[DML] Re: Sandblasting DeLorean frame - advice needed.

["brandelorean" <brandelorean@xxxxxxxxx>]

Hey John,

If you look under Vin 3323 Restoration, you'll see my frame that has 
been powder coated a 60 percent black.  

Here's what I did...

1 - Tried using Aircraft Stripper on the epoxy and found out it 
takes forever......but not always (will explain a bit later).

2 - Found out using stripper on epoxy which doesn't get completely 
removed only makes it tougher to sandblast off....since it rehardens 
and makes a rubber type surface.

3 - Apparently DeLoreans are extremely tough to strip, but can be 
done...and now I'm known in Colorado for having the toughest frame 
to strip in the state lol.  As for being out in Ireland I know your 
options are limited but sandblasting the entire outside of the frame 
will not warp the frame in anyway and is preferred when trying to 
powder coat the frame....as the rough surface gives the powder a 
great surface to attach to.  I will get ahold of my stripper to see 
what settings he used to strip my frame.

4 - My Delorean frame took about 2 days worth of sandblasting to 
remove all the epoxy and cost about $200.  Any of the places that 
could not be blasted were then POR-15'd using the semi-gloss color 
to match my frame.  The main places are the holes near the engine, 
the middle inner section where the transmission linkage is, and a 
few spots up on the front crumple tube.  In the holes, I simply 
sprayed the stuff in and then used a flexible sponge brush to coat 
the insides several times to make sure.  The nice thing about 
powdercoating is the heat will crack off any epoxy not really 
sticking to the metal real well.

5 - To save some more cash, I took the trailing arms and fuel tank 
plate and doused them in aircraft stripper.  Let sit in a breezeless 
environment for around 1 to 2 hours and watch for places that bubble 
and peel off the metal.  It may take several applications but the 
majority of it should come right off.  My trailing arm epoxy after 
several hours just pulled right off and whatever corners wouldn't 
come off......were easily focused on by my sandblaster which easily 
removed any excess epoxy.  

6 - If the stripper is going to charge too much for stripping, you 
may want to douse the entire frame in aircraft stripper and then 
cover it (tarp not touching the metal) & seal the frame (tape tarp 
to the floor sealing chemical in) in to enhance the stripper 
effect.  The point in stripper is to make sure it stays 
wet.....otherwise it does nothing.....which is a problem in Dry 
Colorado Weather....so I covered my pieces in tarp and sealed it 
up...returned an hour later and voila.....peeled off huge pieces of 
epoxy revealing bare metal!  It took several tries but make sure to 
not use water on it unless you're done stripping...otherwise the 
following stripper applications probably won't work properly unless 
the area is dry where it is being applied.

Phew, I'll check with my stripper on Monday and see what settings he 
used.  If you need any other info, just send me an email at 
Brandelorean@xxxxxxxxx and I'll see what I can do.

Thanks,

Brandon
Vin 3323   

  

--- In dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, "John Dore" <dmcjohn@xxxx> wrote:
> Hi all,
> 
> As some of you might know, I'm doing a frame restoration on my 
> DeLorean. The project has been very delayed with basically a lack 
of 
> time on my part, but I'm now back working on the project again and 
> hoping to complete as soon as possible. I have to have this car 
back 
> together for Eurofest next year!








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