How does one remove the old black paint on the firebox and endcaps


 
I sure agree with Bruce's comment about a full-face mask for grinding. Also at least a respirator (not a paper mask) for spray painting. Neither paint fumes and particles nor aluminum dust and who knows what else are things your lungs, eyes, etc. were meant to deal with. Enjoy the hobby, but be safe!

I also agree that a sand blaster is a good friend. Mine does a great job but is pretty flaky and hard to get in touch with. Parts go there but don't come back unless I drop by in person a couple times...

Sometimes it is still easier to just grind out something like an end cap or Q body/lid, so I am glad I have a full-face mask and good gloves.
 
Sandblasting I'm sure works very well and for most people it's probably the best option. For me personally I like to do as much of the work as I can myself. I don't mind getting dirty though and I enjoy the process of being able to restore these old grills from start to finish myself.

I've done sandblasting in the past but it's been many years. If I get the opportunity to do it again that will be a different story. If I can do my own sandblasting for myself that would be great.
 
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Jon Tofte said:
I also agree that a sand blaster is a good friend. Mine does a great job but is pretty flaky and hard to get in touch with.
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That seems to be all too common... especially the reasonably priced ones! But it is often times worth the wait to not have to deal with that part! Silver B cookboxes fit pretty nicely in the blasting cabinet, but the 13 bar boxes are a bit snug and kind of a pain in the butt! So I have been doing a wire wheel on the bigger flatter sections and then blasting for a nicer appearing, and more uniform finish inside.
Josh Dekubber said:
For me personally I like to do as much of the work as I can myself. I don't mind getting dirty though and I enjoy the process of being able to restore these old grills from start to finish myself.
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I also like that mentality, Josh. Knowing that it was done all on your own from start to finish is quite rewarding!
 
Josh,
I admire your do-it-yourself style. I feel that way sometimes, but I am getting old enough that I am also OK with farming out to a sand blaster. Another consideration is how you like the significantly different looks you get from the two processes. Sand blasting almost always comes out with a uniform look. The cast aluminum takes on a bit of a dull grayer look, vs. the shiny aluminum that a grinder/cup brush gives. The wire brush look can give different reflections depending on your viewing angle. You also have to do - as I believe you do - and go the extra 2 or more miles to get to some tight spaces or still have a few black carbon stains remaining.

Either way, you are going to get a grill WAY NICER than any of typical postings of used grills - even ones where the seller claims to have cleaned them well.
 
I wish I had better access to a good pressure washer! And when I am working from home, the only running water I can use is kitchen sink, or a slop sink in the basement. My garden hose spigot is an old 50's era that has a bad valve that leaks externally, in a brick house. And I am not tearing up my upstairs floor, basement ceiling, or cutting the brick to replace it!
 
Jon Tofte said:
Josh,
I admire your do-it-yourself style. I feel that way sometimes, but I am getting old enough that I am also OK with farming out to a sand blaster. Another consideration is how you like the significantly different looks you get from the two processes. Sand blasting almost always comes out with a uniform look. The cast aluminum takes on a bit of a dull grayer look, vs. the shiny aluminum that a grinder/cup brush gives. The wire brush look can give different reflections depending on your viewing angle. You also have to do - as I believe you do - and go the extra 2 or more miles to get to some tight spaces or still have a few black carbon stains remaining.

Either way, you are going to get a grill WAY NICER than any of typical postings of used grills - even ones where the seller claims to have cleaned them well.
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I can definitely see the advantages to blasting and can totally understand why a person would go that route.
 
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