Full body acid dipping

Dean Jenkins

Dean Jenkins

Promoted Users
I had my el Camino "acid dipped" at a shop in Oregon.
It came out amazing! Paint, rust, bondo, body sealer, everything gone. Just bare metal.

Their process is: Dip the body in a caustic solution to remove everything, pressure wash it with fresh water, then dip it in acid to neutralize the caustic solution, then pressure wash it again with fresh water, air dry, then treat with a water soluble rust inhibitor.

Here is what it looked like before:

EC Eugene 2.jpg

(Notice the "frenched" antenna hole in the quarter panel. The '80's called and wanted it back, and they got it. It is gone.)

Here it is after. Bare metal.

20200521_125556.jpg


With all the warnings about rust treatment, acid neutralization, etc. just wondering if there is any concern or anything else I need to do before embarking on the body and paint work on this.
The facility claims that it is totally neutralized when done.
Here is their process: http://metaldipping.com/?page_id=2796

Thoughts?
 
They are not saying what the final rust treatment is.
Phosphoric?
Holdtite 2?

I like their process, but the answer to my question would make me a customer or send me running.
 
Barry said:
They are not saying what the final rust treatment is.
Phosphoric?
Holdtite 2?

I like their process, but the answer to my question would make me a customer or send me running.
Click to expand...
I sent them a note to clarify.

Curious, what is the right answer?
 
chevman said:
I haven't heard anything from guys that have had them do their car, but Metalworks is also a restoration shop and post their high dollar cars on the tri five.com forum. They obviously dip the cars they restore, so I would follow their instructions.
https://www.trifive.com/search/138902/
Click to expand...
They split into separate businesses some years back. The guy who runs the dipping operation was a former employee, now the owner of that business.
But, the restoration shop (of the same name) still uses them and does beautiful, high end work. I bought my GM Performance LS3 through them and had them install the Holley mid-mount drive and accessories and A-body oil pan.
They know their stuff and have been willing to consult on a few issues. Good folks.
The acid dipping folks provided detailed instructions on paint prep, after their process. 80 grit sanding, clean, clean, clean again and then epoxy primer.
 
over the years we have many bodies and parts dipped.
Two things we did before epoxy,
1, red scotch pads and wax and grease remover. wash and scrub and rinse, it takes many gallons.
2 heat up all pinch welds with a propane Torch to leach out all the moisture. if you don't do that it will cause you problems down the road...trust me. lol
 
Looks like what was done to mine back in 2001. I had mine done at what was a "Redi Strip" franchise in Allentown, Pa, although the place was no longer part of the franchise when they dipped mine.

The put it in an oven to burn off all the paint, seam sealer, filler, lead, etc, then an alkaline bath, then they pressure washed with a neutralizing solution.

Pictures look very similar except for the shape of the vehicle, lol.
 

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Barry said:
Im sorry, but I do not have a clue what this is.
Click to expand...
EDIT: DOH! Better late than never

Found at the following link:

Dubois & Perkins

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lpmetalworkingfluids.com

Dubois Chemicals & Perkins Products​

Double-Cut Onyx Rust Inhibitors provide rust protection for in process applications and/or storage applications. DuBois offers water-soluble oil types and solvent cut back types for short, medium and long term indoor protection. All DuBois rust inhibitors are easy to apply and also easily removed.

-----
Emil
 
Barry said:
Im sorry, but I do not have a clue what this is.
Click to expand...
Barry, that's not any type of conversion coating. It is a water soluble oil made for use in machining and fabrication work where you might have bare metal that could form flash rust prior to completion of the project if it isn't protected with something. As an oil, it sure enough isn't something you'd want to paint over.

I'm not familiar with that specific product, but am familiar with soluble oils in general, having been in the machining and fab business for 20+ years. Removing their residue can vary from as simple as washing with soap and water to requiring purpose made alkaline cleaners to cut the residue.

I wouldn't look forward to trying to thoroughly remove any sort of soluble oil that's been sprayed into every nook and cranny of a body.
 
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