sandblasting

[1917modelt]

being a newbie to a model A
i just purchased a somewhat rusty 28 model A
i intend on having the rolling chassis sandblasted...
should i disassemble the rear spring, and really getting at the rust.
and should i also disassemble the entire front end ?
and blast all the pieces separate ?

thanks

[Bob C]

You are going to have to disassemble everything eventually as
the sand will get into every bearing and bushing.

Bob

[Mitch//pa]

Yes
Do it right,, remember it's all nuts and bolts Henry Ford said that

[SeaSlugs]

yea id say do it right and disassemble everything. If you don't the rust will come back and have sand stuck in everything.

[1917modelt]

you are so right

[1917modelt]

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seaslugs
i do have 2 front fenders
willing to sell, make me an offer
in good shape, some light rust
your e-mail gets a photo

[1917modelt]

mitch
where r u in bucks county ?
i live in Emmaus ...Lehigh County

[Dennis Pereira]

Beware of that rear spring read all the threads on removal and use the proper tools .

[1917modelt]

i have seen where the spring leaves are held in place with bar clamps, prior to removing the shackles ....

[Terry, NJ]

YES as Dennis says, "Beware of the rear spring" It is literally a killer! There is a lot of energy contained in the rear spring, more than I could estimate. I came very close to doing a lot of damage to my right leg with mine. (Go to my profile, then my album, My A) The spreader was too light, it was only 3/4 ' threaded rod and it bent like a piece of wet spaghetti. It worked fine on the front spring. Terry
PS there was just a very good thread on the subject of the danger of rear springs.

[1917modelt]

as much as iam reading on the dangers of trying to remove each leaf spring, iam wondering if just leaving both springs together when i have them sandblasted.
i tend to do things right the first time and not cut any corners .....
a lot of tension, so i read
i assume that was quite a factory job in its day.....
good thing OSHA wasn't around ....

[1917modelt]

as much as i would like to separate each spring, on second thought i will forgo
taking the springs apart ....
question, just removing each spring, is it a problem ?

[zzlegend]

Originally Posted by 1917modelt

as much as i would like to separate each spring, on second thought i will forgo
taking the springs apart ....
question, just removing each spring, is it a problem ?

Wait a minute. What happen to the quote above your last quote?



"i tend to do things right the first time and not cut any corners"

[pooch]

The sandblaster may not blast the spring if he reads all this on springs.

I wonder if he would like his head over the spring as he was blasting and the centre bolt let go.

You have to remove the spring and completely dismantle the front end anyway .

If you do not want to dismantle, get someone to do it, as it is pointless just blasting the outside, after painting and driving the leaves will just ooze rust stains out, and if you want to do it right as you say, it needs lubrication between the leaves.

Check on what grit he is using, if coarse, then cover/plug/tape the steering balls, king pin holes/ steering arm holes/perch holes/shafts/ threads etc, or it will all be damaged .

Make sure the stub axle seal area is well taped.

[Dollar Bill]

Removing the springs from the car exposes you to the hazards mentioned. I wouldn't expect a bar clamp of any size or quantity to do it safely. Do it with one of the spec built spreaders provided by Model A retailers. I've heard some car clubs have them to loan to members.

[Slowplane]

Start here

[jimalabam]

Be sure and heed the above precautions re. the springs. Where are you located? Many clubs have the proper spring spreaders and will advise and assist. Also, disassemble all of the chassis parts, if not you will regret forever. That sand will get into every thing including your clothes, socks and shoes. Been there done that...

[PAracer]

1917modelt,
Just sent you a PM.

[Kevin in NJ]

It is important to the operation of the springs that they come apart. They MUST be blasted, ground smooth at the ends, and approprately lubicated.

All your parts must have this happen. You must make sure the parts are in tolerance too. Ford built these things to .001" tolerance in many areas.

Save all your nuts and bolts. Most are special. They are tighter tolerance thread and some are super hard. Do NOT try to chase any chassis nut or bolt with a tap or die!!! It is better to use a pitted original fastern in many places then a repro. Do NOT try to heat the front axle to get the perches out. Heat will weaken the axle substantually!! A long throw air hammer with an axle that is Solidly held in place does wonders.

Keep in mind good working springs require good working shocks. No shocks with good springs results in a car that is not safe to drive above 25 MPH.

As a general rule assume the sand will go places you do not think it can go.

That is my advice. I like cars that are original and have no troubles running 55 to 60 MPH all day long so take how you want.

[1917modelt]

what happened to my previous quote .....
i really dont want to lose an arm or a leg trying to remove these leaves