand blasting + painting??
thanks…
Hi Ramesh and Wong?
Would like to find out.. how much would it cost to sandblast an Austin 7 and how many days would u need?
thanx..
Bro. I ve a volvo 122 amazon old school belonging to my late dad. I Luv the car so muc h but need major repairs. My first task is to get it sandblasted in and out. I would to send you some of the photos for your assesement. Do you accept credit card payment. Feel free to call me 0196600954 (aizzuddin)
hmm.. soda blasting sound interesting but where the place that provide soda blasting??
btw.. can i have a add for ur shop coz planning to send my car for sandblasting.
im thinking of sanblasting my Ford TX3 hatchback please email me info on time to complete, cost, and any suggestions. thanks.
HI WONG i have and mercedes 1985 se280. how much its coz… tq
I have a 1990 Range Rover with an aluminum body…can this be done? I’m also looking for a body shop that can work on minor dents in the aluminum! Any recommendations??
I have been looking around for sand blasting service to remove old paint from my moris minor. Can you recommend someone . Urgent.
Regards
Solomonn
Is there anything you can do if I don’t want the whole car sandblasted. I just want the outer layer done so the paint looks nice and I don’t want to have to dismantle the entire car. Is this possible? Also, What about the panels warping from blasting heat?
I am a classic car collector and restoring quite some car myself, one problem I faced was a lot of paint shop refused to take up paint job for old car as it takes too long to strip a car, therefore I am invested a blasting equipment myself recently which is specially for automotive industry with new method of blasting for cars. It uses recycled bottle glass with water which won’t cause warping as warping occurs when the metal heats up due to friction from dry abrasive, this method will not cause warping, because friction and heat are reduced by the water. Is a better method and abrasive than sand blasting.
I am familiar with the glass/water blasting. Are you offering this service?
Hai there.
I have a Triumph TR2 basket case with rust
Thinking off sandblast whole car and treatment.
Any suggestion pls.
Hi Ramesh and Wong.. Could you please provide me your latest phone number as I am having trouble contacting you..
Thank you..
Hye,I’m looking for workshop that can do sand blast to my car. Because i want to repain my car. My old car color got problem with pain because the old wokshop car pain make a mistake during their spray my car. Can u please provide me the detail. I drop my phone number so that we can contatc for further detail on it 014-7060200 thanks
Hi sir wat would be cost to repair body n do anti rust for a bmw e30 sedan…
Are they still in operation?
Assalamu Alaikum sir I am working in Saudi Arabia for last five years I am engaged as a sun blaster. I am a qualified sun blaster and after some time my contract will end in saudi arabia what will work in your company i want to go to sun blaster please let me know thank you sir