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I'm thinking about having some panels on my truck dipped and stripped at Redi-strip before doing the bodywork and paint. Anyone done this before? They claim to remove all traces of paint and rust, and then phosphate/zinc coat to protect from rust until they are primed and painted. The panels I'd have done are my core support and inner fenders, and perhaps the doors. The over-the-phone estimate was about $75 per panel. The core support looks solid, but there is a little evidence of some rusting at the bottom inner lip on the driver's side. The doors are probably the worst, as they are full or old mirror holes. The bottoms seems solid, but I'm sort of afraid of what I might find when I strip them. The truck has been repainted once or twice, so there is quite a bit of paint buildup on the doors, and overspray from the repaints on the inner fenders and core support.
I have never used Redi-Strip for body panels, but I have used them on 5 frames. This process has worked great for me personally. I would warn you though- you will definately be surprised by how much rust the panels really have. I almost had a heart attack on the first frame I brought in, it came back with holes, in areas that I thought were very clean.
I live in chicago, it cost between 300 and 375 to do a car frame. (depends on how long it has to soak, and how big it is)
I know I'm derailing my own thread, but I have to ask. What year is that 'vette? My wife's dream car is a '58 Corvette in just that color, as her mother had one when she was growing up. She even learned to drive a stick in it. Someday, I want to get her one, even if it is a basketcase that I need several years to put together.
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 13-Dec-02 AT 08:41 PM (EST)]No problem..hey its your thread
the blue vette is a 1961, (jewel blue) Its a driver, (not correct drivetrain) I have had it about 5 years. . You can buy one fixed up alot cheaper than fixing a basket case. At least that has been my experience. (learned the hard way...but I'm hard headed...lol) the 1961 is the only one I ever bought that didnt need any work. So of course I had to take it apart anyways...