What should I be looking for in sanding blocks and paper? This might sound dumb but I really have no idea since I've never done this before. I know short, long and rounded blocks have their uses but beyond that I'm kinda lost.

There will be 2 or 3 of us in the garage and I need to buy sanding blocks and paper. I was looking at Durablock Sanding Block Kits at Eastwood as well as the PSA Paper paper there as well. Anyone use these or comment (pos/neg) on them? Other suggestions? Are there any size blocks I should have 2 or 3 of since I'll have 2 others in the garage helping me?

Also I was simply told I'd go through more sandpaper then I ever through possible. If the above items are ok what grits and how much would I need of the PSA Paper? I'd rather order more then to run out but don't want to toss money away either. We're using fiberglass strand body filler in a few sections likely 1 quart can at most. I have 2 1 quart cans of regular body fill and a quart of spray on filler to finish it off. Add to the car a complete 68 fiberglass Shelby kit (from Branda Performance) which I know will need a pile of sanding.


Thanks

 

i love durablocks i use them at work ftw

as for the paper where are you at in term of body work and priming??

also check out www.abtm.com see if they are more competitive in their prices

 

if you already done with body work id get 220 and 400 grit grit paper. after the last prime coat id use either 600 or 800 before the sealer and base coat

 

I just started the same project. Purchased the 7 pc Durablock and 80, 120 and 220 paper to do the blocking, works like a charm. WHAT A PIA this is.............. I HATE to sand.

 

The longer the sanding block the better. I mainly used one that was 12". Make cross hatch strokes. When doing the fiberglass, be very ****. Any and all imperfections will show after paint. Best way to tell toward the end, is mist the panels with a dark color primer then block sand. All the low spots will still have the dark color primer. When I wet sanded before paint I used a paint stick for my block. I'm no expert by any means. I'm sure you will get a lot of recommendations but listen to rmodel65, he's the paint and body guy.

 

With paper, name brand counts. The cheap stuff just screws up your work. I use 3M myself and went with 400 for finish.

 

We have finished all the body/metal work and the entire car is resting with 2 coats of Epoxy primer. When I return to the car in Jan the first week or so will be spent on the front end suspension upgrades then we'll be turning our attention to sanding. Hope to have it ready by the end of Feb for paint. Since I have 2 months I hope I'll be ready.

Question: Any preference between the Mirka Autokut PSA Sandpaper Rolls (80 - 320 grit) or the INDASA paper (40 - 400 grit) that Eastwood carries? There is also the KLINGSPOR Abrasives, Inc. (40 - 600 grit) which is more expensive. I haven't found any PSA adhesive paper available at 800 grit, though I don't know if I really need to go more than 600.

I know from construction that there is crap sandpaper and quality sandpaper in regards to woodworking so I'd imagine its the same for autobody work. Are the above papers good or should I use a different brand (3M)? Any suggestions of where to buy online if not the above papers?

mortman.. lol I'm actually looking forward to the sanding and filling myself! Nice change from all the welding, cleaning, etc that we've been doing over the last few trips.



Thanks!

 

the indasa is good or you can spend more money. but id use it

 

I would stay with 400 or up. You need to buy some cheap rattle can black spray paint and dust the whole car (over the 2K). Then work your sanding untill the black is removed. It will show any low spots and give you a good level surface for the sealer.

 

i like the dry powder for block sanding it doesn't have to flash off of anything
https://www.autobodytoolmart.com/p-11157-13601.aspx but its a little more than a 99cent can of spray paint :P