Guest James Conkwright Posted October 5, 2003 Share Posted October 5, 2003 Since I finished restoring my Buick last year my latest project is a 1958 Cadillac Series 62 Conv. Im trying to decide the best way to get the frame restored. Should I remove the body and restore the chassis and body seperate? Or should I leave the body on, have the frame media blasted and go from there? As far as the body, some people say I should have it media blasted, others say its a risk I shouldnt take. The car is in fair condition, no visible rust but has had body work in the past to rear quaters and sections behind doors. Thanks for the help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DizzyDale Posted October 5, 2003 Share Posted October 5, 2003 Dear Jim,I believe you can do a more thorough job with the body removed.That being said you MUST brace,brace and brace the door openings to maintain the integrity of the body it being a convertible.Did i mention BRACING,when you think you have enough,ADD some more,will save you much GRIEF when you hang the doors.As for blasting,i would chemically remove the paint and blast any rust,i do not think there is a better way to REMOVE rust,hold the nozzle at a shallow angle to the panel and turn down the air pressure to 25 pounds.Do not forget it is supposed to be FUN.diz <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John N. Packard Posted October 5, 2003 Share Posted October 5, 2003 James, I agree with Dizzy Dale. I restored my '40 coupe by removing the body and putting the chassis on a rotisserie (Roto-Body). Once you get it properly balanced it really facilitates access to every nook and corner of the frame. I sand blasted the frame and then used a rust preventive primer to seal it. I also put the body on the rotisserie after completing the chassis. Balance turned out to be even more critical with the body. I sandblasted it and took forever removing all the sand! The underside of the body was really easy to do when rotated 90 degrees. On the other hand I am currently doing my '54 sedan an area at a time without removing the body from the chassis. It is taking much longer, is not as effective for removing rust, and is much more difficult reaching every nook and cranny. On your convertible body I would concur that bracing is very important. Keep us posted as to your choice and progress. Hope it goes well for you!jnp Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest James Conkwright Posted October 5, 2003 Share Posted October 5, 2003 Thanks for the help so far. Im a little scared about using the chemical dip. It seems like some could get stuck in places and eventually come up through the paint. I think Im going to go ahead and remove the body but there is nonone around here to media blast it. I know of a place about two hours away that could do it. Maybe I should have the body blasted before removing it then do the frame. To many ideas!Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1937hd45 Posted October 5, 2003 Share Posted October 5, 2003 I know I'm lucky to have American Dry Stripping a half hour away in Bridgeport, Ct., this is not an add just a helpful tip from a vey happy customer. They have lost count of the National First prize winners that have gone through their shop. I'd give them a call and ask for advice. By the way, BRACE the door openings! WELD the braces in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R W Burgess Posted October 5, 2003 Share Posted October 5, 2003 Almost time to go guys, but I just had to respond. I had my '35 Ford sandblasted some time ago(5-6 years). I just primed it and drove it, and drove it. One hot summer day, my friend John, suggested opening the front window, the antique air conditioning. My family was with me and anticipating the cool air. I cranked that sucker out after getting up to 65mph on the interstate, all hell broke loose. Sand everywhere, a SAND STORM! I couldn't see, the kids couldn't see, and the wife was getting histerical, because she knew we were headed for the ditch. I managed to slow the car down enough to keep it in the road and stop to clean out all our eyes and some of our "drawers." <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />Be very careful for the first year with residue. It can be dangerous. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> Wayne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1937hd45 Posted October 6, 2003 Share Posted October 6, 2003 Wayne, Look at the bright side, you'll never go hungry in that car because of all the sand which is there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ex98thdrill Posted October 6, 2003 Share Posted October 6, 2003 Jim,There is a guy up here in Rochester who had a 57? Nomad dipped, and I can't tell you how many times he's had to have the car repainted. The paint won't stick. What is otherwise a nice presentable car, has been blemished by the fact that the paint keeps falling off. What he did or didn't do after the car was dipped, I couldn't tell you, but I do know what was done to the car and the problems that has happened since it was done. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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