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Methods for stripping an engine bay down

Posted By: GoodysGotaCuda

Methods for stripping an engine bay down - 02/09/15 12:07 AM

I'd like to get my engine bay down to bare metal while things are apart and am trying to find the most effective way, on a budget, to do it. Sending the car out for work isn't a viable option right now.


Options I see are:

Chemical Stripping - Seems like a mess!!!
Angle grinder with a cup brush - It'll work, but slow process
Portable/Small Media blaster - I have a 60gal compressor, seems like an option?


Which have you done and what would you recommend?


Thanks-
Posted By: Cab_Burge

Re: Methods for stripping an engine bay down - 02/09/15 12:24 AM

Go buy a quart of aircraft stripper and follow the directions to the letter That or a batch of the cheap fiber type strippers for your drill or buffer from Harbor Freight or some other cheap tool source like them
Posted By: Rhinodart

Re: Methods for stripping an engine bay down - 02/09/15 12:33 AM

The first time I did one I just used scrapers, is is a mess but so is blasting and it can actually by a BIGGER mess, DAMHIK!
Posted By: 72N96RR

Re: Methods for stripping an engine bay down - 02/09/15 12:49 AM

Chem stripping is am amazing mess and a big chore especially in an engine bay...but its the best at getting to everything...I used a metal etch primer before paint and 8 years later that car still looks mint..
Posted By: Spaceman Spiff

Re: Methods for stripping an engine bay down - 02/09/15 01:10 AM

What about a mobile soda blasting service?
Posted By: ahy

Re: Methods for stripping an engine bay down - 02/09/15 01:34 AM

I used aircraft stripper and a pressure washer. Lay it on heavy, let it work and blast it off. This done before exterior paint work... not recommended if the exterior is already painted as any stripper that "splashes" on good paint may damage it. A couple rounds got most of the paint off. Final touch was a stainless scrub pad + stripper to get the last of the factory primer off. Follow with lacquer thinner, sand and prime.

If the exterior is already painted, I'd probably use the cup wire wheel + sandpaper then prime and paint.

It will be time somewhat consuming and dirty either way you do it.
Posted By: skicker

Re: Methods for stripping an engine bay down - 02/09/15 02:55 AM

I've always used the wire brush-scrape and sand method.
I bought an electric DA thru Dewalt and it makes it so much easier.
No waiting on air and no noisy compressor running nonstop.
Do yourself a favor and be sure to use some seam sealer around all of the areas where the panels are joined together. Use a very small amount and pull it tight like installing caulking. I've seen a few that were wire brushed, primed and painted and then started to show faint rust lines around the edges of the panels. Sucks when that happens since there is no good easy fix...
Posted By: 340duster340

Re: Methods for stripping an engine bay down - 02/09/15 03:09 AM

if you use a scraper, make sure to use something that is non-marring and not-reactive with the chemical.

like a bozo, i took a metal scraper to my inner fender to remove undercoat (after soaked in chem), the coat came off, but i also scratched the crap out of the metal.
Posted By: chrisf

Re: Methods for stripping an engine bay down - 02/09/15 03:24 AM

I normally blast engine bays for around $100-150. you say budget so that may be too much. watch Craigslist for a used pot and find some fine media (50-100 grit) and just go to work. it will be slow and painful but you will come out with a nice finish. if your compressor is under 5cfm it will be super slow.
Posted By: Challenger 1

Re: Methods for stripping an engine bay down - 02/09/15 03:28 AM

Quote:

I'd like to get my engine bay down to bare metal while things are apart and am trying to find the most effective way, on a budget, to do it. Sending the car out for work isn't a viable option right now.


Options I see are:

Chemical Stripping - Seems like a mess!!!
Angle grinder with a cup brush - It'll work, but slow process
Portable/Small Media blaster - I have a 60gal compressor, seems like an option?


Which have you done and what would you recommend?


Thanks-



I would never recommend any kind of abrasive media unless the car was a absolute bare shell. Because the media get's everywhere and nothing can be exposed to it while blasting. Plastic and tape is not enough.

Car inside or out?

Gasoline is cheap and cuts grease and grime fast and well.

Put it in a pump up garden sprayer and a parts cleaning brush from the auto parts store works really well and won't damage the metal. Gets in all the nooks and crannys better than any thing else by hand.
Then if your got room to media blast, then I'd say pressure washer after that. Pressure washer is your friend and is perfectly suited for this kind of job.

Otherwise a wire brush on drill, but is so medieval to me. Like said, A putty knife and a torch would be my last choice and will scrap up the panels.
Posted By: GoodysGotaCuda

Re: Methods for stripping an engine bay down - 02/09/15 04:04 AM

Thank you for all of the replies!

To touch on chemical stripping, the rest of the car is painted. I'd like to keep that paint, at least for now. Splash would definitely be a problem.

The car can be inside or out without much trouble, it's on casters and I have a flat driveway.

The engine bay isn't dirty, but with welding up a bunch of holes and grinding the welds, it seems as if I'd be better off stripping everything and laying down fresh primer.

Seems like wire-wheelin' is still my best bet. I think the one I was using was a little too soft bristled/worn out to be very effective. I'll grab a new one, or three and get after it this weekend.
Posted By: RUNCHARGER

Re: Methods for stripping an engine bay down - 02/09/15 05:06 AM

I don't have luck wire wheeling paint off, it kind of heats the paint up rather than removing it. I think with good paint on the rest of the car I would sand it all off, it's dusty but it won't damage the exterior paint in any way. DA most of it and hand sand where the DA won't go. Before doing anything though liberally wipe it down a couple of times with wax and grease remover, don't be frugal with it.
That's how I did this one. I had the car painted and then drove it 500 miles home, tore out the engine, rebuilt it and painted the engine compartment.

Sheldon

Attached picture 8423663-Runcharger3.jpg
Posted By: Neil

Re: Methods for stripping an engine bay down - 02/09/15 05:19 AM

Big open areas = These in a drill http://img4-3.realsimple.timeinc.net/images/daily-finds/home/0509/df-3M-paint-rust-2_300.jpg
Way better than any wire wheel for paint removal + they leave a great finish to apply primer to. Wear a dust mask or you'll have black boogers for a week.

Tight spots = chase down by hand using 80 grit wrapped around a popsicle handle, wood paint stir sticks ect. NO metal as a backer as it can gouge the sheet metal if it pokes thru the sandpaper

Seams = dental pick(s).

You can get the paint off with surgical precision using the above. Don't drag the drill extension chord over your fenders.
Posted By: NITROUSN

Re: Methods for stripping an engine bay down - 02/09/15 05:28 AM

Quote:

Portable/Small Media blaster - I have a 60gal compressor, seems like an option?



That is what I would use. Soda if possible. Just avoid areas where it could go in the car. Media will get all the nooks and crannies. The rest you will need to manually remove with various media/grit wheels or discs.
Posted By: stew

Re: Methods for stripping an engine bay down - 02/09/15 06:37 AM

I needed to do an engine bay in a Mustang in exchange for wedding photos. I used Easy Off oven cleaner and a pressure washer. The oven cleaner removed the Ziebart rustproofing that had been there since '67, took off all of the paint and primer to the bare metal!! It did not harm any plastic or rubber parts, just make sure you cover places you don't want it to go, like down the cowl vent. Did this one while the engine was in the car, and it cleaned up everything! Spray the oven cleaner on and let it sit for 5 minutes or so. DO NOT let it dry on. BE SURE TO WEAR EYE PROTECTION ( GOGGLES !!) AND A FACE SHIELD !! COVER ALL EXPOSED SKIN!! THIS STUFF IS MEAN AND EFFECTIVE !!
Worked for me. JUST BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL.

You'd have to be NUTS to use gasoline!! One small spark to set off the vapors and you're toast!
Posted By: roadrunninMark

Re: Methods for stripping an engine bay down - 02/09/15 06:53 AM

I used a "paint removing" wheel that you put in a hand held drill. 3M makes them and they are in Walmart, should be in the auto section where the paint and bodywork is. It does a pretty good job and is a lot cleaner then chemical strippers. Just dont stay on one spot too long as it will heat up the metal and could cause it to warp. I did the outside of the barracuda down to metal. It will take out puddy too.

Attached picture 8423768-14.JPG
Posted By: roadrunninMark

Re: Methods for stripping an engine bay down - 02/09/15 10:34 PM

I found a pic. Way faster then a cup with wire brush and does a better job. It doesnt throw pieces of wire either. Use the "end" not the flat to do the stripping.

Attached picture 8424267-k2-_4a2b163e-70bc-4d8f-92c6-8ea3815bae0f.v1.jpg
Posted By: 5carguy

Re: Methods for stripping an engine bay down - 02/10/15 12:06 AM

Quote:

I found a pic. Way faster then a cup with wire brush and does a better job. It doesnt throw pieces of wire either. Use the "end" not the flat to do the stripping.


I use these all the time and they work great.
Posted By: dart4forte

Re: Methods for stripping an engine bay down - 02/10/15 02:30 AM

Do it right

Remove all the hardware out of the engine compartment.

Steam clean if possible or pressure wash. Use a putty knive for those thick greasey areas

Wash with hot soapy water and rinse.

Once dry wipe down with grease and wax remover.

Weld all unnecessary holes, DA sand, fill were necessary and prep for paint
Posted By: Stanton

Re: Methods for stripping an engine bay down - 02/10/15 02:36 AM



No need to completely strip to bare metal - a lot of work for nothing. Clean it well. Weld, grind, prime, fill, sand, scuff the whole thing, prime the whole area and paint.
Posted By: Telvis

Re: Methods for stripping an engine bay down - 02/10/15 02:38 AM

Quote:

Do it right

Remove all the hardware out of the engine compartment.

Steam clean if possible or pressure wash. Use a putty knive for those thick greasey areas

Wash with hot soapy water and rinse.

Once dry wipe down with grease and wax remover.

Weld all unnecessary holes, DA sand, fill were necessary and prep for paint



Agree 100%
Posted By: G_bob

Re: Methods for stripping an engine bay down - 02/10/15 05:24 AM

Quote:

Quote:

Do it right

Remove all the hardware out of the engine compartment.

Steam clean if possible or pressure wash. Use a putty knive for those thick greasey areas

Wash with hot soapy water and rinse.

Once dry wipe down with grease and wax remover.

Weld all unnecessary holes, DA sand, fill were necessary and prep for paint



Agree 100%



Ajax or Comet and a Scotch-brite pad do a good job of scuffing and cleaning at the same time. I've used that method twice to prep engine bays for paint with good results.
Posted By: RapidusMaximus

Re: Methods for stripping an engine bay down - 02/10/15 03:39 PM

Well...I'm right in the middle of the same thing on my 74 Duster...what a pita...I pulled the k member so at least I can stand in the engine compartment. So far I have used Dawn dish soap and a stiff bristled brush, easy off oven cleaner, scotch brite, a DA and an angle grinder with a scotch brute pad. I am still not done...maybe today...
Posted By: PLUM_72

Re: Methods for stripping an engine bay down - 02/11/15 12:18 AM

My preferred method is chemical stripper followed by sandblasting. Cover the painted surfaces. Use the thick solvent based "aircraft" stripper found at some of the big box stores. Its good stuff! A gallon should do the engine compartment. Paint it on a small area with a cheap paint brush. Let it sit for a half hour or so, then scrape the surface with a razor blade scraper, changing the blade as needed. Wire bristle "tooth brushes" also work well. I use a large shallow cardboard box and allow the scrapings to fall into the box to minimize cleanup. Plastic sheets on the ground will also work.

I then sandblast the areas that are rusty or still show paint. I use a cheap suction feed unit. My air compressor isn't all that big. Blasting it all would take too much time and leave me with a beach afterward. The majority of the surface comes clean with the stripper, the blaster cleans up the other areas.

Prime with what you like afterward.

Making a mess is part of the fun. A little planing upfront will minimize the cleanup. Best of all its super low buck but you will have some time invested.
Posted By: Mr.Yuck

Re: Methods for stripping an engine bay down - 02/11/15 02:58 AM

Spill a few bottles of brake fluid on it.. that will strip it real quick.
Posted By: Steve Bryant

Re: Methods for stripping an engine bay down - 02/11/15 03:11 AM

On my 70 Cuda, I have stripped the interior and underneath the car with an electric angle grinder and wire discs. A cheap wire disc (about $4 each) will very quickly strip about 10 square feet of car down to the metal. Last weekend I completely stripped the interior (roof, floor, firewall, rear) in less than 3-4 hours. I then wipe everything down with acetone and usually use etching primer. Corners may require chemicals or a dremil tool with wire brushes or some selective minimal sandblasting.

The photo here shows about 20 minutes of work in a wheel well. You can see the wire wheel went through dirt, undercoating, paint and primer like butter.

I prefer this method because its cheap and fairly quiet. HOWEVER, you must protect yourself because those cheap wire discs will fling metal spikes as they wear and they will penetrate skin so cover your eyes with good goggles and protect all other skin with thick clothes. Also, if you are in a confined space, keep a fan on you or wear a respirator since you don't want to inhale any of that crap.

Here is a link to the knotted wire discs I was talking about. I also have plenty of photos of my interior all stripped down from last weekend.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B21CH7A/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Attached picture 8425552-DSC02842.jpg
Posted By: Steve Bryant

Re: Methods for stripping an engine bay down - 02/11/15 03:15 AM

Here is a photo of the interior work I did this weekend. The wheel also does a number on rust.

Attached picture 8425558-DSC02842.jpg
Posted By: skicker

Re: Methods for stripping an engine bay down - 02/11/15 03:32 AM

Quote:

those cheap wire discs will fling metal spikes as they wear


You will find some of them a month or so down the line when the small pieces happen to end up in your socks and shoes. DAMHIK

Outside of a significant investment in someone who uses the dustless blasting this is still the best way I've found.
Posted By: chrisf

Re: Methods for stripping an engine bay down - 02/11/15 04:07 AM

i keep coming back to this thread and I am amazed at how much work you guys do to strip paint. 1 hour of blasting and your ready to epoxy. the amount of time spent plus discs / caustic strippers / sandpaper ect is about the same cost as a guy like me coming and blasting. no warpage, damage or trapped media. its clean and the rust is gone

crazy amount of effort for such a easy job.
Posted By: skicker

Re: Methods for stripping an engine bay down - 02/11/15 04:17 AM

I like the idea of blasting I've seen excellent results from it.
I can't speak for the rest but my time is FREE when it comes to my cars...
It's countless hours I'm in the garage and the kitchen witch is in the house...
Posted By: RodStRace

Re: Methods for stripping an engine bay down - 02/11/15 04:19 AM

Cheap = the roloc discs and/or the 3M wheels. I've done the wire wheel and it's good for 10 minutes, then the wires lay over, slowing the process and they start shedding. This is how I've done the last 2 compartments.
Faster = blasting, but you gotta really work to get all the stuff out before prime/paint. This is what I just had done to my entire van body.

Stripper is something I don't have a problem with on large surfaces, but an engine compartment has too many crevices and pinch welds. They will hold the nasty in and can bleed it out after paint. I did this on a car many years back, but did not use it in the jambs and other seamed/welded areas.
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