Sand blast or media blast with plastic media?

[photogman]

After I start taking my 81a apart to clean and repair the areas needed, specifically, after taking the tub out and checking beltway and other areas for rust, does it make any difference whether I sand blast or media blast?  The reason I ask, I know a media blaster that has done some work for me and he also does body work on cars removing rust down to metal and does a good job.  So, just wondering....

[BrianS]

There are several discussions on this topic.  Sand blasting can be too agressive and can warp the thin metal walls of the machine.  I had mine soda blasted and was very pleased with the results.  I think some have used glass/plastic beads as well.   Talk with the blaster befroe hand and make sure he is aware of your concern.

[SIGNGUY]

Blasting is blasting,, when you refer to media blast.. "Media" is not a product, rather the term describing what they are blasting with.

Types of Media are sand, plastic, glass bead, soda, walnut shells, etc...

Talk to your blaster about what "Media" will do the least amount of damage..

My guy uses Glass bead for most of his blasting and adjusts the pressure/flow for heavy/light metal areas as to not warp..   He also does the body work , so he knows there is more work if he warps it .. so he's careful.

[Yarochrehc]

Signguy is right, but I have found that soda is probably the least destructive and does a good job.