Which way?

[Swairlines]

I have a 68 Camaro project sitting in my garage. I have a crappy Sears air compressor that I've owned for about 4 years now. The compressor has the following specs:

1.6hp
25 gallons
7.4 scfm @ 40 psi
5.8 scfm @ 90 psi
150 psi max compressor psi

The car needs to be blasted. I think I prefer to use XL soda to strip the ENTIRE car from top to bottom, front to rear (even the stock undercoating; all 43 years of gunk too). Obviously my compressor doesnt have the power to handle the blasting job.

SO, should I try to find a local Tampa, FL shop to soda blast the car OR should I buy a new compressor (at least $600) and a soda blaster (approx $280) and do it myself and deal with the mess and purchasing ALL the media (however much XL soda will take I dont know).

Any ideas as to "which way" will be most cost effective (ie CHEAP)?

Thanks.



Jeff B.
Wesley Chapel, FL

[67 ls1 vert]

I think I would just let someone else do the messy part. Buy your self a little blaster for the small parts clean up.

[Hondo78]

I have tried this with a 5 HP compressor and a 100 gallon tank. Just my suggestion, take it and have it done or rent a mighty big (30HP) sandblasting compressor set up and buy the walnut shell, or media, it will cost far less to drop it off. My compressor did not even come close to the speed of paint stripper or just running a DA sander.

[Paint God]

I agree with Hondo78, it takes a HUGE amount of air (at least 20hp compressor) to do a good job, not to mention the mess. Take it to someone or chemical strip it. I had a post on here a while back on chemical stripping.