Thanks to two generous supporters of the project, Dinesh Patel and Mel Deakin, we have been loaned two key items of equipment that will really make a difference in the restoration process. 

The first (pictured above) is a blasting cabinet. This is a very effective way of removing old paint and rust from parts that we have removed from the car. It requires compressed air for the blasting gun, vacume extraction (both of which we have) and a suitable blasting medium. After a little research, I discovered that crushed glass is good for car parts and so I have experimented with medium and fine. I have found the medium good for paint removal, where as the fine is best for finishing parts as its action is more gentle.

The second item is a degreaser. This is essential for controlled cleaning of all those oily and greasy parts prior to blasting, painting or just direct replacement. Historically, these used nasty solvent based fluids which were also highly flammable, certainly not ideal for our workshop. So again, with a little research I have found a really good water based chemical that is much safer for the user and non flammable called Bilt Hamber Surfex-HD.