May I thank all list members who responded to my query regarding the
Redi-Strip process. For every ones benefit, I have summarized a few of the
responses as follows:
... Don't do it. Inside the channel chassis rails will also be stripped of all
protective coating, and since water finds it's way in there, you will get
rust which wills seep out of the seams....
... Ron: Absolutely do it! Don't listen to all the naysayers who tell
you that redi-strip causes paint blistering problems etc. etc.
I've been restoring British cars for over 20 years and there is no
better way to remove ALL the rust from your frame than redi-strip.
It will clean the inside of the box sections as well as the outside,
something sandblasting won't do. The zinc phosphate is important too,
it provides for better adhesion of whatever top coating you use....
.... I have seen a TR frame that was dipped, and it's nothing short of
fantastic !
I'm doing up a Mini now, and it would have been a 1000 to dip the body only !
YES, it is very expensive. Worth it ? Depends if you have the money I guess.
And how perfect a job you want to do.If there is not much rust in the
frame, why ? Get an old
sandblaster out and use lot's of elbow grease ! ...
... I had my TR3 sheet metal done by Redi-Strip many years ago. I had the same
questions you have about cost vs value (only I didn't have the resource of
the "list" to fall back on). The process of answering the question hasn't
changed though -- its still a subjective weighing of how much is a totally
clean
body, frame, block, etc. worth to you? ...
... Redi-Strip will absolutely clean off all traces of paint, grease, sludge,
Bondo (oh no Bondo?), and most importantly, RUST. It will get into the places
that you cannot possibly get by yourself or with the usual methods that the home
mechanic will use. If you think that you need that level of cleanliness,
then you should consider the price well worth it. Restoring an old LBC isn't a
job for an accountant anyway -- the costs will almost always exceed the
resale....
... .Would I do it again? I still think that its the surest and most complete
way to strip a car. I am hoping to re-restore my TR3 soon, and I would like to
find a Redi-Strip (or equivalent) in the area, but may end up doing it
myself as I live in Maine. I think that the Redi-Strip process has got to
be better for the environment that the usual slathering on of some
dangerous and caustic substance (that can't be made non-toxic), and
then scrapping/scrubbing/sanding it off either onto the ground, or onto
some newspapers that will end up in a land fill....
... Well. Its been nice to spend your $$ vicariously for you. Any time you
need advice on spending big bucks, just ask me. Oh, I guess I should
say that I have no financial interest in Redi-Strip other than as a 1-time
consumer of their services....
.. Good luck in keeping the costs minimal.!! ..
For the record I am proceeding with the Redi-Strip process, while I have
been encouraged to investigate the powder coating process I will likely use
an epoxy primer with an enamel top coat. My 'Frame' will be ready in a few
weeks. As I am at the beginning of an extensive project, I am certain to be
relying on the vast experience of the 'List' members to help me through this
project. Once again, thanks for the valued input.
Ron Botting
Surrey, B.C. Canada
ron_botting@mindlink.bc.ca
57' TR3A (TS23731)
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